24 Women-Owned Businesses in Downtown Raleigh Telling Unique Stories

We all know Raleigh and the Triangle are making a lot of “best of lists” around the country, but did you know it also includes lists for the growing number of female entrepreneurs and business owners. 

The women-owned business space in Raleigh is thriving and is another reason why this is such a vibrant place to live! As a woman entrepreneur myself, I have felt this collaborative, celebratory spirit of women that lacks an unhealthy competitive edge, and fears of lack resulting in a dog-eat-dog kind of world. 

In a city where “y’all are welcome” it’s a safe and supportive space for women to flourish in business and careers.

The deeper we have explored Raleigh, with the intention to share via this blog and social channels, the more we’ve learned that some of our favorite retail stores, bars, and restaurants in Raleigh have women at the helm.

No wonder we’ve always gravitated to the uplifting energy of them and exceptional products or service. 

For this post I narrowed it down to women-owned businesses in the Downtown Raleigh area who, through their business, are telling unique story of an innovative and diverse culture that puts strength, story, and community first. Some do have male partners in the business, but that is no cause to ignore the great work these women are doing!

Please, leave a comment at the bottom of this post to share your favorite women-owned businesses and to share the love!

You can read even more on our post of 15 ways to celebrate Women’s History Month in Raleigh.

A Place at the Table

Maggie Kane is the Founder and Executive Director of A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s pay-what-you-can cafe. She graduated from North Carolina State University in 2013 and began working for a nonprofit with a mission to help those experiencing homelessness.

That inspired her to create A Place at the Table, which has a mission to provide community and good food for all regardless of means.

You’ll find delicious, chef prepared meals and great coffee. All menu items have suggested prices to pay. You can pay more or less, or volunteer in exchange for a meal. You can also donate meal tokens for people within the community. 

Maggie will also be the first person to tell you that while she’s steering this ship, it’s a true community effort. 

LISTEN: Our podcast interview with Maggie Kane

• Address: 300 W. Hargett Street
• Website: TableRaleigh.org

Designed for Joy

What a wonderful concept and store Designed for Joy is. This non-profit provides second chance employment to vulnerable women coming from trafficking, homelessness, time in prison, overcoming addiction or other vulnerable situations.

Since its founding, the nonprofit has provided 52 artisans with safe work + supplied $140,000 in living wages. 

Artisans are paid a living wage and taught skills to create the Designed for Joy brand of jewelry, handbags, and home decor. I have a beautiful pink handbag I bought from here and I love! 

Designed for Joy was founded by Cary Heise and Kristen Sydow. Their missionary experience and work with artisan co-ops overseas inspired the birth of Designed for Joy. They are big believers in encouraging women to live to their full potential and pursue their passions.

LISTEN: Our podcast interview with Cary Heise and learn about Designed for Joy’s annual Evening of Giving.

• Address: 517 W Cabarrus St SUITE A, Raleigh
• Website: DesignedForJoy.com

Local 321 Coffee

Local 321 Coffee might be relatively new to Downtown Raleigh, but they are not new to the Raleigh coffee scene and making a difference.

Founded in 2017 by Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evan as a way to embrace diversity to its fullest and providing great coffee to Raleigh.

321 Coffee” is representative of Down syndrome, which occurs when an individual has 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. They started with a coffee table set up at events, before growing to their first location was within the State Farmers Market. They now have cafes on Hillsborough St, Raleigh and Durham.

They employ 50+ employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities who all roasting the coffee, take the orders, and make the lattes.

They’re also dedicated to sustainability, by reducing their coffee roasting energy by 80% with a Loring s15 Falcon machine, purchasing their coffee direct from farmers, and using compostable coffee products.

• Address: 615 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27603
• Website: https://321coffee.com/

Nashona

Looking for unique, elegant clothing and accessories that make a vibrant statement? The beautiful prints and textiles of Tanzania have created this unique clothing line from Lilian Danieli, a Tanzanian native who now resides in North Carolina.

Founded in 2012, Nashona began in Goldsboro and has recently opened its doors on Hargett St in Downtown Raleigh. 

Nashona is a boutique store with products handcrafted with vibrant African fabrics from Tanzania. Nashona means ‘I sew’ in Swahili and seeks to promote the beautiful prints and textiles of Tanzania while also supporting its local artisans, and working to merge two different cultures. 

A portion of all sales goes to benefit the Shalom Orphanage in Karatu, Tanzania.

• Address: 21 W Hargett St, Raleigh
• Website: Nashona.com

Centro Mexican Restaurant & Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria

While we have not yet eaten at the restaurant, as a Mezcal lover, I have thoroughly enjoyed their upstairs Gallo Pelon Mezcaleria bar when my sister came to visit. 

Founded in 2007 by Angela Salamanca who originally hails from Colombia and who has have been living in the Raleigh area for 20+ years. A transformative visit to Mexico inspired Angela to bring a taste of Oaxaca to North Carolina.

Centro Mexican Restaurant has become a staple in downtown Raleigh, and they take pride in being a space that fosters community and diversity.

They serve classic and contemporary Mexican cuisine featuring local and organic ingredients. 

• Address: 106 S Wilmington St 
• Website: CentroRaleigh.com

Flourish Market

The Flourish Market in the Warehouse District is a unique women’s + gift boutique store owned by local entrepreneur, Emily Grey. All of their products have a higher purpose for supporting female owned businesses creating sustainable impact. 

You can shop 60+ cause-based brands and use your purchasing power for good – clothing, jewelry, bags, shoes, greeting cards and more.

There is also a co-working space for women entrepreneurs out the back called The Locality. Membership will include coaching sessions, business training, and social gatherings. I was a member for 13 months and loved it. 

• Address: 307 W Martin St, Raleigh
• Website: TheFlourishMarket.com

Liberation Station Bookstore

Liberation Station Bookstore a newly opened store on Fayetteville S, Downtown Raleigh, born from the frustration of not being able to find children’s books by Black authors with characters of color in national book chains, owner Victoria purchased 113 books by Black authors and launched her popup bookstore.

In 2023, she opened her book and mortar store on Fayetteville St, which is now North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore. The bookstore specializes in children’s literature that centers on Black children and families.

Victoria Scott-Miller is an award-winning Raleigh-based entrepreneur, documentarian, author, creator of “The Museum Lives
in Me” book series.

• Address: 208 Fayetteville St Ste 201, Raleigh, NC 27601
• Website: https://liberationstationbookstore.com/home

The Gathering Gallery

The Gathering Gallery in Downtown Raleigh is making a difference to Raleigh by sharing inclusive stories. Mission-driven, they employ adults with disabilities, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Not only are their handpicked products unique, fun, and pretty, they align with local, fair trade, nonprofit, and eco-friendly values.

This eclectic Gathering Gallery in Downtown Raleigh offers unique, smile-inducing items.

Owner Erica also hosts Storytime every Thursday at 10am and carries children’s books in store. She also has various events throughout the year.

Former teacher, Erica Heilmann is a long-time resident of the Triangle and opened her store in 2021. She created The Gathering Gallery as a way to express her joyful passion for life and making a difference to y’all.

• Address: 111 East Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
• Website: https://www.gatheringgallery.com/

DECO Raleigh

DECO Raleigh stocks hundreds of locally made gifts, housewares, books and cards from more than 75 local artisans and makers. We love picking up Raleigh focused items from DECO and have some fun prints hanging up at home. 

It’s also the perfect store for visitors to Raleigh to pick up a local souvenir – no kitsch allowed through these doors!

DECO owner Pam Blondin opened the shop in 2012 with the idea to help grow Raleigh’s independent retail scene. She is also an active member of the Raleigh community, serving on several nonprofit boards and advisory groups.

Since opening, DECO has donated more than $100,000 in cash and merchandise to help Raleigh charities fulfill their missions.

• Address: 207 S Salisbury St, Raleigh
• Website: DecoRaleigh.com

No Woman No Girl

After 8 years of service a social worker within local communities, and motivated by the persistent lack of access to essential resources among marginalized communities facing crisis or homelessness, Shaw University graduate Shirnetta J Harrell founded  No Woman No girl.

This a non-profit organization based in Raleigh provides hope, essentials, and education to women and girls in the Triangle area, regardless of the circumstances of life.

To help support No Woman No Girl, consider donating money, essential items or your time as a volunteer. And of course, spread the good word! Here’s an idea: We put a box out at one of our home firepit parties on Boxing Day (Dec 26) for our wonderful friends to drop in essential items!

NWNG Women’s Day Event 2024

NWNG will host its second annual Bringing H.O.P.E. Women’s Day event on March 16 from 12pm – 3pm at the Boys & Girls Club (605 Raleigh Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27610). This free, interactive event will provide onsite health and wellness support to women, girls, and families.

NWNG will offer attendees free supplies of everyday hygiene essentials, while partnering agencies will provide clothing, housing, medical, mental health and other critical resources to address urgent needs within the Triangle. The family-friendly event will also feature free food from local vendors, a DJ, and engaging activities to create connection, spark conversation, and promote a stronger, more inclusive community.

Munjo Munjo

Munjo Munjo is owned and operated by a Latinx artist, best friends and collaborators Jaime Radar and Amber Echevarria

They started out in 2016 with pop-up pizza parties, and nostalgic, inclusive experiences. That grew into a downtown store and design studio that elevates Raleigh by highlighting women and BIPOC artists, through collaborative works, live art events, and other opportunities.

Inside are Munjo branded gear and products from local artists and creators. Munjo. We often pop in here to see what new designs they have. We love their stickers, mugs and graphic tees.

• Address:  20 E. Hargett St, Downtown Raleigh NC
• Website: https://www.munjomunjo.com/

Carroll’s Kitchen

Since 2016, Co-founder, and CEO of Carroll’s Kitchen, Vicki Ismail, and partner, Jim Freeze have been using her non-profit restaurant to provide women recovering from addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and domestic violence with employment.

Since opening, we have been able to help more than 30 women with a restorative Employment Model that is a pathway to economic dignity for women in Raleigh overcoming crisis.

Carroll’s Kitchen is named after a Raleigh couple who made it their life’s work to serve people experiencing poverty.

Caroll’s Kitchen on Martin St offers grab-and-go breakfast & lunch. They are known for their kolaches, a Czech pastry rolls, made of sweet yeast dough that have savory fillings from bacon and herbed cream cheese; coconut cream and coconut flakes; and ground sausage with jalapeños.

• Address: 19 East Martin Street, Raleigh
• Website: https://www.carrollskitchen.org/

Gabi’s Grounds & Gab’s Pals

While not quite in the Downtown Raleigh districts, we could NOT not include Gabi’s Grounds and Gab’s Pals as a woman owned business in Raleigh making a huge difference!

Gabi’s mother, Mary Angelini was frustrated that her bubbly, hardworking daughter could not get hired. So, she set out to create her own company with Gabi that would focus on hiring people with special abilities.

They now have over 40 employees with special abilities at their 2 nonprofit companies: Gabi’s Grounds & Gab’s PALS. They don’t just have their private label coffee blends, but a packaging, assembling and shipping service for businesses. 

Her premium coffee can be found in local coffee stores and supermarket chains.

But Gabi doesn’t stop at running a successful local business. She regularly appears on TV and speaks at various events sharing her inspiring stories and how anyone can fulfil their dreams. And she was recently inducted into the NC Womens Business Owners Hall of Fame.

• Address 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604
• Website: https://gabisgrounds.com/

Burger Village

I’m not sure many people would think of a burger joint as being healthy, but Burger Village on Glenwood Ave in Downtown Raleigh are rewriting the burger rules.

Whether you’re eating a burger, chowing down some wings, sipping on a cocktail, glass of wine, or soda, the Burger Village is making sure it will be in its purest and healthiest state.

Burger Village is a locally, minority and woman owned business by Shalini Bhatia and her husband Dee Bhatia. Shalini brought this amazing concept to Raleigh, from Long Island. Her brothers are the founders of Burger Village and have about 7 locations in New York and one in California.

We are huge fans of Burger Village, not just because of their delicious burgers, but because all ingredients used are organic, antibiotic and hormone-free, grass fed and humanely raised. They source their ingredients directly from family-owned farms and dairies, livestock and produce are nourished and cared for in a natural and humane way, with animals raised in pasture-raised and cage-free environments!

This is a BIG DEAL and a rarity for health and environmentally conscious people who like to eat out. And I love how Burger Village are helping to educate Raleigh on the difference ethically sourced, natural foods will make to your bodies!

Plus, there are ample choices for those with dietary considerations like vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and nut free. As a gluten free eater, I love knowing that I am being taken care of.

You can read more in our review of Burger Village in Downtown Raleigh.

• Address: 510 Glenwood Ave Ste 103, Raleigh, NC 27603 
• Website: https://www.burgervillage.com/raleigh-north-carolina/

Hightide Salon

Located in the Warehouse District, The Hightide Salon has created a bright, colorful, inclusive hair salon that’s a safe haven for non-binary, LGBTQ, unconventional styles, and hair and skin that belong to any color.

Hightide is owned by Maggie Leonhardt. Her 17 years’ experience in the hair industry and passion for mentorship is helping to reshape the beauty industry.

Hightide is dedicated to becoming a sustainable business. They have policies in place to reduce waste and emissions and they partner with ethical beauty brands and Green Circle certified.

This sustainability carries over to their unique business and community service model. They are a hybrid rental chair salon that works to empower their independent aesthetic artists to thriving success through collaboration with other artists, coaching, training and shared services.

Their success is evident in the recent 4,000 sqft expansion of their salon from 13 chairs to luxury salon suites for nails, makeup, massage services, and tattoo artists.

• Address: 309 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
• Website: https://www.thehightidesalon.com/

Current Wellness

Current Wellness is no normal workout center. It’s an inclusive community of wellness practitioners who nourish and support the minds and bodies of Raleighites.

Inside you’ll find workout rooms for functional fitness and yoga, a teaching kitchen for food education and private coworking spaces for counseling, massages, acupuncture, and other wellness therapies and modalities.

It’s owned by Brit Guerin, has a professional background in fitness, mental health, and educational programming, and Nathan Williams, who has experiences in outdoor education; project management; and higher education.

I love how they are making a difference with their intention to be financially accessible to all. They offer sliding scale fitness and yoga classes for anyone experiencing financial hardship. To help with this, they have a Pay-It-Forward Wellness fund with 100% of donations going directly to providing reduced cost services for fitness and yoga classes, as well as other programs for the community.

• Address: 219 South East Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
• Website: https://currentwellnessraleigh.com/

Vita Vite Wine Bar & Gallery

My favorite wine bar in Raleigh is Vita Vite, named after the Italian words for “life” and “vine” – the idea that “life revolves around wine and food, bringing people together in a common space of appreciation for the beautiful things that can enrich life.”

Grab a spot outside on the patio, or in one of the cozy couches inside and enjoy a glass of wine with a charcuterie board. I love the elegant design of the building with exposed brick, concrete floors, chandeliers and local art bringing in color to the space. 

There is also a large event space out the back with more art exhibitions. 

Lindsay Rice founded Vita Vite Downtown in 2015 with the desire to create a space that combined her love for art and travel. In 2018 she opened an equally popular Vita Vite in Midtown (North Hills), which you can learn more about in our 48-hour guide to North Hills.

• Address: 313 W Hargett St, Raleigh
• Website: VitaViteRaleigh.com

Ashley Christensen Restaurant Empire

If you’ve ever dined in Raleigh, you’ve probably heard of award-winning chef, Ashley Christensen and her restaurants.

She is a renowned chef and restaurateur with five different restaurant concepts in Raleigh, including the new BB’s Crispy Chicken in Midtown East; Fox Liquor Bar, the underground speakeasy which is around the corner from her uber popular Beasley’s Chicken + Honey (do not miss Sunday brunch!); and the fine dining, Death & Taxes.

Ashley dove into the world of food after hosting dinner parties with friends in college. That passion for cooking and gathering around food led to a very successful career. In 2014, Ashley was awarded the James Beard Award for “Best Chef: Southeast,” and in 2019 she was awarded the James Beard Award in the “Outstanding Chef” category. 

• Multiple locations
• Website: ac-restaurants.com

MoFu Dumpling Shoppe

If you like Asian cuisine, MOFU Shoppe in Downtown Raleigh has an extensive menu of dishes found all over the continent. 

MOFU is a place I love to visit to be transported back to the flavors and smells of a region I love so much. 

The dishes are inspired by foods commonly eaten all over the Asian continent and represent their identity in a unique way that reflects their ideals of culture, family, inclusiveness, and community. 

MOFU has its beginnings with business partners Sunny Linn and Sophia Woo and their popular food truck, The Pho Nomenal Dumpling Truck. This earned them a spot on Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race where they were crowned the first and only all-female champion. They opened MOFU shoppe with their $50,000 winnings.

MOFU Shoppe is in a retrofitted car dealership in the City Market area. I love the ambiance created when their garage doors are rolled up with weather permitting. 

• Address: 321 S Blount St, Raleigh
• Website: MofuShoppe.com

TG Floristry

Introducing TG Floristry, a Black-owned flower shop by Tiera George where equity and sustainability take center stage.

Her passion for locally grown flowers, sourced from small farms and BIPOC growers, reflects her commitment to supporting communities and the environment. Tiera goes beyond just selling flowers; she offers mentorship opportunities and creates meaningful experiences for clients and customers alike.

Through intuitive floral design and a deep connection with the natural world, she aims to not only beautify spaces but also educate and engage others about their values. Support’s TG Floristry mission to build community rooted in equity, sustainability, and the beauty of nature.

Tiera was also a previous participant in the spectacular Art in Bloom festival at the NC Museum of Art.

• Address: 130 E. Morgan Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
• Website: https://tgfloristry.com/

Rebus Works Cafe & Grocery

We love this hidden gem in one of our favorite neighborhoods in Raleigh, Boylan Heights. It began is 2003 as a community-oriented gallery run by artists run by local artists: photographer Shonna Greenwell and printmaker Lee Moore. Their focus was showcasing lessor-known local media and artists.

Shonna Greenwell has continued on as the owner of Rebus, maintaining it as a place for community to gather, admire artwork, enjoy a coffee (that’s good!), some tasty treats, a quick lunch bite, or a beverage in the afternoon (or morning #nojudgment).

We love the cozy open space inside the 100-year-old building with its quirky decor, art, nice lighting, and small art store with a great vinyl collection. They also have a small grocery section that sells local produce.

They also have a weekend market with local vendors and Shonna also owns PH7 Fine Art Framing.

It’s a hidden gem in Raleigh that truly supports local. Come with a friend, a partner, or just on your own!

• Address: 301-2 Kinsey St, Raleigh
• Website: https://www.rebusworks.us/

Check out Rebus Works in the video below:

Joy Worthy Co

I think it’s safe to say we all need more joy in our life. Joy Worthy Co in Downtown Raleigh is all about helping to create more joyful experiences for you.

After a challenging divorce left her feeling like she failed as a parent and was on an inauthentic path, owner Lauren Stevens realized her true self and passion was experiencing and expressing joy.

She returned to that heart centered life approach with the creation of Joy Worthy Co at the end of 2022.

This Raleigh creative event space holds art workshops, cooking classes, private parties & creative experiences and activities that spark joy. So, gather your friends, get creative, and experience joy together! Because you are worthy of it!

• Address: 131 S. Wilmington St. Raleigh
• Website: https://youarejoyworthy.com/

Umbrella Dry Bar

Providing a safe haven and place to socialize for the sober curious and non-drinkers in Raleigh, is the newly opened Umbrella Dry Bar. No matter where you are on your personal wellness journey, nor your reasons for taking it, you are welcome at Umbrella.

On the menu you’ll find cocktails crafted with herbs and botanicals that nourish you, alcohol-free beers and wine, all of which you can pair with yummy charcutere boards and conversations you’ll remember in the morning sans headaches and brain fog.

I love this innovative concept that is catering to a growing need across the world, and how it is embraced by the Raleigh community.

Owners Meg Paradise and Kevin Barry are dedicated to creating a unique, inclusive space that champions meaningful, alcohol-free social experiences. This unique Raleigh business is redefining social norms and fostering a community where connections flourish in a vibrant, sober environment.

• Address: 14 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
• Website: https://umbrelladrybar.com/

Bittersweet

One of our favorite places in Raleigh for cocktails and desserts is Bittersweet, and fantastic dessert bar. Pair a pecan pie with an old fashioned, a raspberry mousse with a champagne, or our personal favorite an Irish coffee with a pumpkin creme brulee.

Their all-natural, local menu changes seasonally and good news is you can take the kids. They will love a hot chocolate and s’mores sundaes.

We love the black and white hipster vibe of the cozy interior, and when it’s just Craig and I, will prop ourselves at the bar for a chat with the friendly bartenders.

Raleigh native and pastry chef-owner Kim Hammer began wowing people with Bitty Cakes and pastries cooked in her kitchen before opening Bittersweet in 2015. 

• Address: 16 E. Martin St., Raleigh
• Website: BittersweetRaleigh.com

Now it’s your turn. Share with us a female owned business in the Raleigh area making a difference?