22 Women-Owned Businesses In DTPHX
by Lauren Potter
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Dozens of women make and shape the history of Downtown Phoenix everyday through the businesses they run. From restaurants and retail boutiques to coffee shops, breweries and more — here are 22 female-owned businesses to know, support and celebrate in Downtown Phoenix.
While this is by no means an exhaustive list, the aim is to feature a wide array of small businesses, owned solely by women.
TinaMarie Eaves is the owner and operator of Alterations and Creations in the Roosevelt neighborhood. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
One of the oldest operating woman-owned businesses downtown, Alterations & Creations has been keeping Downtown Phoenix residents looking sharp since 2001. While alterations and dry cleaning are the main focus of TinaMarie’s business, you can also pop in to shop for unique readymade and custom apparel, and accessories in the adjoining boutique. Fun fact: TinaMarie was the lead designer behind Prince’s signature ruffle shirt worn in the 1984 film “Purple Rain.”
214 W. Roosevelt Street
Phone: 602-277-9952
Featuring clothing, jewelry, gifts and more, Bunky Boutique specializes in locally-made and -designed products. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Bunky Boutique was opened by Rachel Malloy back in 2007, quickly becoming a staple in the Phoenix shopping scene. As the home of the exclusive AZ Love brand, Bunky opened its flagship store on Central and Roosevelt streets in November 2020. Shop online or in-store for unique fashion, accessories, gifts and goodies for your home.
1001 N. Central Avenue
Phone: 602-252-1323
Carly’s Bistro owner-operator, Carla Logan, and the restaurant’s namesake, sits on the newly-expanded patio on Roosevelt Row. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
With its ever-changing art, great food and well-stocked bar — Carly’s Bistro has become a downtown institution. Carla Logan, the restaurant’s namesake, opened the cozy corner restaurant in 2005, during a time when many of the nearby residents were artists with studio spaces. Carly’s recently expanded its patio seating giving you a chance to enjoy the beautiful Phoenix sunshine and surrounding murals in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. Check out the menu online.
128 E. Roosevelt Street
Phone: 602-262-2759
Cha Cha’s Tea Lounge owner-operator Ashley Hoekstra stands inside the cute and artsy Grand Avenue space. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Spill the tea (and sip it too) at Cha Cha’s Tea Lounge. Opened in 2018 by tea enthusiast Ashley Hoekstra, the cozy shop has become a buzzing business serving an array of fragrant loose-leaf and craft teas, as well as tea lattes and more. Pair your cuppa with one of the many sweet or savory delectable baked goods. Or treat yourself to a nourishing lunch from the rotating menu of seasonal hummus, couscous and greens salads, ramen and other bites. Look out for the new expanded location just a block away at 1229 Grand Ave. Check out the menu or order pickup/delivery online.
1325 NW Grand Avenue, Suite 3
Phone: 602-802-7854
Elevate Yoga owners, Brandi Boers and Amber Lopez, swing inside the studio’s signature hammocks. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Are you ready to take your yoga practice to new heights? Hop in a hammock and fly at Elevate Yoga & Wellness. Founded in 2016 by Brandi Boers & Amber Lopez, Elevate is a boutique wellness studio with a warm welcoming atmosphere, offering aerial yoga, meditation and reiki. Brandi and Amber both grew up in the heart of the Midwest, and bring their community-centric roots and a whole lotta heart to their business. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, Elevate’s classes are for everybody — and every body. View the classes and schedule online.
1001 N. Third Avenue, Suite 2
Phone: 602-456-2762
Fair Trade Cafe owner, Stephanie Vasquez, has a smile as bright as her art-filled Roosevelt Row coffee shop. (Photo: Denise Nicole Photography)
You haven’t experienced downtown until you’ve been to Fair Trade Cafe. Opened by small business advocate and Latina entrepreneur Stephanie Vasquez, Fair Trade has been a community pillar for nearly 14 years. In addition to its organic fair trade coffees and teas, and small-batch specialty ice cream, Fair Trade bakes all of its delicious pastries and cakes in house. Looking for a pick-me-up? Try the velvety smooth cold brew with a piece of the chocolate chip pumpkin bread. (It’s life-changing.) Check out the menu before you pop in.
1020 N. First Avenue
Phone: 602-354-8150
Mother-daughter duo, Julie Wilson and Cameo Rose, are co-owners of Foxy Fruit Bowls, which is located inside The Churchill complex. (Photo: Foxy Fruit Bowls)
Foxy Fruit Bowls offers an extensive menu of colorful acai and pitaya bowls, healthful smoothies, handcrafted drinks, toasts, vegan treats and more. Originally founded by healthy-living advocate and holistic-nutrition specialist Cameo Rose in 2016, it is now owned and operated by both Cameo and her mother, Julie Wilson. My favorites are the chocolate cherry kiss smoothie, the decadent dragon bowl and blueberry lavender latte. Check out the menu online.
901 N. First Street, Suite 101 inside The Churchill
Phone: 602-750-4583
Owner, operator and namesake, Grace Perry, poses for a portrait inside Gracie’s Tax Bar. (Photo: Charles Barth)
Juke box? Check. Cheap drinks? Check. Great music? Double check. Opened by owner and namesake Grace Perry in 2017, Gracie’s Tax Bar is a casual neighborhood bar in the Roosevelt historic neighborhood. Complete with Formica tables and a patio filled with outdoor furniture that looks like it came from a grandma’s mid-century home in Sun City, Gracie’s brings all the good vintage vibes. For visitors and locals alike, this spot is a quintessential downtown experience.
711 N. Seventh Avenue
Phone: 602-366-0111
GenuWine Arizona co-owners, Emily Rieve and Lindsey Schoenemann, pose inside the cozy Roosevelt spot, located on the ground floor of Union @ Roosevelt apartments. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Experience all the grapey goodness that Arizona has to offer at GenuWine Arizona wine bar. Opened by former teachers and forever besties, Emily Rieve and Lindsey Schoenemann, GenuWine features local wines, beer and custom cheese and dessert boards. Choose from 24 different wines in either a taste, half glass, or full glass. After opening their doors three years ago, Emily and Lindsey’s business has become a mainstay in the Roosevelt neighborhood, with its casual atmosphere, spacious patio and community vibe. View the menu online.
888 N. First Avenue, Suite 1
Phone: 602-682-7494
Megan Greenwood is the owner and founder of Greenwood Brewing, which opened on Roosevelt Row in 2020. (Photo: Greenwood Brewing)
A woman-owned brewery? I’ll drink to that. Brewing may be a male-dominated industry, but that didn’t stop Megan Greenwood from opening her own brewery smack dab in the heart of Roosevelt Row. While Greenwood’s handcrafted brews are for everyone to enjoy, her goal is to create craft beer that’s approachable, especially to women. The space is bright, simple and stylish with mid-century vibes, brass fixtures and green accents. Two beer gardens allow for plenty of fresh air, and cooling misters in the summer. View the menu before your visit.
425 E. Roosevelt Street
Phone: 602-875-8577
Hazel & Violet owner Nancy Hill specializes in letterpress printing, a traditional form of printing, which involves pressing metal, wood or polymer plates into cotton paper. (Photo: Catherine Slye)
Hazel & Violet is an open-to-the-public letterpress studio, teaching facility, and commercial print shop on Historic Grand Avenue. Opened by Nancy Hill in 2011, the business prints custom stationery, business cards, coasters, invitations and broadsides. They also have a retail line of cards, stationery, coasters, and art prints. You can even book a socially-distanced workshop with Nancy online.
1301 NW Grand Avenue, Suite 2B
Phone: 480-544-2162
Hot Daisy Pizzeria is owned by the renowned local pastry chef Tammie Coe. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
How do you make a bakery even better? Add pizza. Tammie Coe, the locally-lauded pastry chef, known for her cupcakes, cookies and pastries, recently converted her bake shop into an adorable takeout pizza spot. And don’t worry — she’s still serving baked goods too. The counter order bakery and pizzeria serves pizza by the slice, or you can order a whole pie. Pick up a small salad or side of meatballs from the grab-and-go cooler while you’re there…and don’t forget a cupcake. View the menu or order online.
610 E. Roosevelt Street, Suite 145
Phone: 602-840-3644
Irma’s Kitchen owner, operator and namesake, Irma Lopez, poses outside her Grand Avenue restaurant. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Hunting for a hidden gem? I got you. The definition of hard working, and with a heart of gold, Irma López has been serving affordable and delicious Mexican food on historic Grand Avenue since 2015. After getting her start as a dishwasher in 1974, Irma was promoted to cook in 1984 and has been in the kitchen ever since…or on a roof. (Did I mention she also owns and operates a roofing company? This woman is #goals.) Stop in for a breakfast burrito, enchiladas, albondigas, tacos and more. Best of all, Irma’s Kitchen won’t break the budget, with most menu items under $10.
1614 W. Roosevelt Street
Phone: 602-252-2620
Cindy Dach opened MADE Art Boutique more than two decades ago in 2000. (Photo: Claudia Johnstone)
Located in the heart of Roosevelt Row, the independent retail and community space carries one-of-a-kind finds, handmade by more than 100 Phoenix artists. Looking for a gift, souvenir or just want to treat yourself? Stop into MADE for unique jewelry, ceramics, books, clothing, art and much more. Opened by Cindy Dach in 2000, MADE Art Boutique is a cornerstone of the downtown community. Shop online.
922 N. Fifth Avenue
Phone: 602-256-6233
Located in the same building as Pita Jungle and Lola Coffee on Roosevelt Street, The Painter’s Lounge is owned by artist Dina Murphy. (Photo: The Painter’s Lounge)
You can’t spell heart without art, and Dina Murphy has helped foster both through her colorful and creative business, Painter’s Lounge. The only paint-and-sip studio downtown, Painter’s Lounge opened in 2013 when Dina wanted to share her passion for art with the community. Whether you’re a Picasso or struggle with stick figures, you’re guaranteed to leave with your very own masterpiece. During class, an instructor guides you through each step to recreate a featured artwork. You’re sure to work up an appetite, so be sure to bring your own food, beer and wine to enjoy while you paint. Book your in-person and virtual classes online.
1001 N. Third Avenue, Suite 7
Phone: 602-315-4045
A colorful wings mural adorns the entrance of the front courtyard at Palabras Bilingual Bookstore. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Palabras Bilingual Bookstore is so much more than its name suggests. Since beginning as an event space on Grand Avenue in 2015, Palabras has moved (twice), grown, and evolved into a local community hub and community space grounded in representation, equity and mutual support. Started by Rosaura “Chawa” Magaña, Palabras Bilingual Bookstore opened a new location on west Roosevelt Street in early February, where it’s joined by several other new and established woman and Indigenous-owned businesses: Wasted Ink Zine Distro, Por Vida Bakery, Pachanga Press and Abalone Mountain Press. Adding to the Palabras experience, the community space is decked out with numerous works by local artist and Chawa’s life partner, the inimitable Jeff Slim.
906 W. Roosevelt Street
Phone: 602-595-9600
Owned and operated by sisters Diana (pictured) and Rena Kang, each recipe on the Paradise Hawaiian BBQ menu was developed by their mother, and represents their multicultural Hawaiian roots. (Photo: Fara Illich)
Sick of sad sack lunches? Add some aloha to your weekdays with Paradise Hawaiian BBQ. Owned and operated by sisters Diana and Rena Kang, each recipe on the menu was developed by their mother, who still pops into the kitchen occasionally to cook up hefty Hawaiian lunch plates. Opened in 2008, Paradise Hawaiian relocated from Tempe to Downtown Phoenix in 2019. Hawaii is a multicultural society, and the menu draws influence from a myriad of cuisines including American, Japanese, Korean and more. Popular menu items include Spam musubi, meat jun, chicken katsu, kal bi short ribs and island-inspired macaroni salad.
18 W. Adams Street
602-254-7174
With a bold and bright aesthetic to match her persona, D’Lisa Shayn, owner and master aesthetician at Salon D’Shayn, has built more than a full-service downtown salon, it’s a “business run by the heart.” (Photo: Fara Illich)
Everyone deserves to be pampered, and Salon D’Shayn is a one-stop-shop for just that. D’Lisa Shayn, owner and master aesthetician, established her salon in 2008 and it’s frequently lauded as one of the best in the industry. From hair, nails, waxing, massage and a range of skin treatments and injectables, D’Lisa and her team will take great care of you. They are also taking extra precautions to promote the safety of staff and guests. Book an appointment online.
1616 N. Central Avenue, Suite 101
Phone: 602-300-4825
Opened in 2017, Hair by Amanda Rose is one of several female-owned micro-businesses inside the Salon Suites at 101 North. (Photo: Fara Illich)
Whether you need a haircut, color, massage or manicure, the Salon Suites at 101 North make it easy to treat yourself during your workday downtown. Some of the talented professionals include Katie Collins of Meraki Massage, Amanda Rose of Hair By Amanda Rose, hairstylist Tristan Newton, Melony of MC Style Suite and more. The salon suites are located off the first-floor lobby in the 101 North tower on First Avenue between Monroe and Adams streets. For a full list of the talented stylists, visit the Salon Suites website.
101 N. First Avenue Phoenix
Songbird Coffee & Tea House owner, Erin Westgate, stands outside of her business, located inside a historic bungalow in the Evans Churchill neighborhood. (Photo: Intrinsic Imagery)
If you’re into cozy spaces, cute swings and carefully-crafted drinks, this place is your cup of tea… or should I say coffee? Located in a beautiful 1904 bungalow, Songbird Coffee & Tea House is known for its extensive menu of local loose-leaf teas and locally-roasted coffee. Opened by owner and operator Erin Westgate in 2012, Songbird has become a hub of community, creativity, and coincidentally, really good coffee cake. We’re lucky to have this gem in the neighborhood.
812 N. 3rd Street
Phone: 602-374-4192
Located on Roosevelt Row, Stardust & Sage offers a wide variety of healing crystals, candles and incense, in addition to readings, guided meditation, sound baths, herbal baths, natural remedies and more. (Photo: Stardust & Sage)
Step up your self-care or spiritual journey with a trip to Stardust & Sage Botanica. As one of the newest businesses to open on Roosevelt Row, this magical spot is a one-stop-shop for all your metaphysical needs. The small and sunny spot features floating shelves, stocked with perfectly organized crystals, candles, Florida water and sage. Owner and operator Oyinile Balewa opened her doors in November 2020. While Stardust has been a successful online business for the last few years, this location marks Stardust’s first brick-and-mortar storefront.
610 E. Roosevelt Street, Suite 136
When you eat at Zen Thai Cafe, you become part of owner Rachel McAuley’s “Zen family,” and she will always greet you as such. (Photo: Kyle Niemier)
From pad Thai and boba tea to creative cocktails and more — Zen Thai Cafe is a staple in the downtown food scene. Owner-operator Rachel McAuley purchased the former business in 2017, Tom Yum Thai Restaurant, and rebranded with her own concept in 2018. While it’s Rachel’s delicious food that draws you in, it’s the luxurious yet cozy vibe that makes you stay — complete with velvet seating, elaborate gold sculptures and moody lighting. Zen Thai is a popular spot for 9-to-5 workers, but when the sun goes down, Zen Thai heats up with music, dimmed lights and an outdoor patio. View the menu or order online.
110 N. Central Avenue
Phone: 480-420-8424