11 Women-Owned Businesses to Support During Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. This month is an opportunity to reflect on the struggles women have faced, the progress that has been made, and the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality.
One way to celebrate Women’s History Month is to support women in your community. This can be done by volunteering with organizations that support women, advocating for policies that promote gender equality, and supporting women-owned businesses. The Lower East Side is lucky to have a thriving community of small businesses owned by women. Though not a comprehensive list, here are 11 women-owned businesses on the Lower East Side to support as part of Women’s History Month.
Bluestockings Cooperative Bookstore is a worker-owned bookstore and community space centered around abolition feminism, solidarity, and transformative justice practices. Hosting author talks, workshops, and more, Bluestockings is cooperatively owned so that all workers have a voice in the direction and intention of the business. Bluestockings also serves as a safer space for NYC’s queer communities and prides itself on being radically inclusive of all genders, cultures, expansive sexualities and identities.
116 Suffolk St.
Coming Soon is a furniture design and gift store at the intersection of Orchard and Canal Streets. Founded by Helena Barquet and Fabiana Faria in 2013, the store showcases pieces for the home that take inspiration and cues from vintage fashions and transform them into something new. They also collaborate with established and emerging artists and brands to furnish modern and comfortable spaces, meaning you’ll be sure to find the perfect piece for your own space.
53 Canal St.
The Frankie Shop is a clothing store and boutique born on the Lower East Side and expanded worldwide to Paris. The shop has partnered with brands as legendary as Galeries Lafayette and designers like Diana Bartlett. Reimagining streetwear pieces for both men and women, The Frankie Shop has a knack for finding new ways to use familiar fabrics, that reimagine typical garments with unusual silhouettes.
100 Stanton St.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh is a women’s designer clothing store located on Norfolk St. Having graced the pages of Vogue and the runways of fashion weeks worldwide, clothing from Maryam Nassir Zadeh showcases natural, flowing shapes and calming pastel colors. Stocking everything from clothing to shoes and accessories, their New York location is an essential stop for anyone interested in fashion.
123 Norfolk St.
Cafe Grumpy is a specialty coffee shop that operates two locations on the Lower East Side, one at 13 Essex Street and another in The Market Line. Founded in 2005 and roasting their own coffee in-house since 2009, Cafe Grumpy sources fair and ethical beans to make delicious recipes.
13 Essex St., 115 Delancey St. - The Market Line
Sweet Pickle Books might just be the world’s only pickle-themed bookshop. Taking donations from the community to give well-loved books a new home, the store is dually known for its pickle theme, and, well, its pickles. Make a donation and you can get a jar of pickles yourself, and pick up a Sweet Pickle Books hat to match.
47 Orchard St.
Neighborhood standout Dimes is a take on the 24-hour diner for a new generation. Serving up creative twists on classic diner dishes (alongside a choice wine and cocktail list), Dimes has become synonymous with the area it resides in. From breakfast tacos to pozole to steamed mussels, the menu is wide range enough to satisfy nearly any taste, and open late to satisfy whenever the craving strikes.
49 Canal St.
Dirt Candy is Michelin-starred brainchild of chef Amanda Cohen. The restaurant has called the Lower East Side home since it moved to Allen Street in 2015. Dirt Candy serves only vegetables, and only in ways you could never imagine. The restaurant serves a seasonally-based tasting menu and has been critically acclaimed by The New York Times, New York Magazine, and Wine Enthusiast.
86 Allen St.
Saigon Social is headed by Chef Helen Nguyen, serving creative takes on Vietnamese comfort food. Calling the Lower East Side home since is opening in 2019, Saigon social combines fresh, seasonal dishes with a modern, chic, and comfortable space.
172 Orchard St.
Clinton St. Baking Company is one of the coziest spots to stop by on the Lower East Side. Serving everything from warm fluffy pancakes to chicken and waffles and dinner dishes like burgers and chicken sandwiches, there’s something on the menu that will please everybody. They also offer catering and a delicious dessert menu, for when you know you’ll need something sweet after dinner. Clinton St. Baking Company has been on the Lower East Side since 2001, and have grown to be loved by locals and out-of-towners alike, with their pancakes being crowned the best in NYC by New York Magazine.
4 Clinton St.
One of the oldest family-owned businesses on the Lower East Side, Mendel Goldberg Fabrics has called the neighborhood home since 1890. Currently run by Alice Goldberg, Mendel Goldberg Fabrics imports high-end couture fabrics from all around the world. Having worked with Broadway costumers, interior designers, and more of the most demanding clients, they’re sure to have the fabric for any application and any budget.
72 Hester Street