International Women’s Day | Highlighting the Female-Owned Businesses in Our Community

This year for International Women’s Day on March 8th, we would like to take the time to recognize and celebrate the powerful women of Little Italy. We’re proud to say there are so many incredible businesses in our community that are female-owned and operated. These inspirational founders have worked hard and made so many sacrifices to build their businesses from the ground up. Their great efforts continue to break down barriers for women in the business world and empower aspiring female entrepreneurs. Below is a list of female-owned business to support in honor of International Women’s Day.

Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Vocabulary Boutique

Opened by Cecelia Sterling in 2009, Vocabulary is a chic boutique offering an array of apparel for both women and men, accessories and home décor. Find one-of-a-kind items that are sure to spice up your wardrobe and your home. Cecelia loves helping anyone that enters her shop and she’s the perfect person to consult if you’re wanting to explore your personal style. Shop all items here.

Stroll Boutique

Business owner and founder, Katie McCarthy opened her boutique called Stroll in 2014 in beautiful Little Italy. Her shop offers fun and affordable women’s clothing, accessories, local artisans and more. What should you expect when you walk into her store? It’s where boho chic meets the city streets. If that’s your style,  this might be the boutique for you. Shop all new arrivals here.

Be Boutique

Founded by Lisa Harrison Be Boutique is more than a boutique – it’s a treasure chest for all tastes. They offer a unique mix of jewelry, gifts, clothing and accessories. Whether you’re looking for the perfect pair of jeans or a hostess gift, they have just what you need to wow your friends and family.

Here are a couple more female-owned shops in Little Italy: Rosamariposa, Valmare Boutique, Bluza Boutique, Crema Boutique and Verde.

Art Galleries, Home Furnishings & Florists

Stefanie Bales Fine Art

Stefanie Bales opened her own boutique artist studio and gallery Stefanie Bales Fine Art, in the heart of Little Italy in 2019. She is a contemporary fine artist who uses multiple mediums to create her masterpieces and her recent work is mostly inspired by the coastal topographies of Southern California. At her studio, you can find a large selection of original fine art paintings, prints and on-of-a-kind gifts. See what artwork she has available for purchase here.

Adelman Fine Art

Adelman Fine Art is a contemporary boutique gallery owned and operated by the sweetest sisters. Their gallery offers original paintings, limited edition signed prints, art glass, sculptures, artisan jewelry and unique gifts. All at a very affordable price, because they believe original arts belongs in every home or office regardless of budget. Browse their collection here.

Often Wander

Founded in 2021 by Sarah Larson, Often Wander specializes in small batch natural soy candles, reed diffusers, bath & body and handmade jewelry. Before her dream came true to open her own boutique, she would sell her creations to friends, at the farmers market and pop ups. Explore her eclectic collection of products here.

Yoga Studios & Hair Salons

Infinite Yoga

The founder and creative director of Infinte Yoga opened her studio in the Little Italy neighborhood back in 2014. They teach a powerful and classic form of yoga called Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga to all levels. They have classes, workshops, retreats and teacher trainings available. Sign up for private yoga lessons here.

Theory Hair Studio

If you’re looking to get your hair cut, colored or styled, make sure to check out Theory Hair Studio, owned by Uyen Tran. She attended Paul Mitchel The School in 2005 and has worked hard over the years to perfect her cutting and coloring techniques. Her salon also specializes in hair extensions, lash extensions and makeup. Book an appointment here.

Sweet Treats & Farmers' Markets

Extraordinary Desserts

Karen Krasne is the owner and executive pastry chef of Extraordinary Desserts – San Diego’s go-to spot for sweet and savory treats. From coffee cake to crème brulee to danish Parisienne strawberry, this bakery offers everything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. See their daily menu and order online here.

Little Italy Mercato

The Little Italy Mercato was founded in 2008 by Catt Fields White in partnership with the Little Italy Assocation. She had a strong desire to provide people in her urban neighborhood with a great source of fresh food with a European flare. Now, members of our community can this integral part of our neighborhood all thanks to Catt's hard work and innovation. They offer a selection of farm produce, artisan foods, meat and eggs, plus crafts and plants at an excellent value. Currently reduced in size to maintain distancing, the market still features over 85 vendor tents each weekend stretching over four blocks of West Date Street.

Last, but certainly not least, we’d like to thank the female Board and staff members of the Little Italy Association – Olivia Connolly, Annette Casemero, Diana Strauss Casey, Sandi Cottrell, Melanie Dellas, Jeri Keiller, Jocelyn Marcus, Catt White, Rosie DeLuca, Dianne Serna De Leon, Laura Li Mandri, Shirley Zawadzki, Monica Montes, and to all of the women of Little Italy, we love you, we thank you and we wish you a Happy Women’s History Month!

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