A delightful problem to have is when your town has so many businesses owned by women that you simply can’t list them all in an article. Ann Arbor has that problem! As we were compiling our list of Washtenaw County businesses, we realized just how much diversity truly exists amongst our small business owners.
We gathered a list of 15 excellent wellness, health, food, shopping and event spaces that are founded, owned or co-owned by women.
Beauty, wellness and health
Fit4Mom
Located conveniently in multiple locations across Ann Arbor, is part of the nation’s best prenatal and postnatal fitness program. The network of moms is supportive for all stages of parenthood and their goal is holistic — it’s not just your body that Fit4Mom cares about, but your mind and spirit too! Workouts include prenatal workouts with community support, workouts with kiddos (like bringing your kiddo in a stroller), and workouts with just moms.
Signature Wellness in Saline
This business touts “cutting-edge anti-aging technology” and “advanced aesthetic treatments” for both women and men. Allyson Terrell, owner, has a heart for educating her clients about their own bodies and anatomy so they can make choices that are best for their unique desires and lives.
Signature’s methods
They are nonsurgical and noninvasive, meaning you won’t have the downside of a rough recovery. They offer treatments like chemical peels and microneedling, injectables (like derma fillers and BBLs), weight management, regenerative medicine, and more! Give them a call or send a message to learn more.
Tree Town Doulas
This is a collective of six doulas who support clients before, during and after birth. You can focus on one doula or you can utilize the team for fuller coverage. They host group and personalized childbirth classes as well as infant care classes. And whether you want your placenta encapsulated, you want education on babywearing, or you want lactation support, they’re here for postpartum needs too. Check out their class offerings.
Willow Integrated Therapy
This business founded by Michelle Phibbs, OTRL, provides a variety of family therapies (for children, adolescents, and adults), including occupational, speech, language, feeding, adult and more. They love working with families who are working on sensory difficulties, self-regulation and motor difficulties.
DBTS Skin Bar
Founder Nancy P. Young fervently believes everybody deserves healthy skin. Skin Bar’s products, focused on creating the “perfect synergy between modern and organic practices,” are natural, contain both organic and pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and are cruelty-free, paraben-free and vegan. Shop their bestseller tonics, masks and serums, including discounted items; or check out their radiance cleansing gels, refining peels and collagen boosters!
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Dr. Jennifer VanBeck, PsyD
She is a therapist who thrives in supporting women and men in their 20-30s to navigate early adulthood challenges. Dr. VanBeck is evidence-based, draws from specialized training, and has worked with people with anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Both in-person (at the downtown office) and virtual appointments are available. Contact here.
Restaurants
TeaHaus
Owned by Lisa McDonald, their tea-infused cocktails and looseleaf tea selection is unlike any other tea shop I’ve been to. Their food is delicious and of course pairs wonderfully with tea, including french macarons, savories, cookies and cakes, and a full English breakfast that offers finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, lemon curd, and mixed berry compote, desserts, and a selection of hot and iced teas.
Detroit Street Filling Station
Detroit Street Filling Station, alongside The Lunch Room and North Star Lounge, are all owned by Phillis Engelbert. They specialize in delicious vegan /vegetarian fare.
Miss Kim
This restaurant in Kerrytown, managed by Ji Hye Kim, serves Korean meals with modern takes.
Frita Batidos
Frita Batidos is owned by Eve Aronoff Fernandez and serves Cuban-inspired street food–and let me tell you, as someone with celiac disease, this is one of the safest places to eat in Ann Arbor. They are exceptional at handling food allergies.
Photography
Julie Morrison Photography
This photographer offers family photography, fine art school portraits and specializes in ensuring families feel safe in her sessions — whether that’s wearing a mask, only doing natural poses for newborns and letting parents do all newborn adjustments.
Shopping
Thistle and Bess
This shop owned by Diana Marsh, offers a variety of items perfect for gifts, such as jewelry, candles, and a curated selection of other goods and vintage items.
Literati
Co-owned by Hilary Gustafson, Literati is an incredible haven of all things literary. Their selection often highlights local authors, their booksellers are fantastic at recommendations and they’ve won awards for their events such as author events, panels, storytimes and subscription clubs.
My Urban Toddler
This shop focuses on both curating exceptional gifts and providing quality clothes for your child. They provide options for babies, toddlers, and kids; as well as thoughtful toy and book options.
More businesses
We couldn’t stop at just 15 businesses, so here are some more of our favorite women-owned businesses in the Ann Arbor area.
Yours Truly Event Venue in Ypsi on MI Ave (an intimate event space; services including catering, bartending, and decorating; and “tent parties” [a spin on a slumber party] )
Cloud Nine Bartending (mobile bartending and event staffing services for a variety of events and fundraisers)
Luna Soirée Events (event designers, planners and modern romantics)
Amyzing Faces and Fun (face painting, balloon twisting, henna and airbrush tattoos)
Colorful Events (face painting, caricature artists and clowns, balloon decor, glitter tattoos and more)
Paper Plaits (party favors for all occasions)
What are some of your fav women-owned businesses? We’d love to add them next time!
