5 Women-Owned Businesses in Providence
All over the world, International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8. On a local level, the streets of downtown Providence, RI are lined with a variety of shops and restaurants owned by women. From coffee shops, to skincare, to soul food, the city is rich with these small businesses.
Not sure which places are women-owned? Let’s recognize six women downtown who either own or co-own a business. Learn a little bit about their establishments, as well as their advice to girls and women everywhere!
LET’S HEAR FROM…
Photo courtesy of Kelsey Garvin
KELSEY GARVIN, CO-OWNER, LITTLE CITY COFFEE & KITCHEN
The summer of 2021 was one for fresh starts and subsequently, fresh pastries in Providence. In August, Kelsey opened Little City Coffee & Kitchen on Mathewson Street with co-owner David Lanning. Since then, the duo have introduced customers to signature lattes, unique pastries, and delightful breakfast sandwiches. (Try the breakfast sandwiches with scratch-made sourdough English muffins!) Stop by for breakfast to-go, or order ahead.
Kelsey’s advice to women and girls starting their own business:
“There’s never going to be an exact right time to open a business, but just go for it! If it’s your passion, it’s worth it.”
Photo courtesy of Julia Broome
JULIA BROOME, OWNER, KIN SOUTHERN TABLE + BAR
In March 2021, Julia brought soul food to downtown Providence by opening Kin Southern Table + Bar on Washington Street. From sweet cocktails (such as “Darker the Berry”), to savory fried green tomatoes, to crispy chicken and waffles, there’s something delicious for everyone on the menu. Head to Kin for special events celebrating Mardi Gras, Juneteenth, and more, or make a reservation for the new weekly brunch every Sunday.
Julia’s advice to women and girls starting their own business:
"To thy own self be true."
Photo courtesy of Lisa Newman Paratore
LISA NEWMAN PARATORE, OWNER, HOMESTYLE
Homestyle, a vibrant home decor and gift shop, opened in 2007 on Westminster Street with Lisa at the helm. Thanks to Lisa’s thoughtful curation, there’s a gift for all at Homestyle (whether you’re treating yourself or shopping for someone else). Customers can browse a wide selection of items, ranging from children’s toys, to modern and vintage furnishings, to playful signage. Stop in at 233 Westminster Street, or shop online.
Lisa’s advice to women and girls starting their own business:
“I have always run my business and raised my own daughters with two mantras: 1. Failure is not an option, and 2. Leap and the net will appear. You have to have the fierceness and flexibility to think outside the box in order to succeed and you also need to trust that there’s always a ‘net,’ whether that be the support of others, a plan B, or whatever. Visualize, be flexible, and trust your instincts!”
Photo courtesy of Lexus R. S. Fernandez
LEXUS R. S. FERNANDEZ, CO-OWNER, SOULITA
In 2018, Lexus unexpectedly had to put college and work on hold as she recovered from a ruptured brain aneurysm. After discovering a lack of non-toxic skincare options for those with sensitive skin—such as herself—Lexus and co-owner Evan Delpeche founded the brand Soulita. Now, Soulita’s catalog includes beard oil, face masks, body polish, original merch, and more. Customers can visit Soulita at their pop-up shop at 229 Westminster Street. Items can also be purchased online and found in local stores across the state.
Lexus’s advice to women and girls starting their own business:
“You aren’t a #GirlCEO, you are a CEO. You are not a #GirlBoss, you are a Boss.”
Photo courtesy of Tracy DeFusco and Deanna Marandola
TRACY DEFUSCO AND DEANNA MARANDOLA, CO-OWNERS, AMARYLLIS
Located on Westminster Street, Amaryllis is a cozy, refreshing restaurant that opened in the summer of 2021. Co-owners Tracy DeFusco and Deanna Marandola offer a menu that consists of dishes with fresh farm-to-table ingredients. For drinks, Amaryllis is BYOB; we recommend guests pop into neighbor Eno Fine Wines to pick up a bottle of wine to accompany the meal. Choose from either intimate indoor seating, or outdoor seating on the sidewalk. Amaryllis also offers takeout.
Tracy’s advice to women and girls starting their own business:
“Get involved with your community, make connections, and ask for help. We have been so lucky to be surrounded by such supportive folks here on Westminster Street- Karen from Modern Love, Lauren and Tom from Kleos, and Jerry from Eno. As women, we are able to form very personal, long lasting connections. Support one another and be supported!”
Deanna’s advice to women and girls starting their own business:
“Don't be afraid to ask for help. Running and operating your own business can be a lot of work and overwhelming at times. Hire that accountant or tradesperson you need so that you can focus on what you do best and keep moving forward.”
Additionally, we’d like to recommend a few more women co-owned/owned InDowncity businesses: Craftland, Queen of Hearts/Modern Love, Symposium Books, Gracie’s, Figidini, The Vault Collective, Kleos, and Rosalina. We hope you’ll shop local and support these incredible women-owned businesses in Providence on International Women’s Day and everyday.
Want to keep up on what’s happening in Providence? Interested in tasty food and pretty city scenery? Follow @indowncitypvd on Instagram!