Support the incredible women-owned businesses that shape our communities.
As we approach the holiday season, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the power and impact of women-owned food businesses. While women have long shaped the culinary landscape, they continue to face unique challenges, particularly in securing funding. Despite this, many female entrepreneurs are thriving and creating businesses that not only celebrate their cultural heritage but also transform their communities. In this post, we’ll spotlight several inspiring women in food—from food bloggers and cookbook authors to restaurant owners—whose passion and persistence are changing the industry. By highlighting their stories, we aim to encourage our readers to support these and other female-led ventures this season.
The Challenges of Women-Owned Businesses
Women entrepreneurs still face substantial hurdles when it comes to funding and recognition. Despite representing 42% of all businesses, women founders receive only 2.3% of venture capital funding, with women of color receiving an even smaller fraction.
However, the number of women-owned businesses is growing faster than the national average, with 1,800 new ventures started by women each day.
These entrepreneurs are driven by creativity, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose, making their stories particularly inspiring for anyone navigating the world of small business.
Paola Velez – Bodega Bakes
Chef Paola Velez is a powerhouse in the pastry world, blending her Dominican heritage with the vibrant flavors of New York City in her debut cookbook Bodega Bakes. Paola grew up in the Bronx, where bodegas were more than just corner stores—they were community hubs filled with color, culture, and food that spoke to her heart. Now an award-winning pastry chef and activist, she co-founded Bakers Against Racism, a grassroots movement that has raised millions for social justice causes through bake sales. One of my earliest introductions to Chef Paola’s work was through Bakers Against Racism. My baker friends Tenja Young, Toni Boyette, and I joined forces during Covid to host a bake sale, and Chef Paola had a brief pop-up selling her doñas - and I can tell you they were brilliant!
Chef Paola’s success shows how entrepreneurs can merge personal stories with professional passion to create businesses that resonate on a deeper level.
Michele DiPietro – Mangia with Michele
Ok, if you’ve been around a while you know that my dear friend Michele DiPietro is the ultimate food blogger. Michele runs Mangia with Michele, a blog dedicated to sharing comforting Italian-American recipes passed down through generations. Formerly a corporate consultant, Michele made the leap to culinary entrepreneurship, creating a thriving platform that celebrates the joy of home cooking. Her journey from corporate America to culinary storytelling is a testament to the importance of following your passion, even if it means taking risks. Michele's ability to blend business acumen with her love for food makes her an inspiring example for any small business owner navigating a career transition.
Maya-Camille Broussard – Justice of the Pies
Maya-Camille Broussard’s Justice of the Pies is a business rooted in love, family, and social justice. Founded in honor of her late father, Maya-Camille’s pie shop in Chicago is about more than just delicious baked goods—it’s also a vehicle for change. Through her culinary work, she has hosted workshops for children in underserved communities, teaching them about food and business. Justice of the Pies highlights how small businesses can play an integral role in uplifting their communities while also achieving professional success.
Daniella Senior – Colada Shop & Serenata
Daniella Senior, founder and CEO of Colada Shop and Serenata, brings a taste of the Caribbean to Washington, DC, through her vibrant café concept. Colada Shop is more than just a café—it’s a gathering place that celebrates Caribbean culture through food, music, and hospitality. Daniella’s journey as an entrepreneur highlights the importance of bringing authenticity and cultural pride to the business world, and she has built a loyal following by staying true to her roots. She gives back to her community in many ways - one that is near and dear to me is her support of my students at Elizabeth Seton High School with mentorship and internships.
Suzanne Simon and Bettina Stern – Chaia Tacos
Suzanne Simon and Bettina Stern are the dynamic duo behind Chaia Tacos, a DC-based restaurant specializing in vegetarian tacos made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Their commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness has positioned Chaia Tacos as a standout in the fast-casual scene, showing how small business owners can make a significant impact by supporting local farmers and advocating for better food systems.
Susan Limb – Praline Bakery
A former White House pastry chef, Susan Limb co-founded Praline Bakery in Bethesda, Maryland, bringing French-inspired patisserie to her community. Her journey from prestigious kitchens to owning a small business exemplifies resilience and adaptability. As a woman navigating the often male-dominated culinary world, Susan’s success is an inspiring reminder that small businesses can thrive with passion, skill, and dedication. One of my friends and I would go get our nails done and head to Praline in Bethesda, MD for a treat afterward - that’s what I call self-care!
Hollis Silverman – Eastern Point Collective
Hollis Silverman, founder of Eastern Point Collective in Washington, DC, is dedicated to transforming the restaurant industry by prioritizing equity and inclusivity. More than half of her leadership team consists of women, and she’s implementing innovative policies that challenge the traditional restaurant model, such as offering healthcare to hourly employees and ensuring equitable wages across all staff. Her goal is to create a work environment free from harassment and discrimination, where women and caregivers are supported through flexible schedules and paid leave. Her restaurant concepts - The Wells, La Collina, The Duck & the Peach, and Meli are impeccable. I might be biased toward the Greek concept - Meli!
.
Support Women-Owned Businesses This Holiday Season
This holiday season, let’s make a point to support the incredible women-owned businesses that shape our communities. From food bloggers and cookbook authors to restaurateurs and activists, these women exemplify the resilience and creativity needed to succeed despite the many challenges they face. By supporting their ventures, we not only uplift them but also contribute to closing the gap for future female entrepreneurs. So whether you’re looking for holiday recipes, a new dining experience, or inspiration for your own business journey, these women have something valuable to offer. And be sure to tell me who else we need to know about!
Sources:
Comments