Portland is quite literally a city proudly run by women who have made history and shaped Portland’s culture. From Oscar-nominated Anna Kendrick, former Olympian Joan Benoit Samuelson, and Bates College President Clayton Spencer – women of greater Portland are industry leaders.
The month of March is a celebration of women’s history and our chance to showcase the hard work done by women in our city. Our list of incredible women-owned businesses rivals Santa’s naughty/nice list except ours features only the baddest bosses in the business. Pulling from a diverse array of industries, we present to you a *snapshot* of the women running our city.
A Company of Girls (Non Profit, Youth, Arts) – Woman-founded and led, A Company of Girls has been a beacon of the Portland community. Their mission is to strengthen and empower girls and their families, and foster community through the arts.
Location: 202 Woodford St, Portland, ME 04103
A Company of Girls – Strengthening and empowering girls through the arts.
All Kind Bodega (Recreational Cannabis) – Founded in 2015 by owner Claire Stretch, All Kind Bodega draws on Portland, Maine’s burgeoning foodie scene, creating Cannabis confections that medicate, elevate, and alleviate a patient’s aches, pains and anxiety.
Location: 688 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
Anoche (Cider Bar) – Anoche created by longtime Novare Res manager Erika Colby, is a Basque inspired cider house and bistro, offering a vast range of local and international ciders, select spirits and innovative modern pintxos.
Location: 43 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Arcana (Health/Wellness) – Initially founded by Kate Hebold, and transitioned to Jennie Joan in 2016, Arcana is a women-owned, and led mystical shop in the heart of the Old Port. Arcana offers a wide selection of local art, jewelry, books, tarot cards, botanicals, elixirs, body care products, yoga props, organic CBD, and beautiful, unique gemstones and crystals.
Location: 81 Market St, Portland, ME 04101
Aristelle (Lingerie & Undergarments)– Founded in 2012, Aristelle has helped over 8,000 women find bras and lingerie to perfectly suit their size, shape and age. In 2019, native Mainer Ashey Tucci took ownership of Aristelle and continues to lead the way in empowering women to embrace their shape and feel great.
Location: 92 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Aristelle – Fine Lingerie, Everyday Basics, Sleep and Loungewear
b+b bakery (Bakery) – b+b bakery is the brainchild of owner Amy Alward. With the impact of Covid on the food scene in Portland, Amy pivoted her business model and launched b+b bakery (formerly Baristas + Bites) into the national spotlight by partnering with Goldbelly. Now you can enjoy their tasty bites in Portland and beyond!
Location: 469 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Beautiful Browz (Beauty/ Permanent Make-Up) – Beautiful Browz, owned by Susan Goode, is dedicated to enhancing natural beauty through permanent makeup services. Susan’s journey into micropigmentation began as a client, where she discovered the transformative power of well-defined brows. With a background in artistry and a commitment to continuous learning, Susan specializes in eyebrows, eyeliner, lip blush, and more. Beautiful Browz offers licensed and AAM Gold Certified micropigmentation services to boost confidence and minimize daily routines.
Location: 854 Broadway St, South Portland 04106
Bella Funk (Clothing) – Bella Funk, founded by sisters Stephanie and Katie Stafford, is more than just a brand—it’s a celebration of sisterhood, craftsmanship, and empowered living. Bella Funk offers beautifully crafted products that empower women through an inspired lifestyle. With a commitment to mindfulness and small-batch makers, Katie and Stephanie curate a collection of products that honor the art of handmade and the stories behind them.
Location: 43 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Beth’s Riverside Street Garage (Auto-mechanic) – Beth Bernard has a created reputation for her shop as trustworthy, reliable, and fair. Since 2008, Beth has dedicated her shop to providing top notch customer service, treating customers like family.
Location: 522 Riverside St, Portland, ME 04103
Photo: Bella Funk Owners/Sisters Katie & Stephanie
Botanically Curious (Herbalist) – Owner and head herbalist, Paula Kersch has been educating the public about herbalism and helping others explore the world of plant medicine. Her business, Botanically Curious is soon opening their brick-and-mortar store at 419 Congress St, Portland, Maine. Give them a visit if you are looking to explore the world of plant medicine, and for a boutique herbal experience!
Broken Arrow (Restaurant) – Co-owned by husband and wife due Lyle and Holly Aker, Broken Arrow is downtown Portland’s rustic restaurant and bar. They incorporate the freshest ingredients sourced in Maine in each plate. Holly additionally owns and operates Local Goods Gathered which offers small-batch, artisanal cheese and local goods from all corners of Maine, shipped directly to your door.
Location: 545 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Burke’s Perks (Coffee Shop) – Erica Burke, owner of Burke’s Perks in Monument Square, created her family and veteran owned coffee shop with customer service in mind. This friendly coffee and breakfast sandwich nook is a frequent location of Portland Old Port staff.
Location: 23 Monument Sq, Portland, ME 04101
Burundi Star Coffee (Coffee Shop) – Born the daughter of a coffee farmer in the Ngozi province of Burundi, owner Jocelyne Kamikazi’s cafe and coffee shop features fine blends sustainably sourced directly from farmers in Burundi. Stop in for high quality ingredients and top-notch service at their Portland location. Burundi Star Coffee is additionally a Black-owned business.
Location: 261 St. John St, Portland, ME 04102
Photo: CHART Metalworks
CHART Metalworks (Jewelry and Accessories) – Selling beautiful women and men’s jewelry and accessories, barware, and home goods inspired by the rocky coast of Maine, CHART Metalworks is owned by Janice Sears. All of their products are customizable with maps/charts, graphics and photographs. They are also able to customize further with engraving.
Location: 1 Pleasant St – 3rd Floor, Portland, ME 04101
Chaval (Restaurant/ Brasserie) – Co-owned by Chef Ilma Jeil Lopez and husband Chef Damian Sansonetti, Chaval has become a neighborhood favorite in the West End with their menu of Spanish and French inspired seasonal cuisine. Chef Lopez has been recognized as a pastry powerhouse receiving two James Beard Award nominations for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2017 and 2018. As of February 2023, Chef Ilma Jeil Lopez and Chef Damian Sansonetti additionally opened The Ugly Ducking,a bakeshop and luncheonette, in the West End.
Location: 58 Pine St, Portland, ME 04101 (Chaval), 246 Danforth St (The Ugly Duckling)
Coastal Creamery (Ice Cream Shop) – Owned and operated by wife and husband duo Hayley and Kevin Ward, Coastal Creamery ice cream shop is a labor of love and a celebration of sweet memories. The couple’s journey began in 2011 when they met while serving up scoops of ice cream in Boston’s historic Quincy Market. From there, their shared passion for ice cream and each other blossomed, leading to the decision to open their own shop in 2023. Together, the duo aim to create a space where customers can make their own sweet memories and traditions.
Location: 136 Commercial St, Portland 04101
CoworkHERS (Coworking Space) – CoworkHERS, founded by Heather Ashby, provides a welcoming workspace and community for women, marginalized individuals, and allies in Portland. Offering floating memberships, dedicated desks, and private offices, CoworkHERS ensures a suitable space for all. With amenities like 24/7 access, meeting rooms, and various events (coaching groups, game nights, and craft clubs), members can work, connect, and make a difference in a supportive environment.
Location: 411 Congress St, Portland 04101
Curbside Queens (Traveling Drag Show) – Born in the midst of the pandemic as a way to boost morale and bring enjoyment, Maine’s #1 Traveling Drag Show is owned and operated by GiGi Gabor, a Trans femme drag performer who is described as an “unapologetic go-getter.” Alongside Gigi Gabor stands founding member Cherry Lemonade, a performance powerhouse.
Photo: Co-Owner Denise Cole of D.Cole Jewelers
D.Cole Jewelers (Jewelry) – A family-owned legacy in the heart of Portland’s Old Port since 1981, D.Cole Jewelers is led by matriarch Denise Cole and her husband Dean. This award-winning shop specializes in handcrafted platinum, gold, and sterling silver pieces. With three skilled jewelers, including Denise’s son Ryan and daughter Emily, every creation is meticulously crafted in-house, ensuring unparalleled quality and attention to detail.
Location: 10 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Designs by CC (Jewelry) – Founder and owner, Cheryl Cook first launched Designs By CC 30 years ago, and has been a Portland staple in her bright pink store on Pleasant street the past 24. Designs By CC is an eclectic shop of custom made fine jewelry, gems, and fossils. Designs By CC has both a brick and mortar location and e-commerce.
Location: 7 Pleasant St, Portland, ME 04101
Eunoia (Hair Salon) – Eunoia is where good hair days and confidence are born. Owned and operated by Maggie Sabine, this welcoming and relaxed hair salon inspires a genuine connection with their clientele by taking a mindful approach to beauty. Eunoia’s professional stylists focus on nourishing your mind and body through hair care services such as Brazilian blowouts, color and corrective color sessions, consultations, hair cuts, event hair and more.
Location: 4 1/2 Milk St, Portland, ME 04101
Eighty 8 Donuts – Sugar Rush (6 pack) with Bamm Bamm, Cookies ’n Cream, Boston Cream.
Eighty 8 Donuts (Donut Shop) – Specializing in made-to-order bite-sized donuts, Eighty 8 Donuts is co-owned by Ellen O’Keefe and Garrett Champlin. All designed to make you smile, Eighty 8 Donuts offers an array of creative and addictive flavors such as the Bam Bam with Fruity Pebbles, Maine Maple, Boston Cream and more. With locations in both the Old Port and Sugarloaf Mountain, Eighty 8 Donuts initially began as a food truck (Ms. Rosie), which you can still find roaming around greater Portland/ Eastern Promenade during the food truck season.
Location: 202 Federal St, Portland, Maine 04101
Gaby Stratmann, Fete Market Organizer + Designer
Fete Market (Community-Focused Pop-Up) – Owned by Gabrielle Stratmann, Fete Market is a community-focused pop-up experience bridging the gap between flea markets and craft shows. Gabrielle, also the owner of Bug-Eyed Co. and Sour Flower, fosters a welcoming environment where LGBTQ individuals and people from all walks of life can come together to support shop and support local. Gabrielle’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs is evident in initiatives like “Vendor Vents,” providing a space for local artists and makers to connect and celebrate their shared journey.
Find (Second Hand Apparel) – Find is a local favorite among thrift and vintage enthusiasts. Owner and Founder, Laura Ker has created an eccentric and inclusive storefront, filled to the brim with carefully selected vintage and second-hand clothes, and accessories for men and women.
Location: 16 Free St, Portland, ME 04101
The Green Hand Bookshop (Bookstore) – Michelle Souliere is not only the owner of The Green Hand Bookshop, but a published Maine author! Following her passion for reading, Michelle found her way to business ownership in 2009. The Green Hand is a unique, and inviting shop home to a vast collection of interesting reads.
Location: 661 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Health Resonates (Boutique Wellness Spa) – Providing wildly effective and relaxing massage therapy, skincare, beauty, and business/ wellness services to help you live your best, blissed-out life, Health Resonates is co-owned by Tara Evelyn a Licensed Massage Therapist, Energy Healer, Aesthetician and Founder of Health Resonates, and Anna Flaherty, Experienced Licensed Massage Therapist and Aesthetician.
Location: 773 Congress St, Portland, Maine 04102
Hustle and Flow (Fitness) – Stephanie Harmon, founder of Hustle and Flow, has created Portland’s most eclectic movement studio. Their studio is committed to fostering a connection to the diverse people of Portland, and uses their passion for movement and wellness to create classes that are both fun and liberating.
Location: 155 Brackett St, Portland, ME 04102
Lady Shuckers (Mobile Raw-Bar & Catering) – Owned by Libby Davis, Lady Shuckers delivers the best raw-bar experience possible while increasing visibility for underrepresented groups on the working waterfront. Lady Shuckers sources world-class, Maine oysters directly from a network of women-owned sea farms and partner with aligned businesses, organizations and clients.
Photo: Little Easy Snoballs
Little Easy Snoballs (Food Truck) – A taste of the Big Easy in a cup, Little Easy Snoballs’ owner Lauren Gauthier has been bringing the finely shaved ice dessert to Portland since 2019. Not your average snow cone, snoballs are a soft and light summertime treat. Little Easy Snoballs is proudly Queer-owned and Black-owned.
LooHoo (Household Staples) – Cyndi Prince made her quest for organic cleaning products into a business. LooHoo is a Maine-based, woman run company, using 100% domestic wool to create sustainable and cute wool dryer balls. Her products have been featured in People, In Style, and The Oprah Magazine (to name a few).
Maine Life Media (Media) – Led by Erin Ovalle, Maine Life Media is a production company based right here in Portland. With a background in news, Erin created MaineLife as a way to take on personal and authentic stories. Erin also has ties to Portland’s non-profit community and demonstrates leadership through action.
Photo: Maine Day Ventures Culinary Tour
Maine Day Ventures (Tours Operator) – Established as Maine Foodie Tours in 2009 byPamela Laskey, MDV offers highly interactive, educational, and entertaining adventures for locals and visitors alike in Portland, Kennebunkport, Boothbay Harbor and Bar Harbor. Maine Day Ventures invites guests to experience the creative culinary scene and the rich history, architecture, and culture amongst our streets with highly trained local guides.
Location: 95 India Street, Portland, ME 04101
Maine Needs (Non Profit) – Founded by Angela Stone in 2018, Maine Needs is a grassroots community donation organization powered by a growing collective of volunteers. Striving to help Mainers meet their basic needs, Maine Needs collects donated clothing, hygiene products, household items, cleaning kits, mini warmth kits and art kits. Current Board of Directors at Maine Needs is all-female lead – Kaleigh Anderson, Bonnie Harlow, Sanaa Abduljabbar, Kathryn Sargent, Dani Laliberte, Laurie Jevons, and Carrie Hemmelgarn – with Tara Balch as Communications Director.
Location: 332 Forest Ave, Portland, ME
Maine Women’s Connection (Collective) – Maine Women’s Connection, established in 2021 by Hallie Mitchell, Haley Knaub
Heather Dadiego, and Gren, is dedicated to empowering women and fostering diversity in Maine’s communities. Through initiatives supporting female entrepreneurs and uplifting minorities, they aim to create an inclusive space for growth and success. With a focus on community building and grants for aspiring entrepreneurs, Maine Women’s Connection is making a positive impact on the collective prosperity of the state!
Location: 428 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
The Muthah Truckah (Food Truck) – Offering delicious, golden griddled sandwiches sourced with the freshest of ingredients, The Muthah Truckah has been an O.G. on the Portland food truck scene since 2014. Owned and operated by Erica Dionne, catch The Muthah Truckah throughout Portland and local breweries during the warmer months. Frequently at Austin Street Brewery at 115 Fox Street.
Oleaga Law Firm (Legal Practice) – Oleaga Law, LLC is a boutique law firm dedicated to assisting clients with all aspects of family formation. Founder Janene Oleaga, Esq. believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to family formation law and works tirelessly to help families fulfill their dreams.
Location: Merrill’s Wharf – 254 Commercial St, Suite 245, Portland ME 04101
Photo: Old Port Candy
Old Port Candy Co. – (Candy Store) a family-business owned by Anna Largay and her husband, Old Port Candy Co. is a candy shop in the heart of the Old Port. With doors first opening in January of 2002, Old Port Candy Co. keeps Portland sweet with old favorites and new novelties such as fudge, nostalgia candies, gourmet chocolates, licorice, gummies, Maine sweets, and chocolate-covered-treats.
Location: 422 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Pomegranate Inn (Accommodations) – Owner Kim Swan took over the 1884 Italianate in 2007 to create a one-of-a-kind Portland Maine boutique hotel with loads of arty panache. The funky yet fancy Pomegranate Inn is a visual treat, a soothing sanctuary, and a bold, bright pied-à-terre – better yet – it’s pup friendly!
Location: 49 Neal St, Portland, ME 04102
The Portland Yoga Project
The Portland Yoga Project (Yoga Studio) – Co-owned by Lauren Znachko, Elizabeth April, and Jess Emilfarb, PYP is a community-driven yoga studio rooted in social justice and equity. With a commitment to honoring the roots of yoga while actively working to make their space safer and more accessible, PYP is dedicated to facilitating a community in-process, where everyone is welcome and supported. Offering tiered pricing models, competitive wages for teachers, and a diverse teaching staff committed to ongoing education and inclusivity, PYP is paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive yoga industry.
Location: 449 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Portside Real Estate Group (Real Estate) – Portside Real Estate is 100% woman-owned and dedicated to both their customers and their communities. With focus areas around sustainability, inclusion, and fundraising, Portside Real Estate is an excellent resource to build your home and your community.
Location: 59 Baxter Boulevard, Portland, ME 04101
Rising Tide Brewing Company (Brewery) – Co-owner Heather Sanborn has as many accolades as Rising Tide has beers on tap! A 2015 Woman To Watch, past president of the Mainer Brewers Guild and so much more, Heather has fused her passion for the outdoors, and her commitment to being local family-owned, pushing Rising Tide to become one of Portland’s most notable breweries.
Location: 103 Fox St, Portland, ME 04101
Rytualist Aesthetics Bar (botox, fillers, and skincare), founded by Maine native Bonny Rollender, Rytualist is a purpose-driven, medical aesthetics studio offering a variety of services that focus on natural looking results and self-care. The space offers a cozy, mid-century modern vibe where clients can receive a personalized treatment, superior customer service, and a welcoming nurse and aesthetic team who are trained in the latest techniques. Located in the heart of the Old Port, Rytualist is a great spot for a girls night out, or a unique bachelorette or bridal party experience.
Location: 75 Market St, Ste 103, Portland, ME 04101
Savior Claire (Wedding Officiant) – A Maine Wedding Officiant, Claire Winston-Wade provides couples with customized ceremonies and vows. Choose from the collection of vows or write vows from scratch. Savior Claire is a Black-owned business/service.
Photo: Sur Lie + Gather Owner Krista Cole taken by Photographer Melissa Gabes
Sur Lie (Restaurant) – Serving as the sole owner, Krista Cole has built Sur Lie, a tapas restaurant serving American contemporary in Portland since 2014, from the ground up. Striving to breakdown barriers for females in the hospitality industry, Krista’s executive leadership team is all female. In January of 2022, she bought community-loved Gather in Yarmouth, Maine and Krista has her own James Beard Awards 2023 semi-finalist nomination for Outstanding Restaurateur for both restaurants. Sur Lie was a semi-finalist for Outstanding Hospitality.
Location: 11 Free St, Portland, Maine 04101
TACHEE (Design Company) – Owned by local artist Rachel Gloria Adams, TACHEE design company offers small batch printed goods and design collaborations. An extension of Rachel Gloria Adams’ studio, TACHEE is textile based that celebrates printed surfaces. TACHEE is a Black-owned business. Rachel Gloria Adams is widely-known across Maine for her eye-catching and vibrant murals found at L.L.Bean in Freeport, One Longfellow Square, Thompson’s Point, Back Cove Books, Children’s Museum, Indigo Arts Alliance and more.
Terrarium (Plant Shop) – Co-owned by Anna and Rob Sinnott, Terrarium is a jungle oasis/indoor plant shop and cafe set in the Old Port that specializes in common and rare house plants. Opening in 2022 after years of dreaming, Terrarium also offers terrarium building workshops, classes, and happy hour snacks and bevvies.
Location: 98 Cross St N Suite A, Portland, ME 04101
The Thirsty Pig (Casual Eats & Craft Beer) – Allison Stevens is well known to the Portland food and beverage scene having been both a founder of Portland Beer Week, and former host of the Maine Brewers Guild. The Thirsty Pig hosts an impressive list of rotating taps with beer’s best friend, various handmade sausages and hot dogs.
Location: 37 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Toni’s Touch (Hair Salon) – A full-service salon specializing in braiding, braid extensions, weave wig application, dreadlocks, and barbering, Toni’s Touch is owned by Antoinette Smothers. Toni’s Touch also sell quality wigs, hair pieces, brushes, du rags, flatirons, clothing, jewelry, mix cds, beauty products and more. Toni’s Touch is additionally Black-owned.
Locations: 26 Forest Avenue, Portland ME 04101
Photo: Yardie Ting Owner Shanna-Kay Wright
Two Fat Cats (Bakery) – Two Fat Cats serves some of the best pie in Portland – but that’s not their only contribution to the Portland community. Owner Stacy Begin invests in charitable giving with Baking That Matters. Indulge your sweet tooth guilt-free and purchase a mixed berry pie (and a specialty cake, and cookies, and well, you get the idea).
Location: 195 Lancaster Street Portland, ME 04101 & 740 Broadway South Portland, ME 04106
Uncommon Paws (Pet Store) – Gudrun Cobb, owner of Uncommon Paws knows that people want the very best for their pets. Celebrating the unique bond between pets and their owners, Uncommon Paws offers a curated selection of high-quality, sustainable products. Gudrun chooses the designs and personally handcrafts all the bandanas, leashes, and collars herself. The business is rooted in a deep love for pets and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Location: 13 Exchange Street, Portland, ME 04101
Veeva Banga (Dance) – Veeva Banga is a South Sudanese dancer who has been dancing hip hop since the age of twelve. A talented dancer that has an opportunity to play with a mix of styles in Afro Beat that can offer a different approach to dance in Maine, you can find her classes at local studios like Casco Bay Movers, Hustle and Flow Studio, Bright Star World Dance Studio, Living Room Dance Collective, Portland Youth Dance, and Mayo Street Arts. Additionally a Black-owned business.
Wild Offering (Hair Salon) – Owner Krissy Huff had already created a name for herself as a craft hairstylist in Portland when she ventured to open her own salon, Wild Offering, in 2021. Hosting a formidable team of hyper-talented and stylish women, Wild Offering actualizes clients’ hair goals with gorgeous cuts, color services, and more.
Location: 98 Cross St N Suite B, Portland, ME 04101
Veeva Banga
Wine Wise (Wine Experiences) – Sommelier Erica Archer shares her passion for wine with the Portland community through educational experiences and events. Join her during Portland Wine Week in June or put your boat shoes on and sail the seas with her for a Wine Sail.
Yardie Ting (Restaurant) – Creating authentic Jamaican dishes with a modern twist, Yardi Ting uses fresh, local ingredients and homemade rubs and spices. Owned by Shanna-Kay Wright, Yardie Ting brings authentic flavor to each meal. Additionally a Black-owned business.
Locations: Public Market House, 28 Monument Sq, Portland, ME 04101
