New Orleans is a place of creativity and community – a combination that is evident in the vast array of women-owned businesses that call the Crescent City home. While there are almost too many to name, here’s a roundup of some of our favorites.
Accessories
Porter Lyons
When Ashley Porter, CEO and creative director at Porter Lyons, first started sewing alligator belts and discovered the intricacies of their bones, she felt a natural evolution to dive into the world of jewelry design and casting. She began crafting jewelry from the small confines of her apartment on St. Charles Avenue and opened Porter Lyons in 2012. “Porter Lyons’s flagship boutique is a testament to the marriage of aesthetics and ambiance,” she said.
Porter Lyons curates a collection that transcends the ordinary – everything from custom pieces and engagement rings with nontraditional settings to bejeweled scarabs with intricately opening wings and whimsical skeleton hand charms. There’s also a piercing studio with flat-back earrings sold as singles. “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Muse series, celebrating remarkable women who inspire us and countless others,” Porter said. “Our inaugural muse, Tank Ball from Tank and the Bangas, has inspired a limited-edition piece, the Goddess Wing Necklace.” Porter Lyons also recently expanded into the home and lifestyle space with a line of signature incense sticks crafted with natural essential oils. 623 Royal St., 504-585-0348, porterlyons.com
Bella Umbrella
Jodell Egbert, owner at Bella Umbrella, began collecting vintage umbrellas in 1998, and, by 2002, she had amassed a collection of more than 300 umbrellas dating from the 1920s-’60s. She decided to open the shop as a way to rent the vintage umbrellas to brides across the country. “It turned out that I was the only person in the world doing this,” she said. “Currently, I have about 700 one-of-a-kind vintage umbrellas to rent out for any given weekend.”
Since opening Bella Umbrella, Egbert also has turned her obsession into making her own line of umbrellas. “Sometimes I am making umbrellas for movie productions, and sometimes I have requests for a large quantity of second line umbrellas,” she said. “I believe I am the only woman-owned business in the world that makes and manufactures umbrellas.” Additionally, Bella Umbrella carries everything from high-tech wind umbrellas to feminine parasols from a number of high-end brands. 2036 Magazine St., 504-302-1036, bellaumbrella.com
Art
Gallery Orange
Tracy Gielbert opened Gallery Orange in 2012 to fill the need for well-priced, high-quality art. “I have only ever carried original art, and I have always tried to carry emerging artists who had good-priced, quality work made with integrity,” she said. At any given time, Gielbert represents about 20 artists, mostly local or Southern artists and mostly women, such as Gretchen Weller Howard, Debo Groover and Anna Kincaide.
As a woman business owner, Gielbert believes honesty is the best policy. “[I aim] to give the client what they want and try to give them a good shopping experience and hope they become returning clients for many years to come.” 819 Royal St., 504-875-4006, gallery-orange.com
ESOM Art
Tracey and Tony Mose opened ESOM Art on Magazine Street in 2009 after realizing that they needed self-representation in New Orleans. “The uniqueness of the gallery and art experience can be contributed to the vast portfolio of our work,” Tracey said. “We are prolific in our creativity and act quickly on ideas. There are always a variety of pieces available from digital collage on mirror, mixed media on aluminum, figurative work, abstracts and realism.”
Swing by ESOM Art’s Magazine Street location May 11 for the Champagne Stroll. 3935 Magazine St., 811 Royal St., 225-202-6405, esomart.com
Union Gallery
Jamie Koch and Anastasia Apostolos opened Union Gallery in April 2023 when a commercial lease opportunity along Royal Street’s gallery row opened up. “After spending the past decade immersed in the New Orleans art world, I pivoted to working remotely, but I yearned for the personal connections I made in the traditional brick-and-mortar art collecting experience,” Koch said. “I came home to Royal Street to join my friend of nearly a decade in opening a gallery of our own.”
The two friends curate a diverse collection of artwork such as paintings, three-dimensional mixed media and wearable art jewelry. During their first year, Koch and Apostolos hosted nearly 35 artists. Today, their roster of local female artists include Jane Talton, Gogo Borgerding, Rachaela DiRosaria, Linda Moss, Amanda Morris and Nonney Oddlokken. “[We are] driven by the ethos that art is for everyone, and [we have] a curatorial mission to showcase contemporary artworks that are cool enough to collect and classic enough to keep,” Apostolos said. 831 Royal St., 504-333-0690, union.gallery
Bridal
Bliss Bridal
After shopping for her own wedding gown, Katie Yellin decided to open Bliss Bridal to offer affordable, quality gowns – and in a store environment where brides could be proud of where they said yes to the dress. “I found that the options in my area at the time were either a high-end, luxury boutique or a lower-price, self-help store,” she said. “I decided it didn’t have to be one or the other.”
At Bliss Bridal, Yellin and her team of stylists offer a luxury experience through kindness, warmth and genuine care for helping brides find their perfect gown (from the likes of Justin Alexander and Allure Bridals). “We make sure each silhouette and style is available to try on in a range of sizes, and our inventory ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 – so we work to be inclusive with our price point,” she said. “Recently we launched a bridal gift shop complete with event attire and fun merchandise for the bride.” The shop also offers accessories like jewelry and veils, and in-store alterations. 3624 Magazine St., 504-592-7507, beablissbride.com/new-orleans
Café
Le Petit Bleu
Le Petit Bleu has visitors saying “Oh, la la!” in the Garden District. Located next to the iconic Commander’s Palace, the chic little crêperie, café and marché is the latest endeavor by co-proprietors Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan. Chef Meg Bickford’s menu offerings include breakfast, lunch and early dinner options (think crêpes, salads, soups, desserts and more), in addition to a full coffee bar, cocktails and wine. Select items can also be ordered in advance for pickup or delivery. Le Petit Bleu is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. 1427 Washington Ave., 504-207-1343, commanderspalace.com.
Fashion
Anthology
When Beth Altenbernd, Kristy Kernan, Lori Virdure-Bracy and Morgan Hanson formed a creative bond in 2020, they set out to find a shared space where they could support one another and the community. In 2022, they opened Anthology – a collective vintage studio and shop that focuses on apparel, accessories and lifestyle goods.
“Our shop highlights each of our perspectives – a vintage shop anchored in the timeless approach of being better together,” Virdure-Bracy said. “Anthology supports other women by providing an evolving space and wardrobe that enriches creative self-expression and meaningful connection.” 1516 Magazine St., 913-526-2808, @anthology.neworleans
Art & Eyes
Starr Hagenbring opened Art & Eyes on Magazine Street in 2011 to offer unbelievable customer service and more than 4,000 frames—all from more than 40 independent eyewear brands (many that are women-owned or women-designed). As an artist herself, Hagenbring created the store’s large chandelier made from drinking glasses and eyeglasses, and she designs and creates the textile art sold at the shop. “I have worked in many mediums, but, for the last 20 years, I have been working in fiber,” she said. “For the last year, I’ve been doing a lot of message pieces—specifically dealing with climate change.”
Be sure to catch a special trunk show with Lapima May 10-11. “It is perfect for Mother’s Day weekend because the brand is luscious and beautiful, and, if you don’t wear opticals, the sunglasses are irresistible,” Hagenbring said. May 11 also is the date for this year’s Champagne Stroll, and Art & Eyes will be offering Champagne and bites during the store’s extended hours. 3708 Magazine St., 504-891-4494, artandeyesneworleansla.com
Honeypot Boutique
Brooke Walker, founder and buyer at Honeypot Boutique, opened in March 2023 after a successful popup. She brought on her friend, Morgan Davis, as director of visual merchandising and marketing, and the duo now offers a positive and inclusive shopping experience for a variety of body types. “Right now, we carry sizes XS-3XL,” Walker said. “We would love to expand into carrying clothing items designed around accessibility for differently abled consumers, like shirts with magnetic closures or other adaptable pieces.”
Honeypot Boutique also carries shoes, handbags, jewelry and other accessories. Walker and Davis source their offerings from a variety of local and wholesale vendors, many of them women- or BIPOC-owned, such as No Less Than, Bailey Rose, Blue Blush and Mimosa. 5419 Magazine St., 504-581-8748, shophoneypotboutique.com
Lekha
Trishala Bhansali, founder and designer at Lekha, worked in fashion in New York for more than a decade. However, she felt a strong pull to return to New Orleans and find more fulfillment in her career. “At the time, there were so many exciting brands emerging here across varying industries,” she said. “That momentum and creative energy gave me the motivation to quit my job, move home and start my company.”
Bhansali designs all of her own prints and silhouettes in collaboration with Indian artisans. In addition to womenswear, Lekha carries children’s and unisex clothing, home linens, bags, shawls and small jewelry. “Each Lekha piece is handmade using upcycled, handloomed or antique fabric,” she said. “We partner predominantly with rural workshops that are female-owned or nonprofit, and all wages are determined by the artisans.” Be on the lookout for two popups in the shop for Mothers Day. 2111 Magazine St., 504-582-9467, shoplekha.com
Nola Couture
Cecile Tanguis, owner and CEO at Nola Couture, first opened her business in 2006 to offer beautifully crafted, New Orleans-inspired products in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. “Each item tells a story, whether it’s through the vibrant colors of Mardi Gras or the elegant motifs of our historic architecture,” she said. “We also make the majority of our products here in New Orleans.”
Nola Couture offers a bevy of items ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel to accessories, home goods and gifts. “While we primarily focus on our in-house designs, we also curate a small selection of [women-owned] brands that align with our aesthetic [such as Home Malone, BAGGU and Bonfolk Socks]. We also collaborate with several local artisans on our own products that showcase the talent and creativity within our community.” 3308 Magazine St., 504-319-5959, nolacouture.com
Home Goods
Chouette
New Orleans newcomer Amanda Cordner opened Chouette in October 2023 as a way to be involved with the local community. “Part of putting down roots here meant investing back in this city that [my husband and I] love so much,” she said. “Opening a business was a way to do that.”
Chouette specializes in European home goods and carries nearly 50 brands from around the world, including the United States, and 60 percent of those brands are owned by women. “From EXAU Olive Oil, created by a Black woman from Texas, to Les Pensionnaires, started by a young female designer from Lyon, we carry some of the most interesting and dynamic female-owned brands around,” Cordner said. 1152 Magazine St., Ste. 10, 504-354-9306, chouette-nola.com
Maisonette
Virginia Dunn first started selling hand-knotted rugs to architects and designers in January 2006, and she opened Maisonette in 2016. Now, in addition to rugs, Maisonette offers a highly curated selection of fine European linens; accessories for bed, bath and table; nightwear and fine lingerie; and personal care products.
Maisonette carries more than 100 brands, and most of them are women-owned (such as Haute Home Linens, Bunny Bradley Designs and Lili Alessandra). “Ultimately, I want my customers to have a beautiful experience shopping for beautiful home goods,” Dunn said. On May 19, catch Maisonette at the Dining by Design event at the Beauregard-Keyes House, and, on June 30, at the “Elbows Off the Table & Napkin in Your Lap Crafter-Noon” event at The Rink & Garden District Book Shop. 2727 Prytania St., Ste. 13, 504-437-1850, maisonetteshop.com
Merchant House
When Rosa Dunlap found a vacant Lower Garden District warehouse, she jumped at the chance to open Merchant House. By the fall of 2019, she had a full-time retail shop and a guild of independent, passionate and creative vendors. “Today, our corner of Magazine Street is still thriving on the idea of community,” she said. “In our newly expanded space, it’s the ultimate destination for vintage lovers and home design aesthetes.”
Over the years, more than 50 small brands and businesses have shared space in the modern antique shop. The assortment of goods includes vintage furniture, décor, lighting, art, plants, floral, vintage and designer apparel, and antique and contemporary jewelry. “Our current mix hosts a blend of tenured merchants, contemporary local artists, creative studios and locally produced homewares like candles and woodcraft,” Dunlap said. “Most of the merchants are women-led entities (such as Bayleaf & Besom, Caravan Finds, Voyage and myself).” Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming drops. 1150 Magazine St., 504-233-2240, merchanthouse.co
NOLA Boards
Mandy Simpson opened NOLA Boards by pure accident in 2014 after her husband made a cutting board for a friend. The duo started designing and creating boards to sell at markets, and demand continued to grow.
NOLA Boards offers an array of gifts – mostly made by New Orleans or Louisiana artisans and artists – for just about anyone and any occasion. “We are a New Orleans-themed culinary gift shop at our roots and carry items related to the kitchen, dining room and home bar,” Simpson said. “We [also] make custom butcher block kitchen countertops and islands. Some extras we like to provide are free gift wrapping, custom engraving on our boards and helping customers curate unique gift baskets. We also have opened The Honey Bar inside the store, which is a collection of honeys from around Louisiana.” Upcoming events at NOLA Boards include Champagne Stroll (May 11), Sours and Daisies: A Cocktail Class (May 14) and a Cheese & Charcuterie Workshop (May 16). 4228 Magazine St., 504-256-0030, nolaboards.com
Spruce Wallpaper and Fabric Showroom
Nomita Joshi-Gupta, who opened Spruce Wallpaper and Fabric Showroom on Magazine Street in 2008, said that her business is a community of locals, tourists and, most importantly, her fellow merchants. “Being on Magazine Street is a cherished and rewarding experience,” she said. “The merchants support and refer each other so that we can all survive what is a fast-disappearing personal shopping experience.”
During the pandemic, Joshi-Gupta acquired the property next to Spruce and recently opened Nomita Joshi Interior Design Studio & Gallery. “My studio is not only a workspace but also a gallery that showcases my brand of Indian Modernism,” she said. “The studio and concept apartment are meant to inspire clients.” The gallery features international furniture vendors as well as local artists – all leaning toward Indian Modernism. 2043 Magazine St., 504-265-0946, spruceshowroom.com, nomitajoshi.com
Palm Orleans
Beetle Hillery and Hillery Gazzaniga, cousins and owners of Palm Orleans, offer home textiles and wall coverings that embody the spirit of New Orleans and Palm Beach, Florida. The shop, which opened in 2016 and sells directly to the trade, features thoughtfully researched and designed patterns that begin with a series of hand-painted components. “Additionally, most of our patterns are hand-screen printed,” Beetle said. “We value this Old World craft and think it adds an unmistakable charm.”
Palm Orleans works with and supports other local businesses as often as possible. “Stay tuned for Palm Orleans x Chairish,” Beetle said. “We enlisted the help of our neighbor and talented upholsterer, Michelle Moylan McLennan at Spring & Twine.” 820 Olga St., 504-473-3425, palmorleans.com
The Pattern Collective
As an interior designer, Brittany Ellis began discovering smaller, independent fabric and wallpaper designers who lacked the same online and showroom presence as major brands. She opened The Pattern Collective as a way to fill the gap. “We are dedicated to showcasing independent, up-and-coming artists and designers as a collective so that their designs are more easily accessible,” she said.
Ellis curates a collection of independent textile designs for wallpaper, fabric and pillows from nearly 100 designers from around the world—many who are women—including local designers Annie Moran and Ashley Lasseigne. She also recently moved into a new location on Metairie Road to make room for a larger product offering and showroom space. 3230 Metairie Road, 504-302-0910, thepatterncollective.com
Health + Wellness
Botanical Nail and Skin Studio
A NOLA born and bred spa studio, Botanical Nail and Skin Studio offers everything from massages and facials to sugaring wax treatments and high-performing skincare and botanical apothecary products. When owner and founder Donica Johns opened the studio in July 2021 – in the midst of the pandemic – it was because she felt a strong pull to create something deeply personal and meaningful.
Johns fully embraces the idea that wellness is for everybody, and, as such, Botanical Nail and Skin Studio is a body-positive, aging-positive, gender-inclusive, and judgment-free beauty and wellness space. In addition to carrying her own skincare line, Natural Mixologist, Johns also carries Dermalogica, Image and TAHNYC (all led by women founders). “Here, diversity isn’t just embraced – it’s the cornerstone of our existence,” she said. Be sure to catch Botanical Nail and Skin Studio at Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo (May 17-19) in the hosted VIP area for bodywork massages. 541 S. Rendon St., 504-233-2009, botanicalnailandskinstudio.com
Freedom Apothecary
Morrisa Jenkins, founder of Freedom Apothecary, finds it important to support women-owned brands in the clean beauty and wellness space. “It has been a top priority to empower them with opportunities and help expand their reach,” she said. “I also want to create a community where everyone feels welcomed, cared for and seen.”
Now approaching five years in business, Jenkins said it has been an intense yet rewarding journey. “It’s a significant milestone in the retail industry,” she said. “We will keep hosting in-store events and activations, while also preparing for a magical celebration and collaboration with other women-owned brands this July.” 1900 Magazine St., 504-381-5920, freedomapothecary.com
Spyre Center
Diana Fisher, Deborah Peters and Kendall Winingder, sisters and co-owners of Spyre Center, first dreamt of opening a health center in 2019. “New Orleans has a community around food, music and festivals, but we felt like it was lacking in the holistic health and wellness arena,” Peters said.
Spyre features 14 offices rented out to health practitioners offering a range of health modalities (including two pelvic floor physical therapists), a health center with nearly 50 fitness classes per week (such as prenatal yoga, strength training, Pilates and cardio classes), a heated saltwater pool and hot/cold plunges, an infrared sauna, a meditative dry float and a café. Both memberships and packages are available, plus discounted community classes and events. An upcoming women’s talk with Maxine Hamilton on May 9 will focus on navigating divorce from a spiritual perspective. 1772 Prytania St., 504-900-0980, spyrecenter.com
Vibrant Market
Lauren Trostorff, founder of Vibrant Market, opened the lifestyle wellness company in early 2018 to fulfill her passion for biohacking, holistic health and skincare. “We are a one-stop shop for living your cleanest, most healthy life,” she said. “There are a lot of different categories of products and services in one place.”
Vibrant Market also offers vetted supplements; pantry items; makeup; skin, body and hair care products; a matcha and tonic bar; sustainable clothing and accessories; and a spa with facials, massage, full-body red light and vibration therapy, lymphatic drainage, cold and hot plunge, sauna, and Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields therapy. Vibrant Market carries nearly 70 brands, including local and women-owned brands. Be sure to check out the monthly events, ranging from masterclasses to acupuncture and skincare workshops. 3811 Magazine St., 504-206-4419, thevibrantmarket.com