Happy International Women’s Day! It’s time to celebrate and honour the many incredible successes of women all around the world, including right here in our city. Every single day, women are kicking it up a notch and we definitely love to see it. Want to show your support as well? Then take a look at our list of women-owned businesses in Toronto that you need to know about.
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Support local: Here are some women-owned businesses in Toronto you can support this International Women’s Day
Fashion & Beauty
Makeway
Attention all sneakerheads! The brand, which was co-founded by Abby Albino and Shelby Weaver, offers a whole range of sneakers and streetwear items. Expect to find brands like Reebok, Jordan, PUMA and lots more. They’re located at 28 Bathurst Unit 1-105, and you can check out the website here.
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Knix
Innovative undergarments is the name of the game at Knix. Founded by Joanna Griffiths, the brand is known for its diverse selection of underwear, lounge and sleepwear and other items. They also have shapewear like bodysuits and shorts. The Knix store in Toronto is situated at 294 Queen Street West.
Mejuri
The Toronto-based jewellery brand, founded by Noura Sakkijha, offers a wide selection of necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets. Customizable products for gifting are also available. Mejuri is situated at 906 Dundas Street West or you can shop online.
GotStyle
Established in 2005 by Melissa Austria, a seasoned insider in the menswear industry with extensive experience collaborating with leading brands and supplying top retailers globally. Recognizing a gap in Toronto’s menswear retail market, Melissa wanted to leverage her expertise and enthusiasm to elevate men’s (and now women’s). Her boutique offers a meticulously curated range of stylish and refined attire and is actually expanding back into the west end of the city with a new shop opening at The Well, very soon.
Makeup for Melanin Girls
Founded by Tomi Gbeleyi, the brand features a variety of products for the eyes, lips and face. They provide shipping all across Canada and the States, and you can place orders online here.
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JŪS by Oreya
The haircare brand’s products are cruelty-free and they only use USDA-approved products. Available items include hair masks, oil, cleanser and moisturizer. Oreya Studio was founded in 2019 by Alexa Brittany and it’s located at 724 1/2 Queen Street East.
Evio Beauty
At just 21, Brandi Leifso founded Evio Beauty Group Ltd. while residing in a domestic violence shelter. Her brand is now sold at Urban Outfitters, Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, and more. She is a former participant of Sephora Accelerate, was named one of Chatelaine Magazine’s 2018 Women of the Year, and is a vocal advocate for domestic violence reform.
Hey Babe Cosmetics
Hey Babe Cosmetics offers an exclusive range of makeup crafted and produced right in Toronto, Canada. Born and raised in the city, founder Nicole Abbott’s background as a professional makeup artist inspired her to pursue her dreams in the beauty and cosmetics realm.
Restaurants and hospitality
Pai Northern Thai Kitchen as seen in heADER
Chef Nuit Regular and her husband Jeff, a past #VIBE cover star, are renowned for introducing the unique flavours of Northern Thai cuisine and warm hospitality to Toronto and beyond. Their culinary journey began with the humble Curry Shack in the northern Thai town of Pai, which later paved the way for their acclaimed restaurants such as PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, Kiin, and Sukhothai.
Barbershop Patisserie
The bakery, which is owned by pastry chef Jill Barber, is located at 859 College Street. The menu highlights plenty of cakes, sweet and savoury puff pastries like sausage rolls, Danish and more.
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Bar Reyna & Reyna on King
Founded by the incredible Nicki Laborie (although we may be a tad biased, considering View the VIBE is her brainchild, as the founder), Reyna restaurants are a must-visit. With two locations in the city, you have the option to dine at either aesthetic restaurants in Yorkville or King East. If you happen to be south of the border, make sure to check out her newest outpost, REYNA in New York located in the area of Union Square Park.
Gusto 54 Restaurant Group
Janet Zuccarini, the founder of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, has made her mark as a prominent entrepreneur in the restaurant industry. Her journey began with the opening of Trattoria Nervosa in 1996, followed by expansions like Gusto 101, PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, and more. The rapid growth continued in 2017 with the addition of Kiin, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, and the acclaimed Felix in Los Angeles. Janet’s recent ventures include Gusto 501 and Azhar Kitchen + Bar, with Gusto Green in Los Angeles.
Soma Chocolatemaker
In 2003, Cynthia Leung and David Castellan conceived the idea of establishing a unique chocolate factory aimed at innovating the creation and enjoyment of chocolate. Their journey began with the realization of the magical potential of their chocolate batches, recognizing cacao beans as nature’s perfect “Soma”, a mystical substance mentioned in ancient texts. Operating initially from a small corner in a former whisky distillery, they engaged in various chocolate-making processes alongside retail activities, fostering a community of chocolate enthusiasts. Over time, with the unwavering support of their customers, they expanded to three stores, a chocolate factory, a network of wholesalers, and a dedicated team. Driven by their love and curiosity for chocolate, they continue to explore new ingredients and engage with their community, eagerly anticipating future encounters with both regulars and newcomers alike.
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Now with three locations, one in the distillery district, one on King St West, and a lab on Brock Ave. Beware, they’re so addictive.
Mandy’s Salads
In 2004, Mandy and Rebecca Wolfe embarked on a unique venture by introducing Montreal to its first create-your-own salad bar, tucked away in a women’s clothing store. Over the years, Mandy’s has grown and expanded to encompass eight locations in Montreal and three in Toronto by 2023. Beyond their restaurant business, the duo has authored two best-selling cookbooks and successfully launched five of their delectable dressings in grocery stores nationwide.
Others worth noting
Jaybrid
If you or someone you know has been looking for a place to prioritize wellness in Toronto, Jaybird may just be your/their new home! This is their first expansion from Vancouver and we think they’re going to fit right in! Their movement meditation will allow you to dive deep into your body and explore yourself. We’ve met and chatted with the Co-Founders Ariel Swan and Barbie Bent about their studio when it opened, and you can check it out here! Looking for a gift? Their packages are the perfect solution.
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Portland Market
In Toronto’s King West neighbourhood, Irene Hickman, owner of Portland Market, shares her lifelong passion for plants, cultivated during her upbringing on a Korean peach farm. Bringing a touch of nature to the urban landscape, Hickman curates a diverse collection of succulents, houseplants, and locally sourced produce from her family’s farm, fostering a connection between city dwellers and the natural world. Pickup a flowers, a plant, tree, or combination of all three for your place or as a gift, today.
Thyme Studio
Thyme Floral, with locations at downtown Stackt Market and Riverside, offers a diverse range of floral arrangements tailored to suit individual preferences. Specializing in crafting unique and dreamy arrangements, they provide options for classic grab-and-go bouquets or in-store customization with choices between dried or fresh flowers. For a more hands-on experience, customers can opt for a floret box, available in small, medium, and large sizes, containing all the floral stems and greenery needed for recipients to unleash their creativity and design their ideal bouquet, making it a perfect gift for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
This was originally posted on March 8, 2022, updated and adapted for relevancy.
