This article originally appeared on VisitOKC.
March is Women’s History Month, making it the perfect time to explore and support the women entrepreneurs who help shape Oklahoma City’s local business scene.
From neighborhood coffee shops and boutiques to restaurants and creative studios, women-owned businesses play a vital role in the city’s culture, economy and community life. Whether you are looking for a new place to grab brunch, shop local or try something new, these businesses offer meaningful ways to celebrate the month while discovering some of OKC’s standout spots.
Here are a few women-owned businesses in Oklahoma City to check out this month.
Restaurants
OKC is a great place to EAT, and our culinary ladies have something for everyone. Midtown is home to Lorena Southern Twist, a contemporary Southern concept, and Stella Modern Italian Cuisine, both owned by Lori Burson who’ll make you feel right at home; Sunnyside Diner and Classen Grill are two of the OGs of OKC breakfast, thanks to founder Ally Cunningham; Café Kacao on N. Classen is a James Beard Award semi-finalist and local super-fave, and Veronica Zelada is its founder/owner; the pour-overs and mostly plant-based breakfast and lunch menus at Elemental Coffee in Midtown are top shelf; On Uptown 23rd and nestled inside of the Skirvin Hotel, you can find Boom Town Creamery, owned and created by Angela Muir. North May Avenue is home to Mediterranean Imports, Deli & Gastro Goods, owned by Maggie Howell, Chef Christine Dowd and Catherine Cunningham, whose falafel you’ll dream about long after your meal. Additionally, if you're in the Downtown OKC area, swing by Naija Wife Kitchen a go-to OKC spot for Nigerian cuisine; owned by James Beard semi-finalist, Chef Tahnee Francis; and be sure to visit Sherri’s Diner, owned by Sherri McKinney and Annie Cox, a longtime local favorite serving classic comfort food and celebrating nearly 38 years in business, with five generations having dined through its doors.
Bookshops and Bakeries
Let’s talk about bookshops and bakeries. Second Story Books & Café, in Culbertson Plaza, is a LGBTQIA+ and woman-owned oasis created by Britni Brecheen and Kathryn Lynn; L’Arc Patisserie in north OKC, owned by the exquisitely talented Isabella Li, is filled with the prettiest French pastries you’ll ever see; Pie Junkie in the Plaza District offers by-the-slice and whole pies with a rotating selection and is owned by Darcy Schein and Leslie Coale-Mossman; Trisha O’Donoghue’s Quincy Bake Shop is a must-stop in Automobile Alley.
Spas and Salons
In the day-spa category, Udander’s Scandi-chic aesthetic is yours to enjoy in two locations. Founded and owned by Andrea Mason Ridley, you’ll want to book at least half a day for steaming, a facial and a glorious massage. Milk Nail Art Salon, owned by Zitta John Kulbiski, is an oasis of creative mani-pedis.
Gift Shops
Gift shops and boutiques include A Date with Iris, in the Western Avenue District is a quirky little florist and gift shop opened in 2005 by Kris Balaban, whose aesthetic sensibility of witty and chic; Route 66 Boutique’s curator and owner Jeanette Koenig has filled her shop with beautiful artisanal clothing, jewelry, handmade soaps, Bedre Chocolate, accessories and more; Live Boho on NW 23rd is the brainchild of mother-daughter duo Maggie McMillan and Gayle Ballard, whose selection of home goods is lively, bright and fun; Needlepoint at Su Casa, in the Paseo District, is owned by Lin Sanchez and Krista Jones and is a needle pointer’s fever dream with canvases, supplies and classes.
Boutiques
OKC insiders know that for shoes, you head for Betsy King on the Paseo, whose namesake founder wields her sartorial style with credit-card busting brilliance; across the street you’ll find Eden Turrentine’s Eden Boutique, with of-the-moment options for all, no matter which Spice Girl you identify with; Amber Kern’s Rosegold clothing boutique is filled with new and consignment treasures; chic Gretta Sloane, owned by the impeccable Katherine Buxton brings you Frank & Eileen, Veronica Beard, GANNI and more.
Art
Mustn’t miss art galleries are JRB Art at the Elms in the Paseo, helmed by the district’s doyenne Joy Reed Belt; In Midtown, the talented Taylor Cheyenne Martin owns Cheyenne Sky Studio, a Chickasaw owned and operated metalsmithing studio offering a variety of workshops and classes. DNA Galleries, in the Plaza District, is part modern and contemporary art gallery and part super-cool boutique, thanks to owner Lindsay Harkness; 1515 Lincoln Gallery, a newer entry into the OKC art scene, is housed in a historic, Italian Revival building filled with visual and performing art, culinary experiences and more. Opened by Susan McCalmont a couple of years ago, it’s a wonderful addition.
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