Article

Savannah’s Impressive Female Business Scene

By Brittany Howard

Come on, y'all, you know the song, "All the women, who independent, throw your hands up at me!" 🎶 Admit it, you can't resist belting out these lyrics whenever they hit your eardrums (we bet you're singing it right now). It's because these words ignite a fire within, and in Savannah, it's not just the Spanish moss and cobblestone streets that are buzzing about the incredible female entrepreneurs shaping the city's future. We're ALL in awe. This isn't your average Southern Belle town; Savannah is a nucleus of women-led businesses that woo you to shop, dine, explore and be inspired.

Join us as we take a deep dive into the colorful mosaic of Savannah's women-owned and operated businesses. These gems not only add pizzazz but also pack a punch of empowerment.

harper boutique shopping — Harper Boutique

salacia salts_gift shop interior full back 2 — photo courtesy of Salacia Salts

jones and bull_screenshot_facebook page.png — Photo courtesy of Jones and Bull, Facebook page

Photo courtesy of Ordinary Magic Savannah

the horseshoe crab_screenshot.png — Photo courtesy of The Horseshoe Crab/The Monogram Place

Photo courtesy of The Book Lady Bookstore Facebook page

You'll Wanna' Shop Around

In the midst of Savannah's charm, Spartina 449 shines brightly under the leadership of the fabulous Christy Sheets. They've got a knack for creating stunning accessories that capture the essence of our coastal surroundings, and they've got a whopping 12 locations to show off their goods. Talk about making a statement! Not far away, Harper Boutique by Thu Tran and Leah Riffle offers chic and modern fashion finds. Salacia Salts by Cari Phelps crafts skincare treasures from sea-inspired ingredients for those into natural beauty.

Art enthusiasts will adore 18Loves Art, where Amelia Jamerson thoughtfully creates art that exemplifies female adoration. Locally Made Savannah by Tonya Rintye is a haven for those seeking authentic Savannah crafts and fantastic homemade milkshakes while you shop. For organic skincare lovers, Nourish by Shoshanna Walker offers products that pamper and protect.

Bookworms can revel in the literary collections at E. Shaver Booksellers, managed by Jessica Osborne and Melissa Taylor, or explore the eclectic stacks at The Book Lady by Joni Saxon-Giusti. Books on Bay by Dr. Betsy Hoit-Thetford invites you into the world of vintage books.

The Paris Market, curated by Paula Danyluk and Dr. Taras Danyluk, provides a whimsical shopping experience with goods from around the globe, as well as a superb cafe. Leather enthusiasts must visit Satchel by Elizabeth Seeger, where bespoke bags are the order of the day. Jones & Bull, managed by Robin Napoli and her husband Andy, offers unique home decor items on one of the city's most sought-after streets.

For those seeking a touch of magic, Ordinary Magic Savannah by Kelley Boyd is a must-visit. The Horseshoe Crab/The Monogram Place by Leanne Dodd specializes in personalized gifts. Lastly, Starland Strange and Bazaar by Marguerite Seckman and Emily Bargeron is the go-to spot for the eclectic and quirky in our modernly retro Starland District.

Photo courtesy of Dotties Market Savannah

vault savannah sushi asian dining — The Vault Kitchen and Market.

Mint to Be Mojito Bar and Bites, Facebook page

Photo courtesy of Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen Facebook page

photo courtesy of Big Bon Bodega — Photo courtesy of Big Bon Bodega

White Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cheesecake at Lulu's Chocolate Bar.

Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe. — Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe

Photo courtesy of Shuk Savannah Facebook page

Photo courtesy of @thedivesavannah on Instagram

There's Always Room at Their Table

Savannah's dining scene is as diverse as its entrepreneurship. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room by Marcia Thompson offers a legendary Southern dining experience. Dottie's Market by Ericka Phillips is a perfect take on fresh produce cooked to perfection in a gorgeous bistro setting. The Vault Kitchen + Market, part of Ele Tran's impressive culinary empire (11 restaurants total!), blends Asian and Southern cuisines seamlessly.

Cocktail enthusiasts will enjoy the fresh ingredients at Mint to Be Mojito Bar by Marty Githens, while Kims Cafe by sisters Maronda Pierce-Washington and Sharon Pierce offers cozy cafe vibes with loving family values. Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen by Kara Ford is great for a night out, offering sophisticated bites and cocktails.

Coffee lovers have multiple options: The Coffee Fox and Foxy Loxy Cafe, both by Julie Kaufman and Jennifer Jenkins, serve up some of the best brews in town with a delicious Tex-Mex-inspired menu. Cafe M by Cristine Tindall offers a palatable Parisian escape, while Big Bon Bodega by Kay Heritage brings wood-fired bagels and deep-dish pizza to the table.

For a unique cafe experience, Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe by Jennifer Jenkins combines creativity with cuisine. Gallery Espresso by Julianne Davis provides a perfect blend of art and coffee, and Shuk by Alexis Shuk offers a taste of rich Middle Eastern flavors. The Dive Savannah by Kristy Crill caters to the community with an open heart and love in every dish. To round out the culinary adventure, Lulu's Chocolate Bar by Janine Finn and Rebecca Radovich serves specialty cocktails paired perfectly with decadent sweet treats. Espresso martini anyone?

Photo courtesy of the bunny hive on Instagram — Photo courtesy of @the.bunny.hive on Instagram

Services That Define Charm

The Inn on West Liberty by Suzy Homer and Paty Homer offers a luxurious stay in historic Savannah. AD Specialty by Diana Morris caters to all promotional needs with a personalized approach, while The Savannah Tribune, a weekly African American publication led by VP Tanya Milton, continues its legacy as a voice for the community. Gingerbread House Events by Julie Kaufman and Jennifer Jenkins, adds a unique flavor to Savannah's event scene inside one of the city's most recognized "cookie-cutter" architectural homes. The Bunny Hive Savannah by Mary Sadler offers innovative classes your little ones will gleefully hop along to.

Front Porch Improv in Savannah, GA. — Front Porch Improv will have you bursting with laughter!

Photo courtesy of Lillian Grant-Baptiste; Celebrant/Storyteller/Speaker

footprints of savannah tour — Footprints of Savannah Walking Tours

NOGS fountain.jpg — NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens; Brittany Howard, photographer

attractions-railroad-museum-coastal-heritage-center-tricentennial.jpg — Coastal Heritage Society; Railroad Museum

Photo courtesy of Glow Downtown Facebook page

Miss Judy Charters Savannah — Miss Judy Charters

Photo courtesy of Savoy Society Facebook page

There's Never a Dull Moment

For entertainment, Front Porch Improv by Dolly Brennan, John Brennan, and Brianne Halverson offers laughs aplenty, while Savannah For Morons, The Comedy Trolley Tour provides a humorous take on local history. The engaging Lillian Grant-Baptiste enchants as a storyteller and speaker. Footprints of Savannah Walking Tours by Vaughnette Goode-Walker offers insightful historical tours about Savannah's African American roots.

Garden lovers will enjoy the NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens with Kathy Shields, and history buffs can explore the Coastal Heritage Society museums and landmark sites led by CEO Nora Fleming Lee. Glow Downtown by Courtney Victor encourages a day of pampering in this spa lovers paradise, and Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, managed by Shannon Browning-Mullis celebrates the founder of the Girl Scouts. With Miss Judy Charters by Captain Judy Helmey, a day on the water is hook, line and sinker! Savoy Society by Jane Fishel offers unique and delicious dishes and aromatic cocktails in a mood-setting location in the heart of downtown.

Our city thrives on the energy, creativity and leadership of its female entrepreneurs. So, while you're here or the next time you're in town, embrace the sisterhood of success and let these ladies show you the best of what Savannah has to offer. Trust us, you'll leave inspired, delighted and eager to plan your next visit. Cheers to these trailblazing go-getters who make Savannah not just a place to visit, but a place to remember.