Fifteen woman-owned businesses in Lexington to support this Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month has been celebrated annually since 1995, and its roots go back to 1981. Here are 15 local woman-owned or co-owned businesses to support this Women’s History Month.
J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar
Gwyn Everly has owned and operated this upscale barbecue joint joint since 2012. Along with the traditional restaurant aspect, J. Render’s also offers wedding catering services and a food truck, which can be tracked online. The restaurant offers a regular menu, along with separate brunch and brunch cocktail menus. J. Render’s is located at 3191 Beaumont Centre Circle and opens daily at 11 a.m.
LAUX & Co. Handcrafted Leather Goods
LAUX & Co. Handcrafted Leather Goods is owned and operated by Sonia Laux, who started exploring ideas to start the business in 2020, early in the pandemic. The online retailer carries bourbon rocks glasses, eyeglass cases, dog collars, passport holders, wallets and more. A purchase of a single item priced at $100 or more qualifies for free monogramming.
About Face Organic Skincare Studio
CJ Joseph owns About Face Organic Skincare Studio, and she brings previous business ownership experience along with a state aesthetics certification to her studio. Joseph’s operation provides facials, specialty treatments, massages, waxing, brow and lash services. About Face also has services designed specifically for men. Pricing information and booking options are available online.
Peer House CPA & Consulting Services
This certified public accountant and consulting firm was founded by Ozlem Eva Davis in 2016. Davis has more than 20 years of experience in accounting and financial services, and she is a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. Peer House services include bookkeeping, budgeting, special projects, internal audits, chief financial officer oversight and more.
Agape Fields
Agape Fields, owned by Julie Ross, offers bouquet and bucket subscriptions, workshops and do-it-yourself bride events. Another facet of Agape Fields is its U-Pick flower service, where customers can buy a season pass for $150 to gain access to weekly picking sessions from late June to early October. You can also book tickets for individual picking sessions. Agape Fields is at 1422 Beaumont Road in Nicholasville.
Heart of Gold Photography
Ashley Lowe Heart of Gold Photography provides full-service family, headshot and boudoir sessions. A full-service session includes a pre-wardrobe consultation prior to the shoot, the shoot itself, a customized ordering appointment, printing of the images at a professional lab and delivery and installation of wall art. Inquiries can be placed online, and the studio is located at 3645 Windowpane Lane.
LexGetFit
LexGetFit, owned by Emily Johnson, offers gym memberships, nutritional coaching, pilates, hip-hop, yoga and more. The fitness center is located at 820 Lane Allen Road, Suite 140. A package including four weeks of unlimited classes is $50, with an option to add additional family members at $30 per person. Class schedules are available online.
Hola Havana Cuban Cuisine
Hola Havana Cuban Cuisine is owned by Elizabeth Martinez and Antonio Palma, her husband. Martinez was inspired to launch the restaurant because she felt there was a lack of authentic Cuban fare in Lexington. Hola Havana also has Mexican influence from Palma’s side of the family, and the restaurant offers adapted vegetarian versions of Cuban-Latin dishes. Hola Havana is open from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and it is located at 15 N. Locust Hill Drive, Suite 109B.
SavvyChic Design
Joanna Sherrow is the owner and creative director of SavvyChic Design. Sherrow offers web design services focused on cultivating a cohesive and recognizable brand for her clients. SavvyChic provides website and branding services, longterm support and a template shop. Social media management and design services are also available, with a variety of package options to suit each client’s needs.
Josanne’s Homestyle Kitchen
Tamara Hall and Robert Webb co-own Josanne’s Homestyle Kitchen. The restaurant specializes in American soul food, including chicken and waffles, catfish, mac and cheese, cornbread and more. Josanne’s offers a rewards program in which customers receive their 11th order free. The coupon’s value is equal to the average cost of the customer’s previous 10 orders. The kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Josanne’s is located at 3449 Buckhorn Drive.
Third Street Stuff & Coffee
Pat Gerhard is founder and owner of Third Street Stuff & Coffee, and she creates much of the art that makes the coffee house so eclectic. Gerhard founded the business in 2004, and it is designated as an LGBTQ+ Safe Zone, which indicates employees have undergone training to best support members of the LGBTQ+ community. Third Street Stuff & Coffee sells sandwiches, desserts, specialty coffee, teas and hot chocolates. The shop is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.
Smithtown Seafood
Smithtown Seafood is owned by Ouita Michel, who is passionate about sustainability and supporting local agriculture. Her restaurant’s menu features fish and chips, catfish bites, shrimp and grits and a variety of other dishes. Smithtown Seafood is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It is located at 501 West Sixth St.
Miracles Bakery
Denish Walsh opened Miracles Bakery after her son was diagnosed with Celiac disease. The bakery only carries gluten-free products, and paleo and vegan options are also available. The café serves breakfast and lunch along with its baked items and is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Miracles Bakery is located at 145 Burt Road.
Rayann’s Popcorn Co.
This popcorn shop offers flavors such as spicy cheddar cheese, cinnamon caramel crisp, s’mores and birthday cake. The business is owned by Rayann White, and its website says the store’s popcorn is made from scratch from kernels grown in Kentucky. Rayann’s Popcorn is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and is located at 101 W. Loudon Ave.
Guide Realty
Raquel Carter owns and operates Guide Realty. The company offers homeownership guides and workshops, and its vision is to promote wealth-building and economic opportunity. The office is located at 1591 Winchester Road, Suite 104.
For more information about woman-owned businesses in the Lexington area, check out Women Leading Kentucky.