International Women's Day

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th and the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance would like to highlight and celebrate the amazing women-owned businesses here in Flagstaff! International Women’s Day is meant to honor the women's rights movement  as well as continue support and awareness for achieving universal suffrage for women around the globe. 

Flagstaff is home to a plethora of thriving storefronts and a unique community that come together to support each business throughout one another's endeavors. The inspiring female business owners of this community provide a unique and rich selection of goods and services that allow the community to flourish. 

Dara Wong, outfitted with a business management degree from the University of Denver is owner to not one, but two downtown businesses. Dara opened Shift Kitchen and Bar in 2016 and since then has operated the business with interesting and rotating menus that impress customers not only in terms of taste and visual flair but excellent service. She opened Oeno Wine Lounge in 2021 continuing her legacy of delivering the community with beautiful and comfortable locations to spend time with loved ones, enjoy delicious food and a wonderful wine list.

Lisa Lamberson is owner of Mountain Sports Flagstaff as well as co-owner of Brightside Bookshop. Her pivotal position within this community provides the people of Flagstaff with quality and reliable outdoor gear so they can enjoy the beautiful scenery with gusto just as she has throughout her time in Flagstaff. Not only is she owner of Mountain Sports, taking over the family legacy from her father, but in 2017 she opened up Brightside Bookshop along with co-owners Annette Avery and Ben Shaffer. This personable bookshop provides the community with a cozy and informative atmosphere where they can pick up their latest read, quality products or even regional information. When asked what advice Lisa would give to aspiring female business owners she responded with “Build that support network within your own business and in the community seek out that network of opportunities. Be brave, jump first and then think later”.

Another local and woman-owned business includes an adorable boutique called Rainbows End. Councilwoman Miranda Sweet opened this shop that now wardrobes all the fashionistas of Flagstaff with a funky selection of locally made jewelry, shoes, women’s apparel and more!

Shoes n Such is a staple shop to visit in Downtown Flagstaff that has been open for 21 years. Owner Liz Bianco curates this beautiful store with trendy selections of footwear as well as a varying selection of brands and styles to choose from. This shop was voted 1st for "Best Clothing Boutique" in Best of Flagstaffs' 2023 competition and has won this same award 8 different times! 

Old Barrel Tea Company is a family and women owned business that has multiple locations throughout Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. Manager Eleanor Krueger spearheads the Flagstaff location, delivering the community with not only the deliciousness of loose leaf tea but all the other amazing benefits these teas hold as well!

• Other Women-Owned & Run Downtown Businesses include:
• Jennifer Rolley: Sweet Shoppe Candy Store
• Winnie and Kelly Hanseth: Lumberyard Brewing Company, Beaver Street Brewery and Brews and Cues
• Heidi Kruger: Flagstaff General Store
• Larami Sandlin: Dark Sky Brewing 
• Samantha DeWarf: Yogaert
• Susan Poole and Marleen Duren: Hops on Birch
• Liz Bianco: Shoes n Such
• Sam Green: Weatherford Hotel
• Leslie Belsanti: Da Vinci Realty and Click Co+Work
• Audra Travelbee: Culture Connection AZ
• Natasha Greenhalgh: Forêt 
• Holly Gramm: Arizona Handmade 
• Cierra Winters and Sierra Wong: The Box Studio
• Marisa Garcia, Nicole Rupe, Clarice Olson, Michelle Badger: The Loft
• Laura Snopek: Flagstaff Chocolate Company
• Lynn Gallagher: Wee Scotty
• Kaylie and Lauren Ryan: Wildflower Salon
• Brandi Palmer: Salon Brio
• Vicky Poull: Honeycomb Pastries
• Rochelle Daniel: Atria
• Georgette Quintero: Alejandro's
• Kelly Czarnecki: Drinking Horn Meadery
• Sharon Lynne: Victorian Moon 
• Phyllis Hogan: Winter Sun Trading Post
• Annie Brewer: 22 Leroux
• Chandi Russell: Cafe Stella
• Erin Ahmed: Peace Outfitters
• Lizzy Simkins: Zani Gifts & Cards
• Jewels Livingstone: Morning Glory Cafe
• Cecily Maniaci: Toasted Owl

The history of International Women’s Day began on March 8th in 1857. Female textile workers marched in protest of unequal rights for women and this became one of the first organized strikes by working women. While celebrating all the amazing women of Downtown Flagstaff this March be sure to visit their businesses to show your support for their wonderful craft!