Have you ever been planning a trip and had a hard time finding local businesses to support while you’re there? What about finding which of those are women-owed businesses? Even harder, right? This is where Yes Way! comes in. My friend Katie, the founder of the site, has created maps for different cities around the US (for now) that will show you all the women-owned businesses in that city. This is a great way to find and support these women whether you are on vacation or just at home in your own city!
I was fortunate enough to meet Katie at the Women in Travel Summit this spring and became inspired by the idea behind her website. We both thought it would be fun to explore the women-owned businesses in the Twin Cities to give you a taste of what you can expect from her site. Since there are so many awesome places, we narrowed it down to just South Minneapolis this time. So, if you want to spend the day in South Minneapolis supporting women-owned businesses, keep reading!
Start your day with shopping
First on the agenda is Belle Weather. Owned and run by Crystal Zavada (who I was lucky enough to meet while I was there), this store is full of fun, whimsical gifts made by local artists. Whether you need a new piece of jewelry, cute measuring cups, pretty notebooks or just a unique gift for your friend, Belle Weather has you covered! There is even a re-sale clothing section in the back as well as a take-one, leave-one book exchange. You don’t get more charming than that!
Right next door is June Resale. If you like designer duds but not the high end price tag, then you need to get your butt there. The store is filled with beautifully displayed clothing, jewelry, purses and a room full of shoes that anyone would kill to have at home. Just talking to owner Daune Stinson for a couple of minutes, you can tell she really knows her designer fashion. My closet has no designer labels right now but I think this beautiful store may be where I start!
Grab lunch at Sun Street Breads
All that shopping worked up an appetite so we made a pitstop for lunch at Sun Street Breads. Opened in 2011 by Solveig Tofte, who was formerly the head baker for Turtle Bread and part of the US team at the Coupe Du Monde de la Boulangerie in France. Needless to say, she knows good bread. I got a delicious sandwich called the Kingfield gobbler which I would recommend for sure. I also picked up some cookies to go and they were so buttery and not too sweet. Make sure to leave enough room in your shopping bag for a loaf of their amazing bread!
Get your craft on
Contrary to the name, you don’t have to dig to find what you’re looking for at Digs. Run by the lovely Katie, this store has everything you need from ribbons, fabric, to yarn and tools. She even has classes you can take to learn a new craft or brush up on your skills. Even if you aren’t Martha Stewart, there are plenty of other things here to tickle your fancy. I love how she uses big pieces of vintage furniture to create unique displays for all the locally made gifts. I have way too much yarn at home so I bought a amazing smelling candle that reminds me of the North Woods. Will be back there in the future for sure!
Satisfy your sweet tooth
Right across the street from Digs, you’ll find the cutest little candy shop in town, Sugar Sugar. Sugar Sugar opened in 2009 under the original owner Joni Wheeler. Current owner, Tracy Holy, took over in 2014. Adding a keen eye for design to her collection of nostalgic and artisan candy makes for a gorgeous little shop. We were lucky enough to chat with Tracy while there and she told us that she creates all of the window displays and decorations for the store herself. I picked up a delicious assortment of gummy candies since she had some of my favorites! Gummy coke bottles anyone?! If you’re in the neighborhood, Sugar Sugar is a must stop!
Indulge in a little more retail therapy (why not, right?)
If you’re looking for a well-curated boutique that doesn’t break the bank, look no further than Primp! Owners Michele Henry and Wesley Uthus started Primp in 2010 with the idea that you don’t have to have tons of money to dress well! I always find a pretty dress or shirt here that I have to have. Each of their locations are so beautifully set up, you don’t have to dig around to find something great. Plus, they don’t just have great clothes! There is also jewelry, accessories, candles, perfume and shoes! This time around I found a pair of pointy-toe loafers which I have been wearing almost every day.
Right down the street from Primp is another super cute store called 14 Hill. Owner Julie Stamps has really created the store that has everything. Each area has a different theme so it makes wandering around the store so fun! Do I need cute camping-themed mugs, a new cookbook, great smelling bath products or pretty new cups for my bar cart? Not really, but 14 Hill made me want to buy one of everything! If you’re in need of a gift but have no idea what to get, stop here because you will no doubt walk away with something they’ll love.
End the day with ice cream
Because who doesn’t like a sweet treat after an afternoon of shopping? This is where Pumphouse Creamery comes in. Since it started in 2003, owner Barb Zapzalka has been creating amazing ice cream using local milk and ingredients. There are 20 rotating flavors including several which are dairy-free. Barb makes all of the ice cream and cones herself (!) right in the store. If you aren’t hungry for ice cream at the time (but who are we kidding, you are), they have a freezer full of pints ready to go! I had the cookies and cream… I’m not lying when I say this was one of the best scoops of cookies and cream I’ve ever had. Drop what you’re doing and go get some ice cream already!
I hope you enjoyed your afternoon in south Minneapolis supporting all of these amazing women. If you all like this, I can definitely do other parts of Minneapolis and St. Paul in the future!
If you know of a women-owned business that isn’t featured on the Yes Way! map, either fill out the form Katie created or send her an email directly (katie@yeswaytravel.com). Be sure to follow her on social media as well to get all the updates to her site! Yes Way! Instagram Facebook Twitter
Ps. this post is not sponsored in any way. Katie and I just wanted to combine our powers and create awesome content for you plus put the word out about these bad ass women entrepreneurs!
For more information on each shop, see below:
Belle Weather: 3404 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN
June Resale: 3406 Lyndale Ave S. Minneapolis, MN
Sun Street Breads: 4600 Nicollet Ave. Minneapolis, MN
Digs: 3800 Grand Ave S. Minneapolis, MN
Sugar Sugar: 3803 Grand Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN
Primp: 4755 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN (also several other locations)
14 Hill: 4737 Chicago Ave suite 2, Minneapolis, MN
Pumphouse Creamery:
9 Comments
Oh my goodness, I had no idea all of this was practically in my own backyard! Love your friend’s idea for Yes Way! Will definitely be checking it out!
October 11, 2017 at 2:57 PMThanks Melanie! I’m glad you found some new shops to visit. Her website is really cool and I can’t wait to go on a trip and use it there too!
October 11, 2017 at 4:38 PMThis is so awesome. I am all about supporting women in Minneapolis. Thanks for sharing.
October 11, 2017 at 5:59 PMThank you! I may do another post in the future because there are so many great places!
October 12, 2017 at 1:41 PMThis post is in perfect timing for the Holiday Gift Giving season. (also if you like Ice Cream, like ME).
Who do the photos. They are all VERY clear and well done. What a wonderful and informative post.
Thanks for sharing. — #MagicBrad
October 11, 2017 at 8:50 PMWho doesn’t like ice cream? 🙂 I take all of my own photos so thanks for the compliment!
October 12, 2017 at 1:41 PMThis post rocks! I had no idea there were so many cool women owned business in South Minneapolis. I’ve been to Sun Street. They have great breakfast sandwiches. But all the other stores and the ice cream places are new to me. Thanks for profiling women owned business!
October 12, 2017 at 2:57 PMThanks Julie! I hadn’t been to most of those places either. It’s amazing what these women are doing! I’m glad I helped to spread the word a bit.
October 18, 2017 at 6:13 PMThis sounds like a delightful way to spend the day. Love the theme of the day – cool women!
October 19, 2017 at 12:20 AM