5 small businesses owned by women and people of color to support this summer
YW Boston is committed to helping individuals and organizations change policies, practices, attitudes, and behaviors with a goal of creating more inclusive environments where women, people of color, and especially women of color can succeed. Our mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. As part of our mission, we aim to highlight the work of women, people of color, and women of color in the Greater Boston Area.
Last year, we compiled a list as part of Small Business Saturday and encouraged readers to venture out and support small businesses owned by women, people of color, and women of color year round. Racial and gender equity will only happen when we are all intentional about supporting one another. A great place to start is to visit one of these places that might not be on your radar:
Ivyees Honey Everything
120 Salem St, North End
In November of 2018, Ivyee’s organic honey-based bath, body, and skincare store opened as the first business owned by a black woman in Boston’s North End. Ivyees Honey is also a fully integrated honey producer that begins the process of farming its own bees in its own hives.
Mei Mei Street Kitchen & Mei Mei Restaurant
506 Park Drive, Fenway
Irene Li, recipient of YW Boston’s Sylvia Ferrell-Jones Award during the 2019 Academy of Women Achievers Luncheon, runs these two award-winning food businesses that focus on ethical sourcing and fair employment practices.
Rose JP
51 Heath Street, J
Located in Jamaica Plain, Rose JP is a thrift and consignment boutique offering unique selections curated by co-founder Carina Lopez. Rose JP supports women-founded brands, hosts events, and offers a variety of makeup services.
Boston Art & Music Soul Festival
Franklin Park Playstead Field, Roxbury
The BAMS festival took place on Saturday, June 22 and brought together local performers, an interactive art exhibit, food trucks, local vendors, and more. Stay tuned for next year’s festival! In addition the festival, the organization works year-round to break down racial and social barriers to arts, music, and culture across Greater Boston.
Pure Joy Flowers
84 Fairmount Ave, Hyde Park
Pure Joy is a unique floral designing boutique specializing in custom work that is modern, tasteful, fresh and budget conscious. As part of her motto to “keep it local,” owner Marta-Victoria helps with planters around the Hyde Park area.
Planning on exploring the places on our list? Share your experiences with us @ywboston
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About YW Boston
As the first YWCA in the nation, YW Boston has been at the forefront of advancing equity for over 150 years. Through our DE&I services—InclusionBoston and LeadBoston—as well as our advocacy work and youth programming, we help individuals and organizations change policies, practices, attitudes, and behaviors with a goal of creating more inclusive environments where women, people of color, and especially women of color can succeed.