MANAYUNK

As March begins, we recognize that this month holds a lot of significance. Beginning 1911, March 8th has been International Women’s Day. 76 years later, the entire month of March has been titled Women’s History Month in 198. March is dedicated to the contributions and achievements that women have made.

Just one year later, congress passed the Women’s Business Ownership Act. This act eliminated the requirement that a woman's husband must sign their business documents. This enabled female entrepreneurs to apply for government contracts, assisting in the success of female entrepreneurs, and also opening the door to workplace equality between American men and women.

Now, nearly 40% of businesses in America are owned by women.Though the equality line is not totally even, this number marks a great deal of progress.

Here in Manayunk - over 80 of our businesses are women-owned or lead. In honor of Women’s History Month, we want to highlight a few of our women entrepreneurs.

Mi ‘N Tea - Kim Dieu

Kim Dieu and her brother, Troy, co-founded Mi ’N Tea in 2020. Their parents moved to South Philadelphia from Vietnam, bringing their passion for Vietnamese food with them. Before Mi ‘N Tea, Kim spent a decade working in marketing and design. Kim’s experience combined with Troy’s experience in sales lead them to make their parents dream of owning a restaurant come true.

Sitting at 4229 Main St, Mi ‘N Tea brings authentic Vietnamese dishes and Taiwanese bubble tea.

“We truly appreciate every customer, and we hope to be a bright spot in everyone’s day by providing exceptional-quality food, exciting new flavors, and the friendliest service. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and we’re excited to keep growing and serving the Manayunk community,” Kim said.

Stop in Mi ‘N Tea to try their honey chicken Bánh mì paired with an Iced Phin-drip Espresso drink.

Expect Lace - Shaw Lewis

Business owner and curator, Shaw Lewis, opened Expect Lace in 2018. Shaw grew from her years of working in retail and department stores to opening up her own boutique.

Expect Lace was created to build the confidence of her clients. Located at 4403 Main St, you can find everyday bras, bridal lingerie, luxury lingerie, active wear, and more. The store offers complimentary bra fittings, lingerie styling sessions, and on-site nursing bra conversions.

Shaw makes an effort to have her clients feel at home, and strives to offer an inclusive shopping experience for all. Expect Lace carries luxury lingerie from sizes 30A - 42J.

Shaw works with her clients to make sure they feel empowered and confident. Shaw is always seeking out ways to improve her clients experience and in 2022, Expect Lace began to offer conversions on regular bras into nursing bras.

Visit Shaw and her team at Expect Lace this month (and every month).

Artesano Café - Mildred Kaplan

Mildred Kaplan and her husband Jaime moved from Venezuela to America 20 years ago to begin their entrepreneurship journey. Artesano Cafe is the newest extension to Mildred’s business.The Kaplans began in the iron working and furniture design industry, creating custom artisan pieces. Following this, they opened a showroom to display their luxury masterpieces.

The couple wanted to branch out and turn their gallery into something even greater. Celebrating love and design, Artesano Gallery opened as a wedding venue. They have been hosting wedding ceremonies and receptions for over 10 years.

As a result of the pandemic, weddings could no longer be held at heir beautiful venue. But, this did not stop Mildred from getting creative. Artesano Cafe opened in June of 2020, combining all of their passions into one business.

The cafe sells premium coffee beverages, pastries, and more than you could ever imagine. When you first walk in, you will be surrounded by greenery. The cafe doubles as a plant store, selling plants paired with handmade terracotta pots.You can also find their iron working accessories, furniture models, and iron artwork surrounding their cafe location at 109 Green Ln, inside and out.

Mildred created a space that is unlike anything you could find anywhere else. Pop into Artesano Cafe for an experience you won’t forget.

Hype Girl Heath Philly - Juliet Sabella

Health and wellness coach Juliet Sabella owns a few Manayunk businesses, including Hype Girl Health Philly and The Wall Cycling Studio. Juliet began her health and fitness journey in college.

She began cycling and healthy living, and wanted to share this lifestyle with the Manayunk community. Julie opened The Wall Cycling Studio in May of 2012.

Julie has taught over 2,900 fitness classes, with a total of 25,000 participants. The classes range from indoor cycling, personal training, barre, and outdoor group classes.

The Wall Cycling community had expressed interest in further expanding their health journey. Julie became a fully certified Integrative Health and Wellness Coach, and Certified Emotional Eating counselor from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, bringing you “Hype Girl Health Philly.” Julie’s ultimate goal for her health coaching is helping her clients feel their absolute best by stopping a restricted lifestyle. She focuses on mindset and small changes in order to get to the big picture distant goal.

She offers “Vision & Goals” workshops for those who might feel lost in their current situation, as well as "beat the burnout" sessions for corporate companies. “Beat the Burnout is a 4-week series where we work on mental/physical fitness, nutrition and goal planning,” she says.

Hype Girl Health Philly offers a variety of health coaching programs at your convenience. From nutrition advice, to personalized menu plans and workout sessions, Juliet says she will work with you to “give your goals the attention they deserve.”

Latitudes and Longitudes - Meredith Gornick

In June of 2012, Meredith Gornick opened the doors to Latitudes and Longitudes. Prior to this, the building was Latitudes Fine Craft Gifts for 29 years. Meredith worked in this gallery while she studied Industrial and Interior Design at Philadelphia University.

She had the opportunity to purchase Latitudes and jumped on it immediately. The business has been a Manayunk staple for years. Meredith knew that with her design experience, she could revamp the store to something even greater.

Latitudes and Longitudes carries gifts and jewelry for women as well as accessories for men. In the store you may find scented candles, children’s toys, Philadelphia-themed decor, wedding gifts, and more.

Meredith defines a successful person as “someone who is not afraid to pursue their dreams.” Our women business owners are exactly this. They have all worked hard to get to where they are now.

Support small, local, female run businesses here at Main Street Manayunk.

Read more about Women's History Month at https://womenshistorymonth.gov/

Find our business directory at http://manayunk.com/business/business-directory/