Last week, we made a call-out to the Secret Brisbane community on Facebook and Instagram, looking for everyone’s favourite women-led and owned businesses around the city so that we can showcase them for International Women’s Day, which is on Wednesday, March 8. Here they are: 12 amazing women-led and owned businesses around Brisbane.
1. Open House, West End
West End’s Open House is a retail space that showcases local makers, First Nations fashion, Indigenous products, wearable art, and plenty more.
Whether it be bush food, vintage clothing, artworks, or homewares, you’re bound to find something unique for yourself or as a gift.
Find Open House at 73 Vulture St, West End
2. FRANKiE4 footwear
This Podiatrist-designed footwear range is a perfect way to bring some love to your feet. Founder and designer of FRANKiE4 B. Podiatry, Caroline McCulloch says, “I knew if I could make my footwear designs a reality, under the feet and available to all women, then I could help alleviate, cure or prevent foot pain for many more women.”
Find FRANKiE4 footwear at 260 Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly.
3. Sheri Vegas Art Workshops
If you and your friends have already done a paint and sip class and want to try a new activity, why not check out this candle-making workshop from local Brisbane artist Sheri Vegas? During her beginner-friendly Pour and Sip Massage Candle Class, you’ll get to make your own unique massage candle and coffee body scrub to take home and use.
Sheri also runs a Candle Making Class for Beginners as well as a Drinks and Desserts Candle Making Class, resin art workshops, flower preservation classes, and more.
4. Dance Fiit
Hawthorne studio Dance Fiit empowers women through group fitness classes that get your body moving, all the while having fun.
The team offers a range of classes, from dance cardio to pilates, barre, fusion and choreography, with both packages and casual sessions available.
Co-owners and instructors Jess and Jess mention that, “we’re proud to say we focus on more than just the scales and your measurements. Our heart is about empowering you to feel great about what your body can do because dance and pilates-inspired fitness improves so many areas of your health and fitness: balance, coordination, mobility, confidence, strength… we could go on and on.”
Find Dance Fiit at Level 1/273 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne
5. House Of Manes
Located in Spring Hill, this awesome beauty salon specialises in all things hair cuts and styling, cosmetics, and hair loss solutions, This includes custom made and ethically sourced European Hair Wigs and Toppers.
The salon helps women during or post-cancer with their wigs and toppers.
The House of Manes founder April, tells us, after seeing her aunty go through a variety of cancers, that she was inspired to specialise in the wigs and toppers so she could help others.
Find House of Manes at 82 Water St, Spring Hill
6. Ground Alchemy
New Farm coffee house and eatery Ground Alchemy was founded by Imagineer Britt Ayling who, based on her own values, has created a spot where customers can eat organic wholefoods surrounded by plants and local art.
Ground Alchemy is the collaboration of amazing women: Dayna Williams of Pacha Yumma providing food, Jodie Grier (Retro Gertie) offering up the vintage goods, and Gail Forrer the plants.
Find Ground Alchemy at 154 Merthyr Rd, New Farm
7. Biome
Sustainable products retailer, Biome was founded by eco-conscious entrepreneur Tracey Bailey back in 2003. And now, it’s become a go-to store for purchasing environmentally-friendly alternatives. Since Tracey has championed Biome, the brand has grown to six physical stores (including their Adelaide Street outlet), as well as their massive online shop.
Find Biome at 33 Adelaide St, Brisbane City.
8. Dangerous Females
Women-led clothing label, Dangerous Females not only design and sell these awesome campaign t-shirts. They also donate 100% of the profits to charities that support domestic violence and sexual assault. So supporting this label won’t just support the brand, it’ll support women to live a violence-free life. You can check out their online store here.
9. Lorna Jane
The success story of Lorna Jane Clarkson is a Brisbane favourite. Since founding her world-renowned activewear label Lorna Jane in 1989, she’s grown to run an empire, her brand is worn by women worldwide and stores in five different countries (including Australia of course). You can shop Lorna Jane at her Brisbane City store on the corner of Albert and Elizabeth Street. She’s also made a cookbook titled “Nourish, The Fit Woman’s Cookbook”. Check it out, and her activewear, via her online store.
10. I Heart Brownies
If you’ve got a sweet tooth that just must be satisfied, look no further than I Heart Brownies, the gluten-free baker founded by Lulu Purnell back in 2015. Their heart-shaped brownies are a delight, coming in all different flavours: from macadamia white chocolate to cherry coconut, and of course original chocolate.
You can find the dessert shop at 17 Hamilton Pl, Bowen Hills.
You can check out their online store here.
11. Mas and Mieke Ceramics
Mas and Mieke Ceramics is run by mother and daughter business boss duo, Charlie De Deyne and Mieke Proost-De Deyne who teach classes in their Newstead ceramic house: from beginners to advance. If you’re keen to get crafty, you can check out what’s on offer via their website.
12. Christie Nicolaides Designer Jewellery
If you’re looking for some stunning designer jewellery, Christie Nicolaides is where it’s at. With unique and statement-worthy pieces, this local jeweller is a treat yourself kind of place.
Check out her brick-and-mortar shop at Shop 1, 41 Edward St.
Or visit the online store here.
Happy International Women’s Day to all the amazing women of the world!