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 Friday, 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.
You can 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.”
You can find FRANKiE4 footwear at 260 Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly; 110 Maygar St, Windsor; and 216 Riding Rd Lot 3 + 4, Riding Rd, Balmoral
3. 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.”
You can find Dance Fiit at Level 1/273 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne
4. 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
5. 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 from online store to brick and mortar, including their current Indooroopilly shop.
You can find Biome at Shop 3070/322 Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly
6. 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 victims of violence and abuse. 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.
7. 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 one of her stores around Brisbane or online. She’s also made a cookbook titled “Nourish, The Fit Woman’s Cookbook”. Check it out, and her activewear, via her online store.
8. 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. These 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 58 Hemmant Tingalpa Rd, Hemmant.
Check out the online store here.
9. 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.
10. 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!