Women of Cincy Gift Guide: Fall 2020
Written + compiled by Courtney Reynolds. Photography provided.
1230 Vine St., Cincinnati, O.H. 45202
Need a birthday gift for the coolest trendsetter in your life? This is the place to go. Julie Clark and Jessica Murray purchased Idlewild in May 2018, and Tessa Clark (their daughter and cousin), manages the store. The mission of Idlewild Woman is to empower women through their clothing while using sustainable and ethical material, what more could you ask for?
Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse
3546 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, O.H. 45207
Coffee, food, and community brought these two B.F.F.’s together to form Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse in Evanston. Crystal Grace and Taren Kinebrew have been friends for more than 30 years, each bringing their acumen to their new business: Taren is the owner of Sweet Petit Desserts in Over-the-Rhine and Crystal is the owner of Grace + Grit Spa in Silverton. Being a resident of Evanston, Grace wanted to create a business in the area while offering unique coffee blends and plant-based food. What’s better than that? This: they’re creating an entrepreneurship and internship program for local children. I love that this coffeehouse is so much more than merely coffee – it is a place to have community, eat healthily, and learn from these amazing friends.
Pure Beauty Skin Bar
7337 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, O.H. 45236
Acne. What feels like a rite of passage just happens to be one of the worst parts of being a teenager. I had my fair share of acne as a teen, but now my son is repeating in my unhappy footsteps. We tried everything. Then I happened upon Pure Beauty on Instagram – maybe my phone is listening? Anyway, we found these fantastic acne-fighting cleansers and treatments created by Sylvia Brownlee. She also produces a line of high-performance makeup products such as her acne-safe foundation and her universal highlight and bronzer duo. Hello, glowing skin!
Lobe Yoself
One thing I am obsessed with during quarantine is cute jewelry while I’m wearing my mask – and earrings are number one on that list, specifically clay earrings. I love them and the mother/daughter duo behind Lobe Yoself, Kristina and Ingrid Moehring. It all began one Christmas; they were creating ornaments and just decided to see what else they could do with salt dough, and a business was born. Thank goodness, because many (myself included) are now devout fans of their creations, which come with a great price. "Our goal is to make affordable pieces that make people feel empowered and beautiful," said Kris. Ingrid is so proud of her daughter and loves designing with her, saying, "I love femininity and earthy colors. I believe that the delicate flowers and tones I choose for the earrings showcase those characteristics."
Me By Lee
Alishia Lee began her career from her love of sewing passed down by her mother and grandmother. She began by altering clothes, such as hand-me-downs, and slowly started making her own pieces for special occasions. This culminated in selling her first piece at a store after being stopped by a customer who just had to have what Alishia was wearing. How rad is that?! My favorite part about her clothing? It's for all sizes, including those of us who are of the Bootylicious persuasion. The fabric she uses is sustainable and genuine Ankara fabric. Alishia is always adding more clothing items to her website, so finding the perfect gift is oh-so easy.
Grainwell
316 W. Pike Street, Covington, K.Y. 41011
If you know anything about Grainwell, you know it’s owned and operated by a couple of talented sisters. These ladies started by making a wooden sign. Simple, right? But after surprising their parents with one, they had a business idea in the works. The sisters loved collaborating, and they formed a woodshop and boutique together. They combine art with a brick-and-mortar store curating local products and showcasing their wood designs. The holidays always arrive quicker than you expect, and Grainwell is full of heart-felt gifts for loved ones – they even make custom items!
Prism Pilates
3212 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, O.H. 45209
I have severe back pain from an injury, and I found this lovely little pilates studio two years ago. I had never tried reformer classes or knew what the heck it was, but I slowly, and awkwardly, began to get the hang of it. Pilates is the best workout – it uses parts of your body you didn't know you had, and there is something about it that makes you feel so strong – both in mind and body. I know, I know, it sounds cheesy, but it's true! Anyway, this little studio was founded by Rachel Appel. She has a team of strong women instructors who do group classes and private sessions. Rachel is currently doing virtual mat classes via Zoom, which are JUST as intense and mind-blowing as her in-person classes. I highly suggest getting your ass kicked by these women.
Steadfast Studio
During the protests this summer, I was looking for places to put my money to support Black Lives Matter and other progressive movements, and I just happened upon this artist who was making stickers and donating the proceeds to different causes. Over the past two months, founder Anahita has raised over $1500 on sticker sales alone! Anahita is a digital designer and a jewelry creator, drawing on the themes of fat positivity, accessibility, L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.P+ pride, and antiracism. You can find Anahita’s art through Etsy, or you can check out Anahita’s website for even more artwork and services – Anahita’s even licensed to marry you and yours!
Beyond Fresh
Rebecca S. Armstrong is the owner and blogger of Beyond Fresh with R.J.S, and it’s like a boutique wrapped in a nurturing self-care book. Her online shop offers unique headpieces like custom made head wraps, signature floral R.J.S turbans and hats, patches, artwork prints, and stationery. Rebecca’s blog is a great place to be inspired. There, you learn different health and hygiene techniques and her thoughts dealing with this isolating pandemic. Check out her site and blog – she is truly a gift to the queen city!
Barcode Glam
10002 Montgomery Rd., Suite #16, Cincinnati, O.H. 45242
Honesty time my fellow queens, I am someone who has some extra jiggle in my wiggle – a "thick shake" if you will. Lizzo lyrics help me embrace myself, but sometimes not all boutiques carry my voluptuous size. So I was pumped to see a special section called "Curvy Girl Glam" on Barcode Glam's website. Founder Shanequa Johnson is the epitome of an entrepreneur. It started when she was threading eyebrows and opened the online women's boutique in 2015, thinking it would be a side hustle. But as she improved her skills, she wanted to combine both businesses. In 2019, she finally opened the doors to the Barcode Glam Studio. Shanequa continues to maintain her online website, but her lash, eyebrow, and makeup studio is open for business. After you finish visiting her, you'll be humming Lizzo lyrics like yours truly.
Want more? Check out our past gift guides. Know of a woman maker, baker, artist, or entrepreneur you’d like to see featured in future guides? Give us a shout.