Women of Cincy Gift Guide: Spring 2020
After braving another winter in the tri-state area, spring is FINALLY here in Cincinnati. It’s that wonderful time of year where we shower our mothers with accolades and gifts. Make no mistake, this isn’t just for our bio-moms, but all of the important role models in our lives. In this weird, uncertain time it is more imperative than ever to showcase female-owned businesses in our area and financially support our plucky entrepreneurs. It’s also not a bad time to treat yo’self as we hole up at home. Normally, we would encourage you to visit the brick and mortar stores, but with social distancing and community consciousness in mind, we’ve made an online guide to shop local. Let’s go!
Written + compiled by Courtney Reynolds. Photography provided.
While this is a great time to be inside and learn to bake, let’s not give your mom a DIY monkey bread you burned, and instead treat her to this local sweet shop. There is no exaggerating how tasty this local bakery is at all. You can simply order online and do a safe pick-up to grab those last minute homemade goods. Forget about those beach bodies and welcome decadence!
Chertova
I can’t stop focusing on fashion – not with so many talented women in Cincy like the incredibly talented jeweler, Rachel Chertoff. I guarantee you have seen her incredibly affordable pieces around town on local gals. She calls her work “bedside jewelry” because that’s the only time you will want to part with it.
Continuum Bazaar
To that trendsetting mother, this is your store to find designer products lovingly and carefully sifted by Ericka Leighton-Spradlin. She knows what Cincinnati folks will delight in, and that is a wardrobe that strangers will stop you on the street to ask about. We’re talking Black Crane clothing and free delivery for all you fashionistas!
Fashionista Franklin
When I was 13 years old, I was awkwardly following fashion cues from Seventeen Magazine and was certainly not as creative as this teen entrepreneur. A fanny pack becomes a piece of art when Erikka Franklin designs it, and she takes online orders. Follow her Instagram and YouTube channel to find out more. You can order her eye-popping array of satchels on Etsy. It’s clear, the next generation is certainly taking over.
Fern
My personal favorite local plant store located in College Hill, Fern is owned by Megan Strasser and houses everything from live plants to ceramics, candles, and even workshops. Fern also operates as an event space, showcasing weddings and photo shoots. Fern is currently live on their website selling plants and doing curbside delivery.
Four Eyes Ceramics
Want to be as cool as Jenny Slate and don the most unique pair of earrings? Then you must check out Jenny Rush’s collection of ceramic earrings. While the earrings may sound heavy, they are the lightest and most unusual earrings I own. With these earrings, your mom will be the absolute coolest gal on the block. Free shipping, so what’s stopping you?
Gia and the Blooms
I actually just ordered one of their burlap-wrapped bouquets to brighten up my home office, and it arrived in less than 24 hours! Gia and the Blooms is THE flower shop for Mom this year, whether you go for delivery or curb-side pick-up. And when the quarantine is over and you’ve met the cheese to your macaroni, Yuliya Bui also does weddings and events.
Ivy Costa Style
Struggling for that spring look and have no idea where to begin? Ivy Costa Style has you covered. She will help all those who need a kick in the pants after yoga pants season. While a personal wardrobe stylist may seem out of reach, Ivy makes it affordable and painless, plus she is your go-to for weddings; both brides and guests.
Pause Cincy
For those willing to venture out, Pause is having store hours with limited guests. On the plus side, they’ll be open for all you procrastinators who need a gift STAT. Made up of four different businesses: Diamyn’s Crystal Bar, District 78, Matunda Juicery Co., and Perfect Touch Help, Pause prides itself on holistic and alternative healing. A great place to take Mom after sheltering in place, where you can find everything from crystal healing (which we all need) to massages and candles while you sip on a homemade juice. Check out their Facebook page for news and delivery option.
Sloane
A carefully curated boutique in O.T.R., Sloane offers a wide range of prices and products. What’s my personal favorite? Their jewelry selection, and more specifically, their line of Jenny Bird jewelry. They cater to fashion forward women of the Queen City and are currently offering curb-side and free home delivery. Their new spring line will surely put a dent in your pocket book, and moms will love it too!
The Listing Loon
Need a great wine to drop off for Mother’s Day brunch? The Listing Loon, a female-owned Northside watering hole and (normally) event space, is doing carry-out pick-ups while sheltering in place. Sake your mom’s thing? Definitely do an order and they’ll fulfill your boozing needs!
501 Salon & Spa
Cross the river to find this unique salon in the cute town of Bellevue. You won’t regret buying a gift card for a fantastic massage and hair treatment. They recently started offering lash extensions, so once your roots grow out and nails need some attention, patronize this house of bliss. Until then, purchase gift cards online and schedule curb-side Aveda product deliveries.
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.