Women of Cincy Gift Guide: Spring 2018
There is winter. There is summer. And in Cincinnati, there are three weeks in between that some people like to call spring. It’s that time of year when we’re craving a refresh – opening up the curtains to let the sunlight in and impatiently counting down the days until we can finally put away those bulky winter coats. There is so much to celebrate in the spring – from moms and dads to college grads, to birthdays and holidays and summer looming just around the corner. That is why we are delighted to share with you our first ever Women of Cincy Gift Guide, where we’ll showcase a seasonal roundup of goods and experiences either made or sold by local women-owned businesses.
Why Shop Women-Owned?
While we’ve made huge strides in the last few decades, women-owned business still only account for 38 percent of all businesses owned in the United States. We want to change that. And in terms of the top 50 metro areas in the U.S., Cincinnati ranks 47th for both growth and economic clout of women-owned businesses. We want to change that, too.
“It is so easy for women, especially, to get a case of ‘fraudy feelings’ or ‘imposter syndrome,’ no matter what industry you’re in, and think you have nothing unique to contribute or that you don’t have what it takes to run your own business. I can tell you with great certainty that is not the case.”
–Emily Little, owner of Queen City Alchemy
Why Shop Local?
There are so many reasons to shop local, but let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Choosing to shop local has a huge impact on both our local community and our environment. When you spend your money at a locally owned business, not only are you supporting local entrepreneurs and their families, but you are also putting money back into the community: Shopping local generates over three times more wealth for the local economy than spending money at a big box chain. Local businesses also spend far less on processing, packaging, and transportation waste than retail chains, and are much more likely to reuse and recycle materials.
“Shopping local is casting a vote that means you value your local economy and the people in your community. I think it's very important to support your community monetarily – the more it thrives, the more new businesses pop up and ultimately makes a more diverse and interesting community to be a part of.”
–Rosie Kovacs, co-owner of Brush Factory
Simply put, we believe that where you spend your dollar matters, and by being more intentional with where we put our hard earned cash, we can both support and celebrate all of the women bringing us the goods, building up communities, and making Cincinnati a great place to call home. From whimsical stationery and handcrafted handbags, to pastries and pours made with love, it is our hope that this guide inspires you to seek out meaningful experiences and presents with purpose.
Know of a women maker, baker, artist, or entrepreneur you’d like to see featured in future guides? Give me a shout at sarahkmackey@gmail.com.
All photography provided.
The Goods: The Recent Grad
1. Big Canvas Tote, Bando, $25; 2. Color Block Pens, Bando, $14; 3. Mood Cycles Notebook, People I’ve Loved, $15; 4. Congrats Grad Card, $5, all from Handzy, 15 W Pike St, Covington, KY 41011
The Resident Botanist
1. Rose Planter with Saucer, Bloomingville, $30; 2. Hanging Pinch Pot, CG Ceramics, $26; 3. Hoya Tricolor Kokedama, $35; 4. Hawes Brass Plant Mister, $25, all from Fern, 6040 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45224
The Fashionable Friend
1. Vogue Mirror - Angel, $50, Working Girls; 2. Sparkle Diva Alpha Female Tee, $40, Working Girls; 3. Calder River Top, $155 Continuum, 1407 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202; 4. Cosmopolitan Sunglasses, $50, Barcode Glam
The Accessorizor
1. Dove Earrings, Four Eyes Ceramics, $75 at Continuum; 2. Natural-Dyed Handbag, $138, The Northern Market; 3. Rainbow Pendant, Yellow Owl Workshop at Handzy; 4. Hoop Earrings, Young Frankk, $80, Continuum
The Friend Still Recovering from Hibernation Mode
1. Bacon Socks, Woven Pear, $15, Handzy; 2. Soy Candle, $16, H&B; 3. Cincinnati Chili Passport, $16, Handzy; 4. Wooden Bottle Rock – Maple, $22, Brush Factory, 1417 Main Street Cincinnati, Ohio, 45214; 5. Lemon Cold Process Soap, $10.95, Queen City Alchemy, 1808 Race Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (opening late May)
The Escapades
This Mother’s Day: Treat Your Mom to Pedicures and Pastries
1. Strongest Woman Card, $5, Handzy; 2. Spruce OTR, 1235 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202; 3. Brown Bear Bakery, 116 E 13th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202; 4. Quaintrelle Confections, 1210 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
This Father’s Day: Treat Your Dad to Bagels, Brews, or Brunch
1. Lucky Dad Card, $5, Handzy; 2. Landlocked Social House, 648 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45206; 3. Lil’s Bagels, 308 Greenup St, Covington, KY 41011; 4. CWC The Restaurant, 1517 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215