The spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and well in Oklahoma City, especially when it comes to women-owned businesses. To celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 and Women’s History Month this March, we’re highlighting a handful of the most amazing local spots in the Oklahoma City metro that are run by women. Scroll down below to learn more about a few of the wonderful, women-owned spots that make our community such a vibrant place.
Before she began working in marriage and family therapy, Nina Westbrook was a collegiate athlete at UCLA, where she studied English and psychology. She went on to earn her master’s in clinical psychology and has spent most of her professional life assisting others in fulfilling their emotional and psychological needs. She opened The Little Ark to provide parents with a place to bring their toddlers for creative play time, while also shopping for a wide range of curated gifts, home decor, sportswear and gadgets.
What Yelpers Say: I went into Little Ark and was greeted right away and asked if I needed help with anything. I told her what I had in mind and she walked me around the store giving me several ideas. I finally landed on a swaddle blanket with a lovey… I will definitely be back as I need additional gifts for my new niece! –Rachel F
Betsy King knew there was a need for unique shoes at a certain price point when she opened her shop in 2015. She has since created a cult following of fashion-forward shoppers who love the occasional classic and know how to mix high and low. The living room aesthetic of the shop is a perfect fit for the relationships she’s built with her regulars. As Betsy likes to say, “When you’re having a bad day, you don’t go shopping for jeans.” Customers come for the shoes, and stay for the conversation.
What Yelpers Say: “This corner shop is filled with Betsy’s well selected shoes and more. I found the cutest Italian leather booties 50% off one day–a pair I would have never noticed unless Betsy pointed them out. They are easily my favorite pair of shoes now.” –Stephanie S
When Laura Cade started her mobile tailoring service, she didn’t realize she was addressing so many of her customers’ needs. “This started as a side gig for me, and I didn’t want to lease retail space for something I did on my days off work, so I opted to go the mobile route. I built the whole business around what I could give. Come to find out, there was such a need for it: people are more comfortable at home, they have the right shoes in their closet, and they don’t feel rushed. Sometimes they remember a lot of other things they need me to alter.” She also discovered people often forget their alterations at traditional shops for months at a time – she delivers most items back within a week. The business has taken off, and she’s now a full-time entrepreneur.
What Yelpers Say: Amazing! Highly recommend. Not only was pricing reasonable, but Laura came to my house to fit my dress and dropped it off (even on a Saturday)! Super convenient and I was shocked at how quickly she was able to alter my bridesmaid’s dress. Will definitely use for alterations in the future! –Jules A
Art Craft Love Creative Space
As the proprietor of Art Craft Love Creative Space, CeCi Mothershed oversees an eclectic mix of social and professional activities. The intimate, multi-functional space plays host to private events such as bridal or baby showers and birthday parties, as well as painting classes, crafting classes, and pop-up shops. From day-to-day, the space means different things to different people, as the blank canvas transforms overnight for different rentals or CeCi’s own classes and events.
What Yelpers Say: Quote
“We had a fabulous succulent class with Ceci at Art Craft Love. She had all kinds of fun supplies for us, and it was clear she knew what she was doing. She drew on her science background to help us make beautiful terrariums for our plants, and explained exactly how to keep them going strong after class.” –Leah R
For Jamie Winteroth, the decision to open Social Deck + Dining was not a difficult one. “My husband, Jordan, and I both had this pipe dream of opening a restaurant forever,” says Jamie, “and we had both kind of plateaued in our respective areas. The opportunity arose and we just jumped on it. I’m proud that our son can watch us create, and do something to make life better for our family.” The move turned out to be even better than expected; they’ve recently re-opened (and re-imagined) a shuttered restaurant in Plaza, Aurora.
What Yelpers Say: I love this place! The food is fantastic and the staff are incredibly nice. I’ve had their hummus, burrata board and vegetable tiki masala. Their vegan and vegetarian choices are what will keep me coming back but they have a wide variety of selections for all kinds of eaters including carnivores. –Jodi H
Want to find more women-owned businesses in the 405? Check out this collection.
Photography by: Nina E (The Little Ark); Yelper Julie S (Betsy King Shoes); Business Owner (OK SEW CO), Yelper Julie S (Art Craft Love Creative Space), Yelper Mary A (Social Deck + Dining)
