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Women of Worcester
A snapshot directory of women-led businesses and organizations in the area, adapted from our Bingo game at the 2021 Kick-off Event!
There are so many incredible women-owned and led businesses and organizations in Worcester and we want to make it easy for you to find them! This is by no means a comprehensive list, but a solid starting point for the awesomeness you can find in Worcester. Some of these are co-owned by men - we can appreciate a good partnership. Contact us (contact@ypwaworcester.com) if you have any you want to add (or if you notice any errors)!
Bakeries
Crust Bakeshop
Crust has two locations that serve delicious coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches! You can also find their pretzels and other treats in some breweries, like Redemption Rock and Timberyard.
Co-owned by: Alexis Kelleher
Our suggestion: Grab a dirty chai and a chocolate chip cookie and sit on the patio at their West Boylston Street location. You can also grab local treats like jams and honeys while you’re there.
Glazy Susan
Worcester’s first specialty donut shop that bakes and glazes the classics, vegan, and seasonal offerings that melt in your mouth.
Co-owned by: Susan and Joe Skrzek
Our suggestion: Order your must-try donut online, and then when you stop in to their DCU location to pick up... surprise yourself with more donuts and one of their seasonal drinks!
Other Sweet Treats
Mrs. Moriconi's
Serving up from-scratch artisan ice cream, Mrs. Moriconi’s can be found at events all over Massachusetts or during certain hours at their home base, The Sprinkler Factory.
Owned by: Julia Moriconi
Our suggestion: The Milk & Cookies ice cream is a partnership with Crust Bake Shop - double win!
The Cookie Lady's Daughter
A cookie company specializing in decorating events and take-home activities, The Cookie Lady’s Daughter hosts classes at local breweries and wineries: like a paint night, but with cookies.
Owned by: Veronica Adams
Our suggestion: Grab tickets to one of her classes at Redemption Rock Brewing Co. - you can grab take-out from somewhere on Shrewsbury St, get there early, and have dinner and a beer before you decorate your dessert.
Activities
Worcester Center for Crafts
Offering classes in glassblowing, pottery, metal working, photography, and more, the Worcester Center for Crafts is the perfect place to find a creative outlet.
Executive Director: Elaine McKenna-Yeaw
Our suggestion: Sign up for a pottery class, and then binge The Great Pottery Throwdown on Netflix!
Restaurants
Specialty Shops
Sweet Jane's Designer Consignment
A short walk from Armsby Abbey, Sweet Jane’s is a fabulous shop filled with designer bags, on trend clothing, and a great place to scoop up something new to your closet.
Owned by: Amanda Setaro (A 2021 40 Under 40 winner!)
Our suggestion: If you have an upcoming event (the onslaught of delayed events shall be upon us for a while), we suggest scoping the racks for some swanky dresses and heels.
The O Shop
Tucked right into the residential West Side is Worcester’s newest boutique for lingerie and intimacy products. The store has been curated to truly celebrate all bodies, and the team creates a safe space so you can feel your best for any event!
Owned by: Stephanie Ramey
Our suggestion: Their Evelyn & Bobbie Defy bra is like wearing angel wings on your boobs, snag one in a neutral or check out their seasonal colors and thank us later.
Worcester Wares
Worcester Wares is located inside both the DCU center and the Worcester Public Market and sells locally made Worcester gifts and souvenirs.
Owned by: Jessica Walsh
Our suggestion: Grab one of their stickers (designed by local artists!) for your water bottle or laptop to represent your city.
Events
Ladies Night Out Worcester
An annual ticketed event, held this year in the Higgins Armory building, where 60+ women-owned shops, businesses, and groups come together for the best day of shopping and networking that you can imagine.
Owned by: Allison Hale
Our suggestion: We hope you stopped by the YPWA table ;)
Health & Wellness
NKD Beauty
NKD is an esthetics studio for both women and men, specializing in waxing, lash extensions, skincare, and permanent eyebrow makeup.
Owned by: Kristie-Lee Laskes
Our suggestion: Book an appointment with Marlena, NKD’s resident massage therapist. She is a pain relief wizard, and on your way out book yourself one of the seasonal facials as a treat for your next visit.
Breweries
Redemption Rock Brewing Co.
One of Worcester’s B Corp businesses, Redemption offers a beautiful, bright space for humans (and their furry friends) to sip delicious beers and coffee beverages while snacking on cheese and hummus boards.
Co-owned by: Dani Babineau
Our suggestion: Get there on a Tuesday and join in the brewery’s weekly run club. You might even catch a glimpse of Jimmy, the brewery cat, who runs the place.
Nonprofits
Main IDEA
A non-profit that empowers youth by providing quality accessible arts programs to under-resourced communities, specifically in the Main South area of Worcester.
Executive Director: Joy Murrieta
Our suggestion: twice a year they collaborate with The Cookie Lady’s Daughter to accept donations sponsoring cookie activities for the kids! Follow along on social media for more info.
Services
Stephanie Audette Design, LLC
Stephanie Audette Design is a branding & graphic design company for small businesses.
Owned by: Stephanie Audette Connor.
Serving Worcester County and the surrounding area, Stephanie has helped build the look of Worcester by offering her branding services to some of our favorite local spaces.