More than a dozen Memphis entrepreneurs have joined together to put women-owned small businesses on the map, having taken it upon themselves to launch a small business passport program this holiday shopping season. There are 14 businesses participating in the program, which runs through Sunday, Dec. 31, with each business offering sales, specials, and discounts to those shoppers collecting stamps for their passports. The small business passports are available at each of the 14 participating businesses.
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Whitney Winkler opened her art shop in 2020 in the Broad Avenue Arts District. (File photo: Sarah Rushakoff)It’s a diverse group of women that came together to launch the program, offering a wide range of products and services in neighborhoods throughout the city. And it’s Whitney Winkler, artist and shopkeeper at Whitney Winkler Art in the Broad Avenue Arts District, who first came up with the idea and began to put the program in motion.
“I just remember having a hard day, and thinking [that] surely I am not alone in both the highs and lows I feel as a brick-and-mortar entrepreneur,” Winkler says. “It felt vulnerable to reach out at first, but after our first meeting, I knew we all were going to be so much better together.”
Here are the 14 businesses participating in the Woman-Owned Passport program, strong on their own and, as Winkler says, better together.
ARCHd
Feminist gifts, decor, and more
getarchd.com
65 Monroe Ave. Suite A
Memphis, TN 38103
“What excites us most about this partnership is the potential to grow our business right here in our hometown with our fellow women-owned businesses,” say sisters Kristen and Lindsey Archer, co-owners of ARCHd. “Imagine if we all got five new customers from each of our fellow shops. That’s 65 new customers for each of us! Being downtown, we get a lot of tourists coming through asking for recommendations. Now we will have a tangible way to provide that to them in the way of the women-owned passport, all while supporting our fellow women-owned businesses.”
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Related: Read “Women Working It: Kristen and Lindsey Archer on risk, balance, and giving back” on High Ground News.]
Avenue Wrapping
Custom gift wrapping and handmade artisan goods
avenuewrapping.com
3092 Poplar Ave. Suite 13
Memphis, TN 38111
“Connection is what fuels the spirit of my business, from the products I choose to sell in my shop and the idea behind what started the bespoke gift wrapping services,” says owner Vanessa West. “For me the passport is empowering, more than just sharing our businesses, it showcases women supporting women and I’m proud to be a part of it."
Blue Suede Vintage
Vintage clothing, accessories, and home goods
bluesuedevintage.com
427 N. Watkins St.
Memphis, TN 38104
Boshi Botanicals
Natural, artisan soaps, and bath products
boshibotanicals.com
3092 Poplar Ave. Suite 16
Memphis, TN 38111
“I am proud to collaborate with so many other women-owned businesses in Memphis to help us all grow,” says Becky Beloin, founder and CEO of Boshi Botanicals, a company offering natural, artisan soaps and bath products. “It feels incredibly powerful to come together and use our collective energy to drive the success of all of our businesses.”
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Related: Read “All-natural, zero-waste soap maker takes the leap from arts and crafts markets to first storefront” on High Ground News.]
Cooper-Young Gallery + Gift Shop
Art, books, stationery, home decor, baby gifts, and more
cooperyoung.gallery
889 S. Cooper St.
Memphis, TN 38104
Everbloom Design
Special event floral studio and flower shop
everbloomdesign.com
2489 Broad Ave.
Memphis, TN 38112
Five in One Social Club
Crafting workshops, including stained glass, indigo dye, and more
fiveinonesocialclub.com
2575 Summer Ave.
Memphis, Tennessee 38112
Golden Hour
Plants, home decor, and gifts
goldenhourmemphis.square.site
356 N. Main St.
Memphis, TN 38103
Mbabazi House of Style
Women’s clothing store celebrating African prints
mbabazistyles.com
2553 Broad Ave.
Memphis, TN 38112
“This is the beginning of a business sisterhood, where we are choosing support for one another instead of competing against one another,” says owner Grace Byeitima.
Paradox at PeCo
Oddities and unique, unusual treasures
paradoxatpeco.com
248 Cooper St.
Memphis, TN 38104
Penn Home & Design Co.
Mindfully designed home goods
pennhomedesignco.com
3092 Poplar Ave. Suite 3
Memphis, TN 38111
ShopMucho
Modern Mexican women’s clothing
shopmucho.com
Located inside
Primas Bakery + Boutique
734 Mt. Moriah Rd. Suite 3
Memphis, TN 38117
“Being a solopreneur, it’s nice to have some like-minded ladies to lean on and share experiences with,” says owner Angelique Sloan. “I’m excited about the passport as an opportunity to share each other’s customers which will help gain awareness of our wonderful businesses!”
Snapdragon Floral
Wedding and retail floral shop
snapdragonfloraldesigns.com
734 Mt. Moriah Rd.
Memphis TN 38117
Whitney Winkler Art Studio & Shop
Art, handmade, and vintage shops
whitneywinkler.com
503 N. Hollywood St.
Memphis, TN 38112
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