Women Owned Businesses

March is Women’s History Month, where we recognize and honor all the hardworking women in our community. In the state of West Virginia, 98.8% of businesses are small businesses, and 35.7% of these are women-owned. From pop-ups, events, trendy storefronts, and a welcoming atmosphere, women-owned businesses in our area are putting our business district, along with Milton, Wayne, and Barboursville, on the map.

Booktenders is a local spot located in Barboursville. Co-owners, Mandee and Ashley, bartended together for many years while simultaneously participating in multiple book clubs. They decided to open a bookstore together that offered wine, nitro cold brew coffee, specialty teas, gifts, stationary, fountain pens, and so much more. Since opening, they have had incredible support from the community and were even chosen to host Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Barbara Kingsolver, for her one and only public appearance discussing her best-selling novel, Demon Copperhead. They host multiple book clubs including the fan favorite “Silent Book Club” where you can read in silence with dozens of others.

Sara Deel opened Old Main Emporium in 2014 with her then business partner, Sara Sturgen, after leaving the corporate world and stepping out on her own adventure. The Two Saras, as they were known, wanted to open a shop that specialized in Kelly green items after recognizing the lack of fun, fasionable options available locally. (If you’re not from here, Kelly green is the official color of Huntington’s own Marshall University.) More than a decade later, Deel continues to offer a wide range of items from clothing to jewelry to buffalo themed pint glasses and more.

Rebecca Thomas owns and operates True Soul Boutique in downtown Huntington just one block from Old Main Emporium. Her love of fashion led her to open TSB in 2020. Her goal is to create a welcoming and inspiring space that you leave feeling a little more fabulous than when you walked in. Both TSB and OME are located within Huntington’s PODA District, so grab a drink at Sip Downtown Brasserie, another women-owned business, then sip, stroll, and shop!

Twelvepole Trading Post is a woman-owned gem located in the heart of Wayne, just 20 minutes from downtown Huntington. They’re all about fresh, locally sourced food and drinks – think flavored iced coffes, pizza, and more, all made by hand with plenty of love. Owner Lacy Ferguson describes the business as a “passion project” inspired by the community and warmly embraced by locals. She and her husband Park also run Elmcrest Farm and team up with other local farmers to keep Twelvepole’s shelves stocked. For Lacy, it’s all about building strong local connections and growing their community.

Women-owned businesses add so much heart and character to our communities – from cool shops to cozy cafes and everything in between. When you support them, you’re helping real people. This Women’s History Month, let’s keep showing up, shopping local, and celebrating the women making a difference every day.