Tampa is replete with remarkable local businesses that bring books, art, tech, and entertainment to the city. This is especially true of the woman-owned businesses across the city. In honor of Women’s History Month, we wanted to highlight women’s myriad contributions to the city. These entrepreneurs are blazing trails, and you can support their vision today in the city. 
Modern Paws
Owner: Lisa Prakobkit
This pet store simplifies nutrition and wellness with expert guidance and high-quality, natural products to keep fur babies healthy and happy.
Understanding that many pet owners want the best for their dogs and cats but may not know where to start, the store provides expert guidance along with a carefully curated selection of natural and holistic pet foods, treats, and unique products. More than just a pet supply store, it serves as a community resource, raising awareness about the importance of pet health and nutrition.
Visit: 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd Unit 144
7th and Grove
Owner: Khalilah McDuffie
Located in the heart of historic Ybor City, this Southern-inspired restaurant and lounge seamlessly blends food, nightlife, and culture, creating a vibrant community hub. As part of the award-winning 7th + Grove Hospitality Group, it offers an innovative dining experience with a mix of comforting Southern flavors and Guyanese-inspired cuisine. From fresh pastries to creatively crafted cocktails, every dish is designed to deliver bold flavors with a down-home flair. The warm ambiance and exceptional service make it a go-to spot for locals and visitors looking to unwind and celebrate. Whether enjoying a casual meal or a lively night out, guests embrace the welcoming atmosphere that encourages authenticity and connection.
Visit: 1930 East 7th Avenue
Psomi
Owner: Christina Theofilos
Psomi remains a proverbial favorite in Tampa. Owned and run by second-generation Greek-American Christina Theofilos, this daytime eatery and bakery epitomizes warmth and comfort. The menu features Greek items ranging from flavorful and tender octopus ceviche to house-made dolmades that display an added level of care. Of course, with a name that translates to bread, there must be baked goods, and you’ll find them all here.
Visit: 701 N Howard Ave
We Vegan Cafe
Owner: Sandra Aguilar-Carson
We Vegan Eats is a locally-owned and operated vegan bakery, and its delicious treats can be found all over the region in spots such as Kahwa Coffee, Raw Smoothie Co., Spaddy’s, Nebraska Mini Mart, and Black Radish Grocer. They also operate one of the best cafes in Tampa at 4326 South Manhattan Avenue.
The cafe first opened in the summer of 2021 and continues to captivate visitors with its wild array of freshly baked treats (try the dreamy marbled cake and gluten-free brownie) and a concise menu that still manages to pack a major flavor. The vegan crunch wrap was everything I ever wanted out of a meal. Their spicy cowboy Mac and cheese also looked incredible the last time I visited.
Visit: 4326 S Manhattan Ave
Maison Glo
Owner: Amy Neumeier
Skincare is self-care, and there’s nowhere better for a great facial to revitalize your skin than Maison Glo. This is a locally-owned membership-based skincare studio offering simple, expert-led treatments for consistent, healthy skin.
Visit: 1202 S Church Ave
Bake’n Babes
Owner: Julie Currie
This Tampa bakery consistently goes viral for its huge cookies and over-the-top milkshakes. Their mission is to sprinkle a little bit of joy in your day with our sweet treats. Mission accomplished.
Visit: 231 E Davis Blvd
Black English Bookstore
Owner: Gwen Henderson
Black English Bookstore is a women-owned and independently operated bookshop that caters to readers of all ages while elevating black-authored books.
The intimate storefront is 738 square feet, but the team packs in plenty of profound literature on the shelves. The inventory adds up to around 1,200 – 1,500 books, puzzles, notecards, art, and more.
“I am determined to amplify voices and pay tribute to our ancestors who were unable to read and write,” writes Henderson. “One of them is Sam Hightower (1860-1932) my great-great grandfather and I will read for him.”
Visit: 401 E Oak Avenue
BodyRok – Tampa
Owners: Alicia Whitis & Erin Greco
A high-intensity Pilates studio combining strength, cardio, and dynamic movement for a fast-paced, results-driven workout. The pilates-inspired, 45-min, full body, strength training group classes on the custom BODYROK reformer are a revelation.
Visit: 615 Channelside Dr
Where W/thal
Owner: Danielle Rushton
A bra brand reinventing fit with an adjustable backband for personalized comfort and support.
Toffee To Go
Owner: Lisa Schalk
A beloved family recipe evolved into a wildly popular dessert brand, famous for its handcrafted toffee, baked treats, and strong community spirit. Desserts by Toffee To Go keeps Instagram buzzing with its drool-worthy Toffee Crunch Cake, vibrant cake and pie slices that look almost too good to eat, and ultra-thick brownies. Every bite delivers rich flavors and homemade goodness, making it a must-visit for any dessert lover.
Visit: 3251 W. Bay to Bay Blvd
Dwell Home Market
Owner: Kristy Craig Anderson
A furniture brand offering high-quality, well-designed pieces at unbeatable prices with a customer-first approach.
Visit: 4912 S Lois Avenue; 1038 Water Street
Kawayan Strength
Owner: Janet Clemmensen
A pilates-based fitness approach inspired by the strength and flexibility of bamboo, blending movement and mindfulness to create balance.
Visit: 1219 N Franklin St
The Candle Pour
Owner: Misty Akers
This custom candle-making experience lets guests create personalized scents for candles, diffusers, and more. Located next to the beautifully curated bookstore at Oxford Exchange and in Hyde Park Village, it offers a stylish and inviting atmosphere. They’ve also expanded to St. Pete in the city’s popular EDGE District. Whether for a date night, a private party, or a solo creative escape, it’s the perfect spot to craft a signature scent and enjoy a unique, hands-on experience.
Visit: 1619 W Snow Cir; 420 W Kennedy Blvd
Camp
Owner: Jamie Lanza
CAMP is a dynamic fitness and yoga studio that blends movement, mindfulness, and play to build strength and foster community. It’s more than just a workout—CAMP offers a true adventure. The Stations workout takes strength training to the next level, combining serious fitness with a grown-up obstacle course. Navigate a circuit of innovative strength and cardio equipment that you won’t find anywhere else. Located in the heart of South Tampa, CAMP is designed as a place to play, connect, sweat, and network. The environmentally-conscious facility features a fully-stocked General Store with cool merch, snacks, and drinks, along with lockers, showers, and communal spaces to relax and hang out.
Visit: 3012 West Palmira Ave
Crème de la Crème
Owner: Shannon Yerrid
A go-to boutique for thoughtful gifts, offering unique finds for women and girls of all ages in a welcoming space.
Visit: 4246 W Bay to Bay Blvd 
Steamy Lit
Owner: Mel Saavedra
Steamy Lit is well known for its mission of uplifting romance writers from underrepresented backgrounds. Dedicated to amplifying voices of women romance authors of color and non-binary or genderqueer authors, the bookstore creates a space that celebrates self-love and open discussions on sexuality. Readers can expect a curated selection of inclusive romance novels and thoughtfully crafted book boxes that make each visit memorable.
Steamy Lit offers a unique gift destination that gives back. With each purchase, a portion of proceeds supports organizations aligned with the bookstore’s mission of empowerment, making each book a gift that resonates beyond the page.
Visit: 2832 S MacDill Ave
Clayton Gray
Owner: Wendy Garraty
A curated destination for luxury furniture, lighting, and décor, now showcased at Water Street for an immersive design experience.
Visit: 1042 Water Street
American Cookie Company
Owner: Roula Thibaudeau
South Tampa is overflowing with amazing foodie gems, and the latest standout is American Cookie Co. Owner Roula Thibaudeau whips up big batches of super-thick, melty cookies and serves them fresh from the Bakery Box window every Saturday. We highly recommend trying the classic chocolate chip cookie. It’s a delicious, nostalgic blast of sweetness.
Additionally, American Cookie Co is available on DoorDash and for local and nationwide shipping via their website!
Visit on Saturdays: 5226 S Dale Mabry Highway
Penelope T
Owners: Manne White & Nickie Smith
A chic, curated boutique offering effortless style and statement pieces, bringing joy and confidence through fashion you never knew you needed but can’t live without.
Visit: 3310 W Bay to Bay Blvd
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