40+ Women Owned Businesses in Metro Detroit

Detroit Vegan Soul | Photo by Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press

Every Wednesday, Canine to Five features local women owned businesses using the hashtag #WomanOwnedWednesday on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. As a woman owned business ourselves, we understand and appreciate the impact community outreach and support can have, and we have chosen to spotlight our fellow #bossladies each week to show some love!

Canine to Five is a dog care facility in Detroit and Ferndale, offering dog grooming, dog daycare, and dog boarding. This post was written during the 2020 pandemic, listed hours and availability of businesses and products are subject to change.

Kat Ku Modern Pet Photos2 2

Online

Kat is the pet photographer behind Kat Ku Modern Pet Photos. Established in 2011, this #bosslady has worked with Michigan Humane, Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control, and pet parents all around southeast Michigan capturing beautiful photos of our four-legged friends 🐕 🐈 Check out her gallery and schedule a session at https://katkuphotography.com

Detroit’s Future Is Female3 1

Online

Kayla Borgen created Detroit’s Future Is Female in 2017. This clothing, accessory, and decor brand focuses on female empowerment, promoting entrepreneurship, social change, and using their voice to make a difference. Kayla donates a portion of her sales to organizations like the Detroit Justice Center, A Beautiful Me, Alternatives For Girls, and Rebel Dogs Detroit! You can check out her store online at https://www.detroitsfutureisfemale.com/

Matt & 1Mo’s Italian Beef

24110 John R. Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030

Mo Marzullo co-owns Matt & Mo’s Italian Beef with her husband, Matt. Serving up au jus-dipped roasted Italian beef sandwiches, coney dogs, fried ravioli, and more, this #bosslady has gone from pop-ups to food trucks, to having a space inside Doug’s Delight in Hazel Park! You can order online for curbside pickup at https://www.mmitalianbeef.com/

EagleMonk Pub & Brewery2

4906 Mt. Hope Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917

Sonia Buonodono owns EagleMonk Pub and Brewery with her husband, Dan. This brewhouse is a 7-barrel system, making 217 gallons at a time! Their Beer Garden is currently open for outside dining, To-Go beer and food, Tuesday – Sunday 4-7PM. Check out their menu at https://www.eaglemonkbrewing.com/

 

AGIConstructionSolutions3

1211 Trumbull Street, Detroit, MI 48216

Tanya Saldivar-Ali is the co-founder of AGI Construction Solutions, providing commercial and multi-housing interior remodeling, retrofitting, and building services to community development projects. Based in Southwest Detroit, this #bosslady is currently working on the 18th Street Design Build Hub, an innovation office for AGI that will also provide a space for residents to engage with development taking place locally, and provide a platform for collaboration with construction industry and design experts. Learn more about their services and projects at https://www.agiconstruction.net/

Radiant Paws4 1

Online

Have you ever thought about getting your dog a massage? 💆‍♀️ Certified Pet Massage and Reiki Practitioner, Jill Valuet, owns Radiant Paws. Providing massage services out of Bingo Pet Salon and Paws Around Motown, Jill says, “Dog massage can be used after injury, illness, or surgery. It’s also helpful for older dogs. And owners who have anxious dogs have also found that massage can relieve stress and calmer responses to stimuli.” Learn more and schedule an appointment at https://www.radiantpawspm.com/

Polished Lounge5 1

4417 2nd Ave. Suite 3, Detroit, MI 48201

Ia Vang just opened the only nail salon in Midtown last week (November 2020). Polished Lounge specializes in all nail services, offering manicures, pedicures, gel polish, organic dipping powder, and more. That’s not all, this #bosslady also has the capacity to host any large events, like work mani and pedi luncheons, bridal parties, or a simple girls night out! Book your appointment online at http://www.polishedloungedetroit.com/

La Palapan del Parian6 1

1633 Lawndale St., Detroit, MI 48209

Have you eaten from an El Parian food truck? They’re woman owned! If you’ve yet to experience this authentic Mexican cuisine, #bosslady Nancy Diaz just opened La Palapa del Parian in Southwest Detroit. Whether you dine-in or carry out, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

 

The Art of The Zodiac7 1

Online

CV Henriette is all about astrology. Owning Art of the Zodiac, she is able to provide astrological insights and cosmic apothecary. That’s not all, this #bosslady also writes for ACRONYM, and is the founding partner of the Thai restaurant, Takoi! Shop her collection at https://www.artofthezodiac.co/

 

PAWNIX8 1

Online

Kirsten Brand is the inventor of a unique, stress saving product. PAWNIX are noise cancelling headphones – for dogs! 🤯 This #bosslady, and MSU graduate, came up with this idea from her own personal experience with her dog, Emma. Emma is afraid of all loud noises, and after trying oils, treats, music, and compression vests, she discovered her own noise cancelling headphones worked perfectly! Now designed to fit comfortably over a dog’s head, you can purchase your own at https://pawnix.com/

Motor City Woman Studios9 1

Online

Robin Kinnie founded Motor City Woman Studios with a goal to amplify the voices of women in front of the microphone and increase the number of women the audio engineering profession. This #bosslady has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Women Leading In the Detroit Community, and has even written a guide for novice podcasters! You can listen live, and even take an online class on podcasting, at https://motorcitywoman.com/

Detour Detroit10 1

Online

Ashley Woods Branch is the founder and CEO of Detour Detroit, a local journalism startup that builds community, spotlights neighborhood issues, and curates Detroit news through an equitable perspective. This #bosslady recently launched a real estate, housing, and development newsletter called The Dig. The Dig is packed with stories, analysis, and how-to guides about the built environment across Detroit’s 143 square miles. Sign up to make sure you never miss a story at https://detourdetroiter.com/the-dig/

Strategic Staffing Solutions11 1

3011 West Grand Blvd Suite 2100, Detroit, MI 48202 & Online 

This month (September 2020) marks Strategic Staffing Solutions’ 30 year anniversary! #Bosslady Cynthia Pasky started this global IT consulting and business services corporation in 1990, and has since expanded across 49 states and 22 countries. S3 has been named among the top 25 woman-owned businesses in the nation, Cynthia herself has been inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, and best of all – she is Dorney’s mom with a passion for animals and the city of Detroit! Cynthia has used her success to donate millions to a variety of charities and community enrichment projects, including Michigan Humane, the Detroit Mounted Police, the ASPCA, and the Detroit Zoo. We appreciate her for always being there for Canine to Five, being our biggest fan and supporter throughout the years. You can learn more about her business at https://www.strategicstaff.com

Five Star Cake Co12 2

19421 E. 10 Mile Road, Roseville, MI 48066

Starlett Simmons is the owner and head pastry chef at Five Star Cake Co. in Roseville. What started as a hobby, turned into a home baking business, then her very own brick and mortar store in 2017. This #bosslady offers online ordering through http://fivestarcakeco.com/ and curbside pickup.

 

Wheelhouse Bike Shop13 1

1340 E. Atwater St., Detroit, MI 48207

Kelli Kavanaugh, AKA Jack & Exley’s mom, has owned Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop since 2008. This #bosslady offers bike repairs, rentals, retail, and tours! 🚲 Check out her upcoming tours, like the Corktown Bicycle Tour, Riverwalk / Dequindre Cut Bicycle Tour, Public Art Bicycle Tour, and Eastern Market Bicycle Tour, at https://www.wheelhousedetroit.com

The Royce & Marrow14 1

The Royce: 76 W. Adams Ave., Detroit, MI 48226
& Marrow: 8044 Kerchavel Suite 1B, Detroit, MI 48214

Ping Ho is the founder of not one, but TWO businesses. The Royce, a wine retail shop and bar, and Marrow, a farm to table restaurant and butcher shop. Both are open with online ordering available, and both offer subscriptions services, too! Check them out at https://www.marrowdetroit.com/ & https://www.theroycedetroit.com/

Venture Title Agency15 1

22300 West Village Drive, Dearborn, MI 48124

Lola Elzein, AKA The Title Lady, owns Venture Title Agency. This #bosslady has helped thousands of families work through the process of purchasing their first home! Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing, visit https://vtclosings.com to have Lola on your side.

 

Drought16 1

28822 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48067

Talk about girl power! Did you know Drought is owned by 4 sisters from Detroit? The James sisters started this organic, cold-pressed raw juice company in 2010 and has since distributed their brand into over 80 different stores across the Midwest. These #bossladies also have brick and mortar locations in Detroit, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, and Plymouth, PLUS an online store at https://droughtjuice.com/

Beau Bien Fine Foods17 1

2478 Riopelle St., Detroit, MI 48207

Beau Bien Fine Foods began producing preserves and condiments with local Michigan fruits in 2010. Founder Noelle Lothamer wanted to create products that paired well with both sweet and savory foods. Working directly with regional farmers, Noelle recently left her business to local heirloom tomato farmer, Katrina Lott, who has been able to continue producing these jams, chutneys, and mustards. That’s two #bossladies in one post! https://beaubienfinefoods.com/

DCreated Boutique18 1

Online

Brianna Williams is a Detroit based seamstress who began making organic clothing for her newborn baby. This experience inspired her to start DCreated Boutique, offering clothing and accessories for babies and toddlers. This #bosslady also began making face masks for both adults and children that are made from 100% cotton 😷 You can check out her whole collection and order online at https://www.etsy.com/shop/dcreatedboutique

Coup D’Etat Vintage Clothing19 1

3044 W. Grand Blvd. Suite L-460, Detroit, MI 48202

Coup D’Etat Vintage Clothing just opened November of 2019 in Detroit’s New Center. This contemporary women’s boutique is owned by #bosslady Angela Wisniewski. You can shop online, in store, and even be virtually styled via video call by Angela herself! Check her out at https://shopcoupdetat.com

 

Orchid Thai20 1

115 Monroe Street, Detroit, MI 48226
Owner of  Orchid Thai, Ally Vang, has weathered her business through 2 recessions since opening in 2004. Now throwing a global pandemic into the mix, this #bosslady still does not plan to close her doors. Offering authentic Thai cuisine, you can visit in person or order online through GrubHub and DoorDash. https://www.orchidthaidetroit.com/

21 1JKM Soy Candles

Online & Local Retailers

Metro Detroiter, Jenny Rostkowski, started JKM Soy Candles in 2008. What first started as a hobby, quickly turned into a business with her candles in over 50 stores nationwide! Every candle is hand poured by this #bosslady, who is now making quarantine inspired candles like, ‘Is 2020 Over Yet??,’ ‘I’m “Essential”,’ and ‘Wash Your Damn Hands.’ Check out her collection at https://www.jkmsoycandles.com/

Period Box22

Online

This #WomanOwnedWednesday is for the ladies! Detroit native Christina Rutherford is the CEO/Founder of Period.Box, an online store that ships a natural, plant-based medicine that soothes cramps, calms PMS, and balances hormones. This #bosslady‘s mission is personal, as she suffered herself from intense symptoms and using painkillers. Shop her products online at https://www.yourperiodbox.com/

Mama Coo’s Boutique23 1

1701 Trumbull Suite C, Detroit, MI 48216

Lana Rodriguez owns Mama Coo’s Boutique, a clothing and accessories store located right in Detroit’s historic Corktown. This #bosslady has shifted her business to offer sidewalk sales, curbside pickups, and Facebook/Instagram sales. https://www.facebook.com/Mama-Coos-Boutique-616519985080846/

Huddle Soft Serve24 1

2 John R. Street, Detroit, MI 48226

Looking for ways to keep cool this summer? Huddle Soft Serve is a walk-up window in downtown Detroit that offers frozen custard. Owner Lea Hunt manages her business alongside her husband, Kyle, and can even bring custard to your event with their Huddle Truck rentals! 🍦 Check them out at http://www.huddle-softserve.com/

Discount Candles Detroit25 1

1484 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI 48207

Looking to feel more zen? 🧘‍♀️ Owner of Discount Candles Detroit, Star Gazer, offers candle dressing, chakra candles, meditation incense, and more, to help with things like prosperity, good health, peace, wisdom, power, and success. They are back open in Eastern Market, Monday – Saturday from 10AM – 5:30PM. https://www.facebook.com/discountcandlesdetroit/

Detroit Vegan Soul26 1

8029 Agnes St., Detroit, MI 48214  & 19614 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48223

Kirsten Ussery & Erika Boyd own Detroit Vegan Soul (D.V.S). Their mission is to help people live healthier lives while doing their part to support a sustainable earth. These #bossladies have had to temporarily close one of their locations due to the stay at home order, and are now offering online ordering with curbside pickup Tuesday through Saturday. Check out their menu at http://www.detroitvegansoul.com/

Paisley Paper Co.27 1

Online

Paisley Paper Co. was created by Andrea Williams, a #bosslady with amazing calligraphy skills. In 2017, she began creating greeting cards, notebooks, bags, enamel pins, and t-shirts with phrases like “From Detroit, With Love” and “Detroit is a Feeling.” You can shop her products online at https://www.paisleypaperco.com/

 

The Kitchen by Cooking with Que28 1

6529 Woodward Ave. Suite A, Detroit, MI 48202
Quiana “Que” Broden owns a local restaurant called The Kitchen by Cooking with Que. Named as Detroit’s only demonstration kitchen and culinary shared space, it serves as a Cafe during the day and a learning & event space by night. Que’s mission is all about eating healthy by introducing more plant based meals into everyday living. Since COVID, this #bosslady has begun offering a catering service, meal prep service, an online marketplace to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, curbside contactless pickup, and delivery!  https://www.thekitchenbycwq.com/

Better Life Bags28 2

9411 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212 
Better Life Bags is a boutique owned by Rebecca Smith. This #bosslady‘s mission is to hire women who have various barriers to employment, giving them a chance to succeed in life, family, and friendship. During the pandemic, Rebecca has pivoted her business to make face masks for both adults and children. You can view her selection at betterlifebags.com

MAYS Multimedia29 1

21683 Melrose Ave., Southfield, MI 48075
Elizabeth Mays is the CEO of  MAYS Multimedia, a full service media firm in Detroit that has specialized in image overview and branding for 74 years. While this time of year is typically wedding and event invitations, Mays’ business has shifted to mostly obituaries. This #bosslady has been able to provide an online portal for families to make program and obituary design selections in lieu of meeting in person. You can read more about what her business is doing here: How a legacy Black-owned business adapted to serve Detroit mourners during an epidemic. https://maysmedia.us/

Bon Bon Bon30 1

441 W. Canfield Suite 12, Detroit, MI 48201

Alexandra Clark owns Bon Bon Bon, a chocolate shop with locations in Hamtramck and Detroit. During this time, still offering her sweet treats via delivery! You can get flavors like Killer Cereal, Coffee & Donuts, and Lemon Bar None at https://bonbonbon.com/a/store-locator/midtown-detroit-canfield.html

 

Canine To Five31 1

1221 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, MI 48220 & 3443 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48201

What better #bosslady to feature than our very own? Liz Blondy is celebrating Canine to Five’s 15 year anniversary in May 2020! While a pandemic isn’t quite what she had in store for her business this year, Liz is still giving back to our community by partnering with Detroit Dog Rescue to provide free services to first responders and hospital staff. In addition to providing a safe and fun environment for dogs to play, Liz and her team are working hard to ensure a safe “new normal” for clients and staff to return to https://www.caninetofive.com/

Stef-n-Ty32 1

6932 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, MI 48207
Stephanie Dickey and her husband own Stef-n-Ty, a local Detroit hat boutique. She has shifted her operations and is now making face masks out of her home! All face mask proceeds will go towards making and donating masks to frontline workers. You can order your own face mask through their Facebook page by sending them a message. https://www.facebook.com/stefnty/

Detroit Denim Co33 1

2987 Franklin St., Detroit, MI 48207

Brenna Lane is the co-owner of Detroit Denim Co. A business that is normally producing jeans, jackets, and bags has shifted their entire operation to making face shields, gowns, and masks for hospitals. Brenna is able to produce 1,000 face shields each day to provide medical staff with personal protective equipment. https://detroitdenim.com/

Pietrzyk Pierogi29 2

1429 Gratiot Ave. Suite 109, Detroit, MI 48207 & Local Retailers
Erica Pietrzyk is the founder of Pietrzyk Pierogi. What began as a pop-up shop in 2014, recently became a permanent location just this past September. This polish restaurant is currently open for Grubhub, UberEats, and Curbside pick up Wednesday-Friday, 10am-4pm. This #bosslady has also started a Pay It Forward program where people can donate 1 dozen pierogies to be delivered to restaurant workers who have recently lost their jobs across Detroit and Hamtramck.https://www.pietrzykpierogi.com/

Michigan & Trumbull30 2

1441 W. Elizabeth Street, Detroit, MI 48216
Kristen Calverley and her husband, Nate, first started  Michigan&Trumbull in Pittsburg, December of 2017. As Michigan natives, these two were searching for Detroit-style pizza, and decided to perfect their own, giving them Detroit-style names like “Packard Pepperoni” “Woodward White” and “Cass Corridor”. Kristen and her family recently returned home to Michigan and opened their own brick and mortar store in Corktown just over 2 months ago (February 2020)! You can support this #bosslady by ordering curbside pickup or delivery https://www.michigantrumbullpizza.com/

Prologue31 2

Online
Stephanie Angelyn Casola founded Prologue in 2016. This #bosslady focuses on advising PR clients, developing social media content, and strategizing for a business launch or art event. During this uncertain time, Prologue is available to prepare any time-sensitive announcements, media statements, or communications to your employees or clientele. You can read more about how they are helping small businesses during this time on their blog at https://zcu.io/t833

Sister Pie32 2

8066 Kercheval, Detroit, MI 48214

Lisa Ludwinski (AKA Ruby’s mom) owns Sister Pie, a bakery that offers pie, cookies, breakfast, lunch, and more! This #bosslady is keeping her shop open Monday through Saturday, from 9AM – 2PM, providing take-out only. You can meet them at the door, or wait in your car! https://www.sisterpie.com/

 

Hacienda Mexican foods33 2

6100 Buchanan Street, Detroit, MI 48210
Lydia Gutierrez is the president and CEO of Hacienda Mexican Foods. Since 1994, this #bosslady has been producing quality tortillas and chips right in the heart of Mexicantown. Just this past summer, Hacienda brand tortillas and 313 Urban tortilla chips made their way to 140 Kroger stores across Metro Detroit! Congratulations, Lydia! http://haciendadegutierrez.com/

Margaux & Max35

224 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, MI 48220

Je Donna Dinges is the owner of Margaux & Max, a resale shop located in Ferndale. This #bosslady got her start in 2014 from her very own closet, offering appointments for women to shop in her home. Before long, Dinges was hosting pop-up shops, then opened her own store! Margaux & Max is celebrating the grand opening of their new location on March 7th, 2020, at 224 W. 9 Mile – just down the street from Canine To Five Ferndale!  https://www.facebook.com/margauxandmax/

Boro Resale37 1

1440 Gratiot Ave. Suite 1A, Detroit, MI 48207
Miriam Pranschke is the #bosslady behind Boro Resale. This clothing and accessories shop was inspired by Miriam’s love for thrifting. In addition to helping the environment by keeping clothing out of the landfill, and helping her community by offering 40% profit to her consignors, Boro also gives consignors the option to donate any percentage of their earnings to a charity that assists the Detroit community. https://www.bororesale.com/

Swaggles38 2

3031 W. Grand Blvd. Suite 505B, Detroit, MI 48202
Snuggles’ mom, Temeria Heard, is the Founder and CEO of Swaggles, a Detroit based company dedicated to supporting ongoing efforts of the protection, compassion, and love of dogs. This online apparel shop donates 15% of all profits to support rescues, anti-cruelty, and animal abuse causes. You can see everything this #bosslady has to offer at swaggles.com

Pink Poodle Dress Lounge39 1

14405 E. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48215

Raeshawn Bumphers is the Founder and CEO of Pink Poodle Dress Lounge, a bridal shop and dress boutique that provides wedding dresses for the entire bridal party. This #bosslady was a proud recipient of a $25,000 award from the Motor City Match entrepreneurial excellence program, and has recently moved her shop to Jefferson and Chalmers which allowed her to expand her selection to menswear for grooms, and bridal suite rentals for the day of weddings. Not getting hitched anytime soon? Her shop also offers cocktail, evening, prom, causal and business dresses and accessories.  https://www.pinkpoodledresslounge.com/

Haberman Fabrics40 1

1060 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson, MI 48017
Patty Weir is the new owner of Haberman Fabrics, located in Clawson, MI. This apparel fabric store had been open for 60 years before Patty purchased the business in 2018, specializing in natural fibers, wool, silks, linens, and cottons. You can join Haberman’s monthly Sewing Club, or learn the basics at their Beginner Class: Learn to Sew!  https://www.habermanfabrics.com/

Teeq Tequila41 1

Online and Local Retailers
Nayana Ferguson is the co-founder of Teeq Tequila. As a pancreatic and breast cancer survivor, she and her husband came up with the idea to own their own tequila company and develop a drink that was cleaner and classier. Nayana takes great care into what she put into her body after her diagnosis, so creating a tequila that was naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, sugars and calories, was an important process for her. Looking to change the stereotype, Teeq Tequila has the world’s only Coconut Lime Blanco Tequila; A drink that is smooth and can be sipped alone. Follow their page to stay up to date on any local tasting events! https://teeqspirits.com/

Know a woman owned business in Metro Detroit that could use a shoutout?
Email us at detroit@caninetofive.com!

December 29, 2020-,
Last updated on June 28, 2024

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