Women-Owned Businesses in Downtown San Luis Obispo

Last updated: April 9, 2024

In celebration of Women's History Month, we’re highlighting a few of the many amazing female-owned businesses in our beautiful downtown!

Sheila Kearns Chocolates & Confections

Inspired by the decadent treats made by her Parisian aunts in her youth, Sheila Kearns began her own chocolaterie and continues their legacy of making traditional European chocolates. Made with quality ingredients and without preservatives, these delicious confections are made to be savored. Shop baskets, boxes, and baggies (all made with eco-friendly materials). 

Banshee Beauty Company

Opening shop last year, Jessi Campbell is the owner of Banshee Beauty, a vibrant hair salon in the downtown Creamery Marketplace. Stop by for cuts and color!

Hands Gallery

Sara Vaskov embraced her dream of owning a business in Downtown SLO in 2016 when she purchased Hands Gallery after managing it for 13 years. Born and raised here in San Luis Obispo, her passion for art and this community is imbued in her products, from hand-made pottery to jewelry, kitchenware, clothing, and more!

Blackwater

Mother/daughter duo Mary Alice and Erica Hamilton combined their interests in plants, fashion, and vintage to open an eclectic shop unlike any other. You are sure to find something you can’t help but take home with you! Shop plants, apparel, trinkets, kitchen, decor, and more!

Corazón Cafe

Sara McGrath, her husband Pedro Arias Lopez, and friend Chencho Villar began Corazón Cafe in May of 2023, and it has since become a beloved community space in downtown San Luis Obispo! Think Mexican-cuisine-meets-coffee-shop. From locally famous chilaquiles to unique drinks from Southern Mexico, their space embodies their motto: “Cafe, Community, Comida, Cultura.” An inviting community and cafe for all, bringing flavor, culture, art, and inclusivity to San Luis Obispo. 

Flour House

Gessica Russo & her husband converted their shared love for Italian culture and cuisine into their restaurant, specializing in a precious heritage style of pizza-making called Pizza Napoletana. Try some of the best award-winning pizzas in town and pair it with a lovely cocktail!

Ah Louis Store

Local sisters Emily Butler and Amber Karson brought their love of events and gifts to our downtown! Celebrating 150 years, this historic space that now is home to the sisters’ gift shop sports a myriad of treasures! Shop local wines, gift baskets, treats, supplies, and more.

Calico Trading Co.

Sister-duo Jeannie & Suzie began Calico Trading Co. in 2019 with a passion for sustainable and second-hand fashion. Calico buys clothing from the community every day with the option of receiving cash or store credit in exchange. Looking good can be good for the planet, too!

Scout Coffee

Wife and husband team Sara & Jon Peterson began Scout Coffee on Garden Street in 2014 and now have 4 locations, including one on the Cal Poly campus and their newest cafe and roastery in Morro Bay. Enjoy craft coffee, milkshakes, house-made pastries, and more.

The Junk Girls

Jenny Kompolt & Melissa James started their business in 2009 out of their love of "art therapy" and handmade things. Check them out for beautiful one-of-a-kind treasures from jewelry and trinkets to books and lighting.

Making SLO

Nestled in a historic building on the corner of Higuera and Garden, April Reeves & her husband opened Making SLO: a beautifully curated retail space with products from 50+ local female makers and artisans! Shop home goods, treats, jewelry, pottery, and more!

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