International Women’s Day (March 8) has arrived and Women’s History Month is well underway so we thought we’d share some of the best women-owned businesses in Glasgow. And, who better to tell us the best spots but YOU. We asked Secret Glasgow followers what their favourite women-led businesses were, and you did not disappoint, giving us some truly amazing places to shout about. From clothes shops and cafés to florists and jewellery makers, here’s what you recommended.
1. Curate Glasgow
This amazing Glasgow platform, created by Kate Maxwell, stocks an array of items that are perfect as gifts. From handcrafted jewellery and pottery to sleek furniture and funky prints, Curate Glasgow offers unique pieces to suit all tastes. The woman-owned shop was founded on a love for independent shops, handmade homeware and sustainably developed projects and we’re a fan too.
2. Spin Pottery
Nestled away in Glasgow’s Hidden Lane, Spin Pottery not only offers amazing bowls, mugs and home decorations, but also cute DIY pottery boxes for you to have a go at from home. The Glasgow business can create boxes filled with all the tools and equipment needed to make your own pottery creation, such as glazing your own pot. They also offer ‘spin’ classes to take part in at their pottery studio.
3. 33 Dowanhill
Who else feels in need of a facial? Well, this women-owned beauty salon is definitely worth a visit. Offering a wide selection of treatments to suit your needs, 33 Dowanhill will provide you with a facial that’ll have you leaving the salon feeling like a boss if you didn’t already. Plus, they offer a number of beauty sets featuring facial oils and massage tools as well as hand-poured candles to create a spa experience from home.
4. I Am Nomad
This independent, women-led business began by offering everything you could possibly need to turn your house into a home. I Am Nomad offers a range of homewares to turn your space into a showroom featuring candles, furniture, lighting, crockery, vases and ceramics. Their aesthetically-pleasing Instagram posts scream save-worthy content.
5. Bonnie Bling
Mhairi Mackenzie, owner of Bonnie Bling, creates jewellery from acrylic, and some even feature recycled and sustainable materials. You’ll find necklaces, keyrings, earrings, bracelets, badges, brooches all beautifully-crafted and located on her online store. Bonnie Bling recently launched a spring collection featuring sunflower designs that are bound to brighten your day, as well as pins to highlight endometriosis and raise funds for Endometriosis UK.
6. Law Design Studio
This clothes company based in the Glasgow area, creates apparel with a difference. Law Design Studio creates minimalist clothes designs using sustainably-sourced materials and plastic-free packaging, plus their clothes are made to order, so not only are you helping to support local, women-led businesses, you are also doing good for the planet. Win-win.
7. Blooms
Looking to feed your plant obsession? For all the avid and wannabe Glasgow plant mums and dads out there, Blooms, a women-led Glasgow business is the perfect go-to if you want to decorate your home with plants. Based in Glasgow’s West End, you’ll find a selection of houseplants and flowers to suit all living conditions, as well as pots and plant accessories.
8. Cafe Strange Brew
We’re all in need of a treat so why not try a brilliant brunch from an independent, woman-owned café? Cafe Strange Brew in Glasgow’s Southside features the likes of bagels, burritos, pancakes, toasties and breakfast buns on their menu. The small business also offers incredible bakes and drinks to takeaway too.
9. Pearl and Plum Photography
Owned by Carli Kieran and Leigh Irwin, this Glasgow photography company hair salon is one of the women-led businesses chosen by you that is run by two women. Pearl and Plum Photography is an award-winning photography studio and great if you’re in need of pics for weddings, events or simple portraits to brighten your home.
10. Dear Green
Wake up and smell this coffee. Dear Green is a women-led coffee roastery that is not only bringing us top notch beans for our morning brew but also bringing about change when it comes to ethical coffee. Their packaging is biodegradable and Dear Green aims to source their coffee through direct trade links. Plus, they’re the founders and organisers of Scotland’s biggest coffee party, Glasgow Coffee Festival. Their Ballroom Blend with notes of toffee, pink grapefruit and plum is a firm favourite for many customers.
11. Hidden Lane Brewery
Another women-led business in Glasgow who is bossing it is Hidden Lane Brewery. Owner Rachel Suttle really knows her beers with a CV stretching back to her days at Budweiser and now uses her craft and skill to bring refreshing beers to the people of Glasgow and beyond. From lovely lagers to their thirst-quenching raspberry saison ale, these organic craft beers are definitely worth shouting about.
12. Ethereal Beauty
Ethereal Beauty is a female-owned beauty salon in a stunning historical building. Tash, the owner of the salon, does treatments from facials to blissful massages, and from nails to hair removal. With a passion for her craft, Tash puts the client in the centre of the experience, and ensures the person’s needs are met while taking extra time where needed. Out of all the women-led businesses, this one is a truly relaxing choice.
13. Rude Cookies
Rude Cookies is probably the rudest cafe in the UK, which offers uncensored baked goods fit for any occasion. Owned by besties Magda and Aga, the cafe is an independent women-led business which ambitiously challenges the baking industry. The cafe is also decked in pink, boasting quirky art and plenty of Rude Cookies to choose from, as well as hot drinks and other baked goods.