Looking to mark Women’s History Month? Here’s 15 woman-owned businesses in State College
Celebrated each March since 1995, Women’s History Month looks to a highlight the achievements and contributions of women in the U.S.
For those looking to mark the occasion by supporting a woman-owned enterprise, we’ve compiled a list of woman-owned and co-owned businesses around State College.
The Gourmet Girl Personal Chef Service
The Gourmet Girl Personal Chef Service, owned by Amanda Cruz, provides a personal chef service, cooking classes, a catering service and more. There are a variety of packages available for the personal chef service, ranging from $100 to $215, plus the cost of groceries. Orders for grazing boxes and boards are available for pickup Tuesday through Friday in the State College area, and orders should be placed 48 hours in advance. The Gourmet Girl also has a private picnic service.
Ayama Psychotherapy
Alissa Yamasaki opened her practice, Ayama Psychotherapy, in 2016. Ayama psychologists specialize in psychotherapy for college students and adults who have insomnia, anxiety and/or other health concerns. Some of the psychologists are in-network for Highmark Blue Shield and University of Pittsburg Medical Center. Ayama Psychotherapy will also navigate out-of-network benefits and private pay options.
Design by CBL Architecture
Design By CBL Architecture is owned and operated by Carolyn Lee. Its mission is to create better lives through experienced design, and Lee is an evidence-based design accredited and certified professional. She started the business in 2018, and a list of projects she has completed (some of which were performed at previous firms) is available online.
Coaching by Dana
Those looking for coaching in leadership, writing, career changing or faculty development can check out Dana Mitras LLC. Mitra holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University focused on leadership and organizations, and her research is available on her website. Mitra provides complimentary 45- to 60-minute initial sessions to potential clients.
TechKnowServ
Elizabeth Hay owns the majority of TechKnowServ Corp., an engineering firm that works in government contracting, small business innovation research and commercial services. The company is a spin-off from WavesInSolids LLC, a firm Hay co-owns with her husband. Besides its engineering services, TechKnowServ also offers certification classes.
A Caring Touch: Massage Therapy
Karen Stoner has owned A Caring Touch: Massage Therapy since 2003. Stoner is a certified fertility massage therapist, certified prenatal massage therapist and a certified infant massage therapist/instructor. The facility is located at 1315 W. College Ave., No. 200, within the offices of Integrated Health Care Associates. Appointment hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Appointments can be scheduled online.
Janejira’s Kitchen
Janejira Kalsmith offers remote cooking lessons through Janejira’s Kitchen. Courses are available in Thai and Italian cuisines. Private lessons are available online and in person, and details about dishes and what kitchen equipment is needed for each course are available online. Meal kits can be purchased and include homegrown, organic herbs not found locally in State College.
Dolce Vita
Mary Hillard owns and operates Dolce Vita, which is located at 2490 Commercial Blvd. The bakery offers cupcakes (with gluten free and vegan options), cookies, French macarons, brownies and more. Custom orders can be placed online for special occasion cakes. Dolce Vita also has care package options, along with apparel, spoons and spatulas. A variety of wedding cake options are available, as well.
Juana’s Cuisine
Ady Martinez and Hugo Romero own and operate Juana’s Cuisine, which serves authentic Venezuelan dishes. The fast-casual restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It is located at 129 S. Fraser St., and Juana’s got its start at the State College Farmers Market.
Ethereal Boutique
Miranda Sheetz opened Ethereal Boutique in 2014. The shop stocks women’s clothing, jewelry, apothecary products, crystals and more. Ethereal Boutique is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. It is located at 216 E. College Ave.
Restore Eye Care & Eye Gym
Tracy Carpenter Sepich is a founding partner of Restore Eye Care & Eye Gym, an optometry practice and optical boutique located at 650 Gray’s Woods Blvd., Suite 120 in Port Matilda. Appointments can be requested online.
Olde New York
Susan and Kenny Kempton are the proprietors of Olde New York, a restaurant, taproom and bottle shoppe located at 2298 East College Ave. The menu includes a wide range of options, from curry salmon to buffalo mac and cheese. Reservations for parties of five or fewer can be made online, and groups of six or more can call 814-237-1582 to request a table. Olde New York is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Connections Clothing
Connections Clothing is run by Theresa Ritzman. The store has been in State College since 1996 and is located at 130 S. Allen St. Clothing, from brands such as Free People and Just Black Denim, can be purchased in store, and customers can buy gift cards online. Connections Clothing is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Lauren Newton SEO & Web Design
Lauren Newton launched her company in early 2021. She offers a variety of search engine optimization packages, including a month-to-month option, as well as a ticket-to-traffic service. Newton has more than 14 years of web design experience and offers web design services at a basic level and an e-commerce scale.
Custom Stuff
Elizabeth Stephenson owns and operates Custom Stuff. The business customizes apparel, awards, bags, drinkware, health supplies and more. Bulk pricing options are available, and some products can be bought singularly. Virtual samples can be created online, or customers can call 814-234-7833 to place an order or ask questions.
More information about woman-owned businesses in State College can be found at the Women’s Network Group.