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Originally starting out as Women’s History Week in California and correlating with International Women’s Day, the week was designed to celebrate the contributions of women in American history. The idea spread nationwide as the desire to celebrate women increased. 

However, it was not until the 1980s that women began to lobby for national recognition, which was successful in instituting Women’s History Week. In the mid-90s, that evolved into what is now Women’s History Month, where each year a new theme is designed to celebrate and bring pride to the women in America who are making history. 

That history takes place in our own city of Baltimore. From entrepreneurs to creative artists, women are making strides towards success. This month, it’s time to celebrate the women who have boldly paved the way for their dreams to come true. 

Here are some of our favorite female-owned businesses in Baltimore, all not too far from your home here at Luminary at One Light: 

Tea Lovers and Drinkers Unite

Emma Canoles

Emma’s Tea Spot | 5500 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214
410.444.1718 | emmasteaspot.com

A master gardener, reiki practitioner, executive chef, and activist, Emma Canoles has harbored a lifelong dream of connecting people to nature through food and tea. Her shop bursts with events such as classes, movie nights, and children’s activities. The menu boasts soups, salads, sandwiches, and, yes, tea, made from scratch using local ingredients. There are also British imported food and gifts and full high tea service with cream and scones. It has been voted Best of Baltimore and is looking for a larger venue to host events, such as weddings and baby showers.

Sunni Gilliam

Teavolve | 1401 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231

410.522.1907 | teavolvecafe.com

Not only has Sunni Gilliam created a restaurant that is as warm as the tea it offers, but provides a unique cafe that might just stir you away from coffee. From white tea to sweet teas to bubble teas, whatever your tea preference, Teavolve has it! Starting as a small idea in Philadelphia, Teavolve has changed the game and brought its tasty ideas to life in Baltimore. For a company that loves its community, Sunni Gilliam’s creation of Teavolve shares its love of tea in return. 

Women Who Know The Way To Your Stomach

Jesse Sandlin

Sally O’s | 3531 Gough St, Baltimore, MD 21224

410.624.5631 | sallyos.com

Brought to Baltimore by a former “Top Chef” contestant, Sally O’s offers eclectic American cuisine not found anywhere else. Sally O’s, named after Jesse Sandlin’s grandmother, creates a bohemian atmosphere with its bright colors and open design. Some of the most popular finds include the Highlandtown Smash Burger and Mushroom Stroganoff, all seasonally driven and locally sourced. Alcoholic beverages are also available including fun and creative specials, like the Betty White Negroni, consisting of Gin, Bianco, and Rose Vermouth. Sandlin, being a Baltimore native, only offers Baltimore the best of the best with Sally O’s. 

Nancy Longo

Pierpoint Restaurant | 1822 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
410.675.2080 | pierpointrestaurant.com

Having been in the kitchen since she was a child, Nancy Longo pursued her passion for cooking at Baltimore’s International Culinary College. In 1989, she opened Pierpoint Restaurant with Maryland-inspired cuisine in a contemporary style, receiving immediate praise and recognition. Nancy has also won multiple awards including being named one of Maryland’s 100 Most Successful Women by Warfield’s Business Record, as well as Pierpoint’s smoked crab cake being named as one of Baltimore’s best crab cakes for over 20 years. Nancy’s passion for cooking is constantly evolving and keeping the restaurant at the top of its game. 

Sarah Simington

Blue Moon Cafe | 1621 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231

410.522.3940 | https://bluemoonbaltimore.com/

With an eclectic taste and style, Sarah Simington brings it all together in Blue Moon Cafe. From breakfast favorites like buttermilk pancakes and bacon, to more unique finds like a crab and bacon combo, Simington accentuates her love of food in her restaurant. Breakfast is the best meal of the day here — and that means at any time of the day, not just the morning! 

Fashion Week has Nothing on these Baltimore-based Women

Kelly Krohn Heuisler

Poppy and Stella | 728 S. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231

410.522.1970 | poppyandstella.com

California native, Kelly Krohn Heuisler, has embraced Baltimore culture, rooting herself and her store in her new home. With a passion for fashion, Kelly created Poppy and Stella with the slogan “We meet you where you are.” Poppy and Stella’s focus on inclusivity and clothing styles that include a  range of sizes creates a safe and exciting shopping experience. From cute floral tops, to athleisure you’ll want to sweat in, Poppy and Stella has everything you could need to feel good about yourself and your body. With stores in Fells Point, Catonsville, Ellicott City, and an online store, Kelly Krohn Heuisler has created a brand that goes beyond just clothing, and moves into body positivity and confidence.

Guilietta Pinna

Limonata Creative – Prop Up Shop Baltimore

gpina@limonatacreative.com | limonatacreative.com

With over ten years of education and experience combined, Guilietta Pinna is changing the game of storytelling. Through the use of props and styling an environment, a multitude of clients and brands have found success in Guilietta’s vision and artistic direction. Whether it be prop styling or lifestyle projects, each authentic creation tells a unique story for various brands ranging from Adidas to National Geographic. Styles developed through Limonata Creative showcase Guiletta’s genuine talent and artistic vision. 

Krysta Embardino and Liz Gondeck

Revelry Hair Studio | 130 North Bond Street, Suite 104, Bel Air, MD 21014
410.598.7804 | 443.693.3355 | revelryhairstudio.com

With a combined cosmetology background of more than 20 years, Krysta Embardino and Liz Gondeck of Revelry Hair Studio are proving it’s all about quality, not quantity.

Revelry puts time, effort, and creativity into each client so they leave feeling beautiful on the outside, as well as the inside. The studio also offers opportunities to local high school students, donates to school fundraisers, and runs an event benefiting a local nonprofit organization to help build a better community and future.

Holistic Healing Designed With Everyone in Mind

Theresa Cangialosi

SoBotanical | 48 E Cross Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

410.234.0333 | sobotanical.com

As a Certified and Registered Aromatherapist with over 30 years of experience, Theresa Cangialosi has successfully created a brand that upholds her fundamental ethic of keeping purity and quality a top priority. As a member of different organizations including the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, her continued studies and work with other members in the field prove her commitment to her work and products. From work inside and outside of the Baltimore community, Theresa is constantly working on expanding both the usage and knowledge of aromatherapy products. 

Celebrate Women in March, and Every Month!

In a time where feminism and women’s rights are one of the forefronts of activist causes, you can help support locally. By celebrating local, women-owned businesses, you are supporting women who do not often get the acknowledgment they deserve. To commemorate Women’s History Month and give back to the women of the past, start by celebrating the women of today, right here in Baltimore.