Girls to the Storefront: 19 Women-Owned Businesses to Visit This March 

March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the many contributions women have made for centuries — since the dawn of time, one might say. It’s also a moment to give some extra attention to the many women-owned businesses in Lower Manhattan. These include a mix of stores, services, restaurants and more that will keep you busy all month and hopefully inspire you to support them all year long. Though we know you’re already doing that!

Thread

Local salon Thread is an ideal spot for a self-care session in the middle of a work day. It’s a great place to pop in during your lunch break — and we’ve even laid out five reasons explaining why. (140 Nassau St.)

Bean and Bean

The mini chain Bean and Bean has four locations in the New York area, and the Lower Manhattan outpost serves up hot, foamy lattes for anyone in need of a luscious jolt of caffeine. Mother-daughter duo Rachel and Jiyoon Han buy fair-trade beans and operate their own roastery in Queens. (71 Broadway)

The Corkery

Joanna Preuninger’s charming storefront, The Corkery, stocks rare wines and always pops some interesting corks at its weekly wine tastings. Follow the store on Instagram to keep up with what the staff is pouring. (15 Bridge St.)

Malibu Farm

Helene Henderson has maintained an ethos at her farm-to-table eatery Malibu Farm: “Skip on a farm, bask in the sun and eat delicious food,” she has said. The Seaport location has fresh options on its all-day menu, ranging from pink shrimp tacos and spaghetti squash lasagna, to coconut ceviche and sesame-crusted salmon. (89 South St.)

Courtesy Malibu Farm

Bombay’s Indian Restaurant

The dining room insideSonal Vyas’s Bombay’s Indian Restaurant boasts a bustling lunch crowd vying for its crispy samosas and savory dishes. You can also order delivery so you can feast on belly-warming Indian food at your home or office. (60 Pearl St.) 

Wisdom Candles and More

Nadine Sirena’s Wisdom Candles and More is a haven for folks in need of aromatherapy thanks to its large selection of candles, handmade soaps, art, florals and jewelry. Be sure to check out Wisdom’s “divine bodies” collection, which celebrates the human form, from pregnant bodies to sculpted abs. (220 Front St.)

d Elici

The grab-and-go deli counter at d Elici delivers on all fronts when it comes to delicious sandwiches at affordable prices, offering hot and cold options to get you through the workday — including this $7 reuben. (71 Nassau St.)

Pretty Well Beauty

This stylish emporium inside the Oculus is filled with more than 50 largely BIPOC-founded brands and hundreds of self-care items. The store focuses on inclusivity in its products and personalized care, offering beauty products from all over the world. (185 Greenwich St. at the Oculus)

Zaza Diner

Zaza is a classic diner, which means it has a massive menu with dozens of melts, paninis and hot sandwiches on offer. The real highlights here are the milkshakes — and you can customize the flavors (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry) and additions (Oreo crumbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Nutella) all by yourself. (104 Greenwich St.)

City Blossoms

Longtime local florist City Blossoms always has a great collection of seasonal bouquets. March is a great time to buy some flowers for the women in your life (and for your other loved ones, too). (62 Trinity Pl.) 

Farida

Farida combines Uzbek, Kazakh, Uyghur and Tadjick cuisines in a long list of halal pilafs, skewered meats and platters. They’ve also got an impressive list of Central Asian wines and eclectic Eastern decor to complete the world-spanning experience. (32 Cedar St.) 

Tajin

Owner Dolores Cordova serves up spicy spreads at Tajin to pair with a mix of tequila margaritas and funky decor. (85 Greenwich St.)

Fresh Salt

Sara Williams has owned and operated this Seaport standby since 2004, serving up craft beers, interesting wines, tasty bar bites and sandwiches to round out the offerings at this local favorite. The happy hour here is not to be missed. (146 Beekman St.)

Art to Ware

Lesley Ware’s socially-conscious shop features unique garments and accessories made from up-cycled materials. Read all about how the store uses upcycled fashions to make recycling look sexy here. (21 Greenwich St., at the Oculus) 

Goldish

This unique jewelry boutique is where mother-daughter team Yafit and Tyler Goldfarb curate gorgeous accessories, as well as arty home furnishings. (71 Murray St.) 

Martin Busch Jewelers

The long-standing jewelry shop Martin Busch Jewelers is run by Martin’s great niece Eva Busch. It offers a selection of top-shelf options at lots of price points, along with original designs and watch repair services. (85 John St.)

Blue Park Kitchen

Kelly Fitzpatrick’s dishes at Blue Park Kitchen are always a reliable option for a healthy and satisfying lunch when you’re seeking a hearty bowl of veggies and protein. Customize them any way you want, and leave a lot fuller than you’d expect. (70 Pine St.)

Ryan Maguire’s

Mena Maguire provides a welcoming ambience and an extensive menu at Ryan Maguire’s. The cozy pub offers up beers, wings, burgers and a classic shepherd’s pie; there’s also a breakfast sandwich available on the weekends. (28 Cliff St.)

Tags: women-owned businesses, womens history month