To correspond with International Womenβs Day on Wednesday, March 8, organizers of Januaryβs Womenβs March are encouraging women to strike from paid and unpaid labor as a way to advocate for gender equality.
Theyβre calling it A Day Without Women.
Because not everyone can stop working for a day, the organizers of the strike suggest wearing red or refraining from shopping at stores or online. If you must shop, do it at a small business owned by a woman.
Lucky for us, there are a ton of lady business owners in Tucson.Β
And yes, we know this isn't a comprehensive list. Share with us your favorite Tucson spots owned by local women.Β
Retail
β’Β Alchemista Aromatherapy Sanctuary and Spa sells handmade products that use essential oils to calm the mind and body. You can find straight-up essential oils here, blends, salt scrubs, lotions and products for hair and skin, among others.Β
Alchemista Aromatherapy Sanctuary and Spa uses essential oils in a variety of products.Β
The shop also offers limited spa services and consultations by third parties. Sonia Rodriguez opened it in 2005.Β
Where: 6955 N. Oracle Road.Β
Store hours: Noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.Β
Contact: 867-6501 or info@alchemistallc.com
β’Β Antigone BooksΒ has so many books and gifts for all the badass women in your life.Β It's an independent book store right on Fourth Avenue that has been in business since 1973.
Consultant Mark Kaufman says independent bookstores like Antigone Books βas a whole, have reported their best year this past year, in 2015.β
This Wednesday, 10 percent of all sales will be donated to Planned Parenthood. You can also pick up a free Women's March postcard to send to your congresspeople.
If you want to go the extra mile,Β buy the whole store. Its current owners, Trudy Mills and Kate Randall, are looking to hand the keys over to someone who is "the best match."
Where:Β 411 N. Fourth Ave.
Store hours:Β OpenΒ Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: 520-792-3715, info@antigonebooks.com
β’Β Buffalo Exchange is a higher-end secondhand store, selling-gently used brand name items.
Shoes sit on display atop a clothing rack at Buffalo Exchange.
The national chain is owned by Kerstin Block and was started here in Tucson in 1974.
Where: 2001 E. Speedway
Store hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Contact: 795-0508.
β’Β Green ThingsΒ has a Facebook page that will make you want to start gardening. And they'll teach you how. The retail and wholesale plant nursery is known for its poinsettias but also hosts classes on everything from drip irrigation to pest management (a few upcoming classes). They'll also teach you how to do a super cute DIY succulent garden or reuse broken pottery. Jan Westenborg owns the business.Β
Catherine Day of Green Things Nursery put this miniature garden together during a class.
Where: 3235 E. Allen Road. Β
When: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.Β
Contact: 299-9471.
β’Β HydraΒ opened its doors downtown in November 1994. The store specializes in eclectic fashion for men and women, lingerie, shoes and accessories. It was opened by Margo Susco and has survived, even during the economic downturn and streetcar construction.
The iconic prom scene in the 1976 horror classic βCarrieβ β with lots of fake blood β plays out in the window display of Hydra downtown.
Margo's brother, Joe, is now her business partner and part owner of the store.Β
Aside from it's cool clothes, the shop is known for its elaborate window displays, especially around Christmas and Halloween.Β
Where:Β 145 E. Congress
Store hours:Β 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Contact:Β 791-3711.
β’Β MASTΒ willΒ satisfy your desire for pretty things with its collection of jewelry, decΓ³rΒ and artwork.Β
The three ladies behind the shop at Mercado San AgustΓnΒ β Sofie Albertsen Gelb, Tasha Bundy and Mellow Dawn LundΒ β are also the creators of some of the store's jewelry and leather goods.Β
The light catches several nomad necklaces, made with bronze, chain and trade beads on display at the MAST table at Cultivate Tucson December 2016.Β
Where: 100 S. Avenida del Convento.
Store hours:Β 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Β
Contact: 495-5920, info@ilovemast.com
β’Β Mabel's onΒ 4thΒ is a new kitchen shop that opened last November in the former space ofΒ How Sweet It Was VintageΒ (another woman-owned business, btw) now located atΒ 424 East 6th St.Β near Tucson High School.Β
Courtesy of Nicole Carrillo
Mabel's has a fun assortment of new and vintage kitchen stuff. Try picking up one of theirΒ sassy tea towels, $9.98, or aΒ corn zipper, $7.98, whatever that means.
Where:Β 419 N. Fourth Ave.
Store hours:Β Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Tuesday.
Contact: 520-304-1029, hello@MabelsOn4th.com
β’Β Pop Cycle'sΒ one-of-a-kind items make it hard not to fall in love with aΒ reclaimed itemΒ here or aΒ Tucson T-shirtΒ there.Β
The shop was founded in 2008 by Jennifer Radler, Shannon Riggs and DeeDee Koenen, who have been featuring their work made out of recycled and refurbished materials in the space since the day it opened.
The store also has quite the number of items up for sale from local artists. We're completely smitten with this print by Valerie Galloway you can get for $28.
This print of "Flying Heart" by Tucson artist, Valerie Galloway, was found at Pop Cycle for $28.Β
Where:Β 422 N. Fourth Ave.
Store hours:Β Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: 520-622-3297, popcycleshop@hotmail.com
β’Β Razorz Edge, an alternative fashion shop on North Fourth Ave., was founded by Lauren Baker and Rachel Balls and opened in March of 2007.
You'll find alternative, punk, goth, rock and rockabilly fashion, as well as makeup, handbags, wallets and accessories for men and women.
Sales associate Tamara Jenney works on displaying new inventory at Razorz Edge clothing store, July 2013.Β
Where:Β 427 N. Fourth Ave.Β
Store hours:Β 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Contact: 792-3343 or info@razorzedge.com
β’Β RivetedΒ specializes in vintage, modern and industrial home goods and design. You'll find cool old dishes, handmade jewelry, throw pillows, furniture and random accessories and gifts.Β
The shop is owned by Jenni Pagano, an interior designer, who also offers design consultation services and workshops.Β
All the cactus stuff. Available at Riveted.
Where:Β 40 W. Broadway
Store hours:Β 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (open until 9 p.m. on Second Saturdays).
Contact:Β 882-2756.Β
β’Β The Running Shop is where you go to find running shoes that make the whole running experience slightly less painful. The store sells shoes, clothing and accessories for casual walkers and hardcore marathoners. They'll also help get you fitted correctly. Sharon Bart is the owner. The shop has been open since 1981.Β
Andrew Chumney, with The Running Shop, helps sister-in-law Hannah Wike as she tries on running shoes. Owner Sharon Bart says she wants βto give the best customer serviceβ and make sure people get the right shoe.
Where: 3055 N. Campbell Ave. #153.
Store hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.Β
Contact: 325-5097.
β’Β The Rustic Candle Company on Fourth Avenue is one of the best places in town to burn some wick without catching your wallet on fire.
There are plenty of pillars and scents to choose from. We're a fan of the Desert Sage candle, but their seasonal items are pretty great too.
The shop has also started carrying Juniper Tree soaps, $7, that smell just as good as they look. Things like flowers, glitter and fruits are placed into the bar for a truly magical bathing experience.Β
Give the gift of smelling good with fancy soaps ($7) and heart-shaped candles ($6) from the Rustic Candle Company.Β
Where:Β 324 N. Fourth Ave.
Store hours:Β Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact: 520-623-2880, monica@rusticcandle.net
β’Β Saguaro MarketΒ is a boutique specializing in handmade paper, gift wrap, letterpress arts, unique gifts and home accessories, as well as the artwork and crafts of Tucson artists.
It opens for four days once a month and is arranged and decorated differently each time.Β
The shop is owned by Kirstine Spengler and her husband, Steve Thompson.Β
Saguaro Market will carry all kinds of Arizona and Tucson art.Β
Where:Β 657 W. St. Mary's Road
Store hours:Β 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The next market is March 9, 10, 11 and 12
Contact:Β ClickΒ here
β’Β Silver Sea JewelryΒ sells handmade jewelry, hair accessories and other fun oddities. The store's owner, Lizzie Mead, creates a good portion of the jewelry and is one of the organizers of the annual Return of the Mermaids event. The shop has been open since 1993.
Available and created at Silver Seas Jewelry.
Where:Β 330 N. Fourth Ave.Β
Store hours:Β 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday.Β
Contact: 624-9954 or lizziesilversea@gmail.com
β’Β Yikes Toys & Gift-O-Rama has books, old school novelties, candy, toys, puzzles, science kits and local art. From wacky to serious, you'll find something for everyone at this store.Β
The shop opened in 1989 and is owned by Patricia Katchur.
Yikes Toys.
Where: 2930 E. Broadway
Store hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Contact: 320-5669 or info@yikestoys.com
Food
β’Β Anita Street Market sells handmade tortillas by the bagful, but is also known for having some of the best burritos in town.
We recently named this breakfast burrito the best in Tucson. Because, look at it!Β
Owner Gracie Soto has continued on her family's business for more than 30 years in the Barrio Anita neighborhood.Β
Where:Β 849 N. Anita Ave.
Hours:Β 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, closed Sundays
Contact:Β (520) 882-5280
β’Β Baggin's Gourmet Sandwiches is known for its yummy sandwiches and homemade cookies.
The popular sandwich chain is going to open a new spot on the northeast corner of Grant and Swan roads.Β
It opened its first store in 1984 and was founded by Cheree Garrett-Jeffries.
Where: There are nine locations to choose from. Click here to find one.
Store hours: Store hours depend on location. You'll find those details when you click on location.
Contact: Click here or email contact@bagginsgourmet.com
β’Β Birrieria Guadalajara serves a variety of Mexican soups like birria, posole and menudo as well as chimichangas, flautas and more.
Birrieria Guadalajara prepares both the white menudo popular in Sonora, $7.50, as well as the spicy red menudo with pureed chiles. Β
The business is owned by Guadalajara-native Monica Gonzalez.
Where:Β 304 E. 22nd St.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a weekΒ
Contact:Β (520) 624-8020
β’Β Blue Willow has a fresh menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner items, as well as a gift shop on the premises of the 1940's adobe house. The restaurant is owned by Janet Seidler andΒ Rebecca Ramey.
Where:Β 2616 N. Campbell Ave.
Hours:Β 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and SundaysΒ Β
Contact:Β Click here or call (520) 327-7577
β’Β Boca is a campus-area taqueria that serves gourmet Sonoran tacos in a casual setting.Β Check out owner Maria Mazonβs rotating list of creative salsas, with fruits and herbs like blueberry and basil.
Boca chef/owner Maria Mazon says sheβs nervous, happy and excited to move her 8-year-old restaurant to Fourth Avenue.
Where: 828 E. Speedway
Hours: 11:30 to 10 Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 8 p.m.
Contact:Β Click here or call (520) 777-8134
β’Β CafΓ© Poca Cosa has been a fixture of downtown since 2006. Owner Suzana Davila changes the menu twice daily with different healthy takes on traditional Mexican dishes.
Cafe Poca Cosa, 110 E. Pennington St., offers this pollo en mole negro with sesame and almonds.
Also check out its sister restaurant The Little One,Β 151 N. Stone Ave.
Where: 110 E. Pennington St.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, closed Sundays and Mondays
Contact: Click here or call (520) 622-6400
β’ Cashew CowΒ is a non-dairy ice cream shop in Broadway Village shopping center.
Cashew Cowβs raspberry βice creamβ is swirled with a housemade fruit puree that tastes like fresh fruit and cream.
Owner Jennifer NewmanΒ uses cashew milk and a wide variety of fruits to create flavors likeΒ lemon poppyseed and chocolate chip cookie dough.
Where:Β 16 S. Eastbourne Ave.
Hours:Β noon to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, noon to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 9 p.m. Sundays, closed Mondays
Contact:Β Click here or callΒ (520) 326-8558
β’Β Ghini's is a French cafe and bistro that's a well-known for its weekend brunches, with dishes likeΒ croque madame andΒ eggs provenΓ§al. Chef and ownerΒ Coralie Satta is originaly fromΒ Marseille, France.Β
Where:Β 1803 E. Prince Road
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, closed Mondays
Contact: Click here or callΒ (520) 326-9095
β’Β Ike's Coffee and TeaΒ serves up hot caffeinated beverages, as well as sandwiches, salads and other treats.Β
The coffee shop is owned by Jackie Sharma and opened its first shop in 2001 and currently resides downtown.
Where:Β 100 N. Stone Ave., suite 111
Store hours:Β 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Contact: 792-1800 or jackie@ikescoffee.com
β’Β La Cocina is popular "cantina" and restaurant located in the historic Presidio district downtown. The outdoor oasis is owned byΒ Jo Schneider, who also owns Bentley's coffee shop near the University of Arizona.Β
Where:Β 201 N. Court Ave.
Hours:Β 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays
Contact: Click here, call (520) 622-0351 or email info@lacocinatucson.com
β’ Renee's Organic OvenΒ is known for its freshly-baked breads and healthy meals like the pasta primavera withΒ theΒ zucchini noodles.
The Miel de Vida, or honey of life, is normally $9 at Reneeβs Organic Oven.
Owner Renee Kreager fills the menu with local ingredients as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options. Β
Where:Β 7065 E. Tanque Verde Road
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, closed MondaysΒ
Contact: Click here or callΒ (520) 886-0484
β’ Yellow Brick CoffeeΒ is a single-origin coffee roaster and cafe headed up byΒ Anna Perreira. She works with her brother David to educate consumers on the importance of working directly with farmers in Africa and Latin America.
Where:Β 3220 S. Dodge Blvd. Suite 1
Cafe hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.Β Mondays through FridaysΒ
Contact: Click here or callΒ (520) 226-4068Β Β
Other
β’Β Bodyworks Pilates is designed to lead to physical transformation. It offers a full professional Pilates equipment in a supportive, non-competitive environment. There are private and semi-private sessions, as well as group classes.Β
Teacher Kyria Sabin Waugaman, helps Jan Booth with a twist during a COREtet session.
It was founded in 1993 by Kyria Sabin Waugaman. She is also the founder and director of Fletcher Pilates, an international Pilates school.Β
Where: 1980 E. River Road, suite 250 and 11901 N. First Ave. in Oro Valley
Studio hours:Β Contact the studio directly for schedules
Contact: 323-7070 for Tucson and 297-7070 for Oro Valley
β’Β Dolly Quinn Salon SpaΒ is a full service salon offering hair cuts, colors, styles, manicures, pedicures, facials, body treatments and much more.Β
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild jokes with Dolly Quinn (in pink) at a benefit cut-a-thon at Quinnβs Salonspa, while volunteers and contributors watch.
The salon's owner, Dolly Quinn, has been in the cosmetology field since 1972.
Where:Β 6823 E. Camino Principal
Salon hours:Β 8:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday; 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday; 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Contact: 298-9197 or Beauty@DollyQuinn.com
β’Β Gadabout Salon SpasΒ is the place to go to get pampered and beautified. You can get your hair done, a facial, mani-pedi, massage - anything to make you feel beautiful.
Pamela McNair-Wingate opened the first Gadabout Salon in 1979 with a staff of eight. Pamela's daughter, Jana Westerbeke is now the co-president of the company.Β
Where:Β There are several to choose from. ClickΒ hereΒ for a locations.
Salon hours:Β 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Contact:Β ClickΒ here
β’Β Groomingdales Pet SalonΒ is the place to take your pooch to be pampered. The doggy day spa has been a winner of Tucson Local Media's Best of the Northwest competition for pet grooming and is owned by Mary Alice Bushey.Β
Where: 4759 N. First Ave.Β
Salon hours:Β 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.Β
Contact: 292-9436.
β’Β Jay Bee's Auto ServicesΒ handles general auto repair like brake repairs, tune-ups, cooling system and radiators, electrical diagnosis and repair, oil and filter changes and more.Β
A bundled-up Mike Turkington works on an engine at Jay Bees Auto Service. Workers in open spaces have been especially exposed to recent cold temperatures.
The shop is owned by Jacqui Harry, who has been known to buy warm socks for her employees during the winter. It has been in business since March 1987.
Where:Β 5070 E. 22nd Street
Shop hours:Β 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Contact:Β 790-6035.
