Happy International Women’s Day, Victoria!
Across the country, every day female entrepreneurs are making history by pursuing their entrepreneurial passions, many of which reside right here on Vancouver Island.
From self-defense classes to tasty treats and stunning greenery, these local entrepreneurs across Vancouver Island are worth taking a look at—you may even find your new favourite shop!
In celebration of all that they do, here are 7 women-owned businesses in and around Greater Victoria to support:
Luna Collective
Luna Collective is a small shop in Victoria that showcases a curated collection of handmade and vintage goods!
Owner Eryn Beattie has personally hand-picked items that evoke feeling and are made with good intentions from over 100 independent artists and small businesses.
With such unique finds, you’re sure to find something you’ll love and support your local creators at the same time!
- Where: 1048 Fort Street
- When: Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jamie Gentry Designs
Jamie Gentry, from the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation and located in Sooke, creates gorgeous custom-made moccasins.
With each design, she hopes to bring people a sense of connection, build relationships and share her culture.
Her focus is on traditional style, comfort, durability and sustainability for every-day use, and each pair is cut, beaded, sewn and carved by hand.
She offers delivery on her items as well!
- Where: Gentry is based in Sooke—full list of retailers can be found here.
- When: No storefront hours, just order your lovely designs and wait patiently!
tiny flwrs
Two young women have used their passion for regenerative farming, flowers and supporting local to create a business that is blooming and bringing some beauty to Greater Victoria.
Ella Bethune and Ash Simon are the two halves that make up tiny flwrs—a bio-intensive, pollinator-friendly flower farm and florist located in North Saanich.
Included in their offers are custom arrangements, flower subscriptions, workshops and events and weddings.
They sell their flowers out of various businesses in Victoria, so check out there Instagram to see where they might be!
- Where: Their farm is located Sandown Center for Regenerative Agriculture, 1810 Glamorgan Road
- When: Depends on where they’re selling—contact them with your floral requests!
Empire Donuts
Empire Donuts, owned by Melanie, is a highly-renowned bakery in Victoria where creativity and flavour come together in delicious harmony!
Always rotating, first-time visitors and regulars alike are bound to find something new and exciting to try—you may even want to buy an assorted box so you can try them all.
All of their donuts are made by hand and from quality ingredients.
- Where:
- Cook Street location: 230 Cook Street
- View Street location: 736 View Street
- When:
- Cook Street location: Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. until sold out
- View Street location:
- Wednesday to Friday at 8 a.m. until sold out
- Saturday from 9 a.m. to sold out
Sixth Sense Self Defense
Everyone deserves to have the tools they need to feel safe.
Yvette André is the creator and head instructor of Sixth Sense Self Defence—a Victoria company wanting to help young women and female identifying individuals feel safe through setting boundaries and learning how to maintain them.
She offers a variety of boundary and self-defense workshops for women of all ages, while also educating attendees about bullying, assault, sextortion, sexual assault and harassment with age appropriate education.
- Where: Dependent on the workshop you sign up for!
- When: Full list of services here.
Freeman Fabrication
Freeman Fabrication is a female-owned and operated, custom fabrication and furniture design business located in Victoria.
Their style combines a passion for quality metal work and sourcing raw local materials to create unique and noteworthy pieces!
Wanting to shift away from “fast furniture” (quick to make, quick to break), they decided to build their own and soon began getting requests from friends—which led to their path of entrepreneurship.
- Where: 2740 B Rock Bay Avenue
- When: Get a quote from them here.
Notaries on Douglas
If you need any kind of Wills and/or Powers of Attorney document help, Notaries on Douglas is the place to go!
Prior to becoming a Notary Public in 1998, founder Sabrina Hanousek worked in various law firms in Vancouver and Victoria, as well as overseas in London, England and Sydney, Australia.
This global exposure has given Hanousek invaluable experience, expertise, and knowledge in all aspects of the legal profession.
She’s got a wonderful roster of employees, so you know you’re in the best hands!
- Where: 2420 Douglas Street
- When: To contact them about services, check out their website.
