From pretty pottery to fashionable finds, these women-owned shops and boutiques are making their mark on PA. Celebrate the state’s enterprising and entrepreneurial women by supporting these local businesses.
1. Lucy Rae Gifts & More
Indiana
Lucy Rae Gifts & More is a family-owned, mother-daughter business spearheaded by matriarch, Hastie Kinter. The boutique carries a wide variety of merchandise from apparel to children’s gifts, and a carefully curated selection of home goods. Hastie’s community influence extends beyond the boutique walls where she has served as an officer at the Indiana Printing & Publishing Company. In 2010, she was honored as the “Female Civic Leader of the Year” by the Indiana County Leader’s Circle.
2. Betsy’s of Ligonier
Ligonier
Debbie Sarault's Betsy's of Ligonier boutique is the go-to for ladies' casual apparel and accessories that are anything but run of the mill. Here you’ll find novelty sweaters, unusual jewelry, and leather purses that the fashionistas in your life will love. Along with her wonderful merchandise, Debbie offers one-of-a-kind services and is passionate about her town and customers.
3. The Little Apple
Philadelphia
Winner of “Best Gift Shop 2018” by Philly Happening and named one of the “10 Best Places to Shop in Philadelphia” by USA Today, The Little Apple is a must-visit for gifts of all kinds. This self-described “cheeky gift boutique” is brimming with individually selected, unique, and eclectic items for both everyday joy and special occasions. Owner Brandy Deieso selects the mix of goods that fill the shop, with many produced locally and a Philadelphia-theme throughout.
4. Eva Bryn Shoetique
Zelienople
Shoetique owner Eva Bryn brings big city styles to this small-town main street. Shoes are a clear passion with styles ranging from sandals to slippers, boots to heels, clogs to platforms, and a few others, but the shop offers so much more. Find practical handbags, outerwear with an elevated twist, unique and stunning jewelry, and accessories galore, including a wide selection of the most stylish readers. Whether shopping in person or online, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect gift for others and yourself!
5. Bella Sera & Knock Knock Boutiques
Hershey
Bella Sera Boutique owner Emily Drobnock is bringing a little pizzazz to Chocolate Ave. This beautiful, small shop features a curated collection of clothing, jewelry, and beauty care items that can make the perfect gift for a friend or a little pick-me-up for a “treat yourself” moment. Seeking more reasons to shop ‘til you drop? Stroll a few doors down to their sister store Knock Knock Boutique for even more great finds!
6. Earth & State
Media
Nestled in the heart of Media, Earth & State is a hidden gem co-owned by Heather Arata and her husband that’s been home to unique, homemade gifts since 2002. Browse through the handmade pottery (their most popular item), textiles, paper goods, instruments, pewter and aluminum artworks, glass and metal work, and home décor from more than 200 Fair Trade artists worldwide.
7. Chateau Christine
Meadville
Christine Yamrick brings chic, top-of-the-line quality women’s clothing, handbags, jewelry, and home goods to Chestnut Street. With seasonal collections and epic sales, you’ll find something to wear or accessorize with for every occasion at Chateau Christine. Try on a pair of their one-of-a kind Jude Blue Jeans or take home a piece from their Chateau Living collection to accent your home.
8. So Obsessed Boutique
Schuylkill Haven
You’ll be more than obsessed with the items you find at So Obsessed Boutique, owned by three women who all started in the luxury jewelry field. Between their shared expertise and vastly different fashion senses, they’ve created a trendy shop featuring affordable and stylish clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, accessories, and gifts.
9. Vintage 61 Storehouse
Orwigsburg
Looking for a truly one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or your besties? Established in 2013, the women-owned and operated 20,000 square-foot Vintage 61 Storehouse is home to more than 30 vendors whose specialty is incorporating vintage goods with current design trends to create one-of-a-kind vignettes that truly delight. Proudly self-described as Schuylkill County’s “unexpected design destination,” stop by to find curated merchandise of all kinds from painted furniture and three lines of specialty paints to textiles and women’s clothing to home decor, antiques, and vintage goods.
10. Mud and Maker
Pottsville
Mud and Maker, owned by Stephanie Premich has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years. Known for creating “unconventional pottery for unconventional people,” you’ll find a variety of handcrafted merchandise at her online store or check her website for shops carrying her goods, including unique pottery plant hangers, delicious food items, and even a Boilo candle inspired by the traditional Yuletide drink of northeastern PA and brimming with scents of citrus, honey, herbs, and a bit of booze!
11. Relish Studio & Gallery
Erie
Head metalsmith and owner Jennifer Reed creates custom jewelry and art for you to take a piece of the beach home at Relish Studio & Gallery. Each unique design is carefully crafted, with many items incorporating beautiful pieces of “beach glass” that pay homage to Reed’s own experiences growing up along the beaches of Lake Erie. Relish also offers a diverse selection of items such as driftwood art, paintings, ceramics, and coastal-related art crafted by artists from throughout the U.S.
12. Moosehead Pottery
Erie
You don’t need a special occasion to gift a fun, one-of-a-kind, beautifully glazed pottery piece from Moose Head Pottery. Owner Dina Petro takes pride in making all of her products in-house, including a wide selection of coffee mugs, vases, pour overs, bowls, plates, and beer growlers. The pieces are hand painted by talented artisans, resulting in a diverse array of colors, designs, and personalities and each a true work of art!
13. The Shops on West Diamond
Butler
Dorothy Calvert and Meredith Glendening have joined forces to offer three unique shops, the Appalachian Rock Shop, Dorothy's Herb Shop & Herbal Apothecary, and Florence Selene Tarot, at The Shops on West Diamond. Housed in a beautifully restored former home, they strive to provide a welcome and enchanting experience for guests where you’ll find all sorts of unique items — from organic herbal teas, candles, and soaps to crystals and tarot cards, as well as house plants, books, and even art work.
14. Shade Mountain Naturals
Lewistown
Shade Mountain Naturals owner Tamela Hetrick was first inspired to enter the world of natural skin care in 2002 when her daughter developed eczema. After years of research and dedication, she launched her own line of all natural, handmade skin care products, and is now one of four registered aromatherapists in PA. When visiting the shop, take time to peruse their products and watch as staff whip up fresh crèmes in their on-site laboratory. Before or after shopping, book one of their many therapeutic spa services or sign up for a make-and-take class.
15. Pompeii Street Soap Co. and Aromatherapy
Mifflinburg
Founder Jessica Grill is a woman of many passions and talents with an impressive resume that describes her as an artisan soap maker, certified aromatherapist, graphic designer, and back porch distiller. Visit her shop, Pompeii Street Soap Co. and Aromatherapy, a certified organic company, to see her passions in action with its wide selection of handcrafted, natural artisan soaps, lotions, body butters, and body care products, as well as organic and small batch wildcrafted essential oils, carriers, infused oils, and hydrosols. Besides crafting soap batches, Grill specializes in sourcing and analyzing the chemical composition of each essential oil before it’s offered for sale.
16. William and Mary Gift Shoppe, Inc.
Indiana
Find the perfect gift for a loved one or uncover a unique find for yourself at William and Mary Gift Shoppe, Inc. Owned by Shelly and Joan, browse their wide selection of gifts for all occasions, ranging from the unique and whimsical to the practical with a bit of fun thrown in. Their selection includes food, teas, coffees, purses, baby products, an assortment of lotions and soaps, pottery, and jewelry. Their handcrafted cards are as unique and whimsical as their gifts with a selection sure to rival that of even the big greeting card stores!
17. Tack Room, Inc.
Mifflinburg
Saddle up to shop at Tack Room, Inc. — the ultimate horse superstore! For about 20 years, this store has been providing quality products for both horse and rider. Owned by Eva Linke, here you can find English riding clothes and saddles, western clothes, paddock boots, western boots, footwear, blankets, helmets, gear, gifts, and tack to suit all your riding needs. Not a rider? You can find great clothing products from Life is Good and accessories such as Kiko Leather bags.
18. The Blooming Rooster Florals and Gifts
Milton
Susie Gearhart is a second-generation florist who learned everything she knows from her mom! She shares her family’s love of flowers through her store The Blooming Rooster Florals and Gifts — displaying her artfully designed arrangements that feature a very garden-y style. Susie also creates custom bouquets and arrangements perfect for any occasion and offers a selection of beautiful gifts, including handmade items from local businesses.
19. The Tweed Weasel Folk Art & Primitives
Schaefferstown
Recognized annually by Early American Life Magazine as one of the nation’s top traditional artisans, Tish Bachleda has been creating one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted folk art and primitives with her husband Mike since 1997. Their self-run gallery and store, The Tweed Weasel Folk Art & Primitives, offers a sweeping array of seasonal folk art, primitive antiques, rusted steel garden designs, and cement statuary to decorate your home both inside and out, as well as clothing, jewelry and accessories (known as “wearables”), and a line of artisan crafted greeting cards.
20. The Carriage House Collective
Lebanon
The Carriage House Collective owner Jane Yorty is proud to give more than 30 passionate artisans and makers a place to sell their goods and express themselves through their craft at her store. Discover unique finds including vintage and up-cycled home decor in eclectic and bohemian chic styles, furniture, unique jewelry, pottery, all natural soy candles, soaps, and hand sewn gifts. They also carry Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® and Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint so you can transform Uncle Bob’s battered armoire or your latest yard sale find into a thing of beauty!
21. Nicole Taylor Boutique
Lancaster
Nicole Taylor Boutique's owner, Nicole Vasquez, prides herself on offering selections that are good for her customers and for the earth. Located on the funky 300 block of North Queen Street in Lancaster City, this boutique boasts everything from jewelry to classy, sleek wardrobe items for women of all ages. Nicole carefully curates her store to ensure it’s comprised of goods that are both ethically and sustainably made from start to finish.
22. Collage
York
After studying fine art, living abroad, and working for years at her family’s retail business, in 2009 Whitney Morgan decided to take ownership of the decades-old gift shop, Collage. Whitney is determined to make Collage the “go-to,” one-stop-shop and gift boutique in the York area by offering a mix of gifts, fashion, home decor, art, and accessories from all over the world. One very im-paw-tant part of this York County staple is Jude, Whitney’s rescue pup. Make sure to say hi—he loves belly rubs!
23. Heartwood Nursery
Felton
Founded in 1992 and operated by Sue Hunter, Heartwood Nursery gives those with a green thumb (and even those without!) a welcoming space. As a leading woody plant propagator and American holly specialist, Sue’s nursery specializes in native woody propagation and other select species, including holly propagation and native reforestation. She also offers numerous varieties of perennials, native trees and shrubs, berry plants, and native ground covers. Don’t leave without stopping at Heartwood Nursery's Retail Garden and Gift Shop, which sells native plants and garden supplies, as well as local, handmade arts and crafts.
24. HIVE artspace
York
The award-winning HIVE artspace gallery and gift shop is suitably located in the Arts District of Royal Square in downtown York where owner Susan Scofield’s mission is to inspire, educate, motivate, and support artists. Her eclectic gallery features a monthly rotation of exhibits from regional and national artists. From quirky outsider art to charming traditional works, hand-crafted jewelry to handmade cards, and York-themed items and the York Artbook Collective, HIVE is simply buzzing with creative finds!
25. Refillism
York
Owned and operated by Elizabeth Bower, Refillism brings eco-friendly, zero-waste home and body care products to York. The brand embraces the eco-homes movement and encourages customers from throughout the U.S. to be environmentally conscious with every purchase. Offering all-natural, plant-based, non-toxic, and cruelty-free products, find excellent accent pieces for your kitchen and bathroom while playing a part in saving our planet shopping at Refillism.
26. The Watchmaker’s Daughter
York
Craftsmanship runs in the Reiss family. Third-generation jeweler, Karen Reiss Staub lends her personal passion and own unique expertise to The Watchmaker’s Daughter. At this gem of a store, you can shop made-in-house jewelry, crystals, gifts, and watches, choosing from classic pieces or customize your own. The shop also offers the works from a selection of local artists as well as a curated collection of beautiful vintage jewelry, and features Karen’s own line of custom jewelry, "Karen Reiss Designs."
27. Knotzland Bowties
Pittsburgh
Add a pop of color to your wardrobe with low-waste, high-fashion bowties from Knotzland Bowties. Pittsburgh-based founder Nisha Blackwell has rescued more than 3,400 pounds of fabric and offset 11,000 pounds of carbon emissions while creating vibrant, wearable art. But it’s not all about the knot — Knotzland also carries candles, gift boxes, lavallières (a truly unique type of necklace), and their custom, pocket handkerchiefs.
28. love, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Founded in 2017, this women-owned, Steel City staple give locals and visitors a way to represent and support the city of Pittsburgh. love, Pittsburgh is a locally focused gift shop featuring creations from more than 100 Pittsburgh-based artists and makers, with everything from apparel to stationary to pet accessories. Offering a curated assortment of gifts that celebrate the creativity of the city, take a little piece of Pittsburgh home with you from one of their three locations.
29. Dope Botanicals
Philadelphia
Owned by sisters Nakia and Taahirah Stith, Dope Botanicals is a modern herbal “a’plant’ecary” specializing in plant-based wellness. Voted “Best Herbal Apothecary” by Philadelphia Magazine for the Best of Philly 2022 Awards, this urban hot spot will have you sipping on delicious smoothies and drinks while you shop for take home teas and tonics. Opt for an herbal consult from the sisters or snag an adaptogenic latte, such as their stress-reducing, mood-stabilizing “Happy Pill” from their blend bar.
30. Philadelphia Independents
Philadelphia
Awarded “Best Philly Centric Gifts” by Philadelphia Magazine for the Best of Philly 2016 Awards, Philadelphia Independents is the brainchild of founders Tiffica Benza, Ashley Peel, and Jennifer Provost. Nestled along the cobblestone streets of Old City, this boutique features only handmade items from the best talent in the city including jewelry, accessories, ceramics, candles, prints, home decor, baby gifts, t-shirts, and greeting cards, making it easy to find a lovely and special gift in the City of Brotherly Love.
31. Bottlebrush Gallery & Center for the Arts
Harmony
It was her dream come true when MJ McCurdy opened Bottlebrush Gallery & Center for the Arts. Located in beautiful, historic Harmony, Ms. McCurdy offers art classes for all ages and showcases the artwork of 85 local artists. Here you’ll find a delightfully eclectic mix of pottery, fine art, sculpture, glass, quilts and fiber arts, mixed media and collage, iron work, and even organic dog and cat treats. But there’s even more! Their second floor houses the vintage vinyl shop, “Last Dog Records,” boasting more than 3,000 records from all genres along with musical instruments, books, and collectibles, or shop their year-round “Christmas room” for even more fun finds.
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