We should all be doing more to support independent women-owned businesses in Bristol. And with International Women’s Day (March 8) coming up and Women’s History Month well underway, now is as good a time as any to start! So we thought we’d share some of our favourite of Bristol’s women-owned businesses. From nail studios and hair salons to florists and jewellery makers, there are some truly awesome places to shout out!
1. Roots Floral Designs
No matter what the occasion – anniversaries, birthdays, Mother’s Day, or popping round for tea – flowers are always a welcome gift. Kaytee has been running one of our favourite flower shops, Roots Floral Designs, for over eight years now. The cute and lovely florist is super passionate about fresh and dried flowers, but you’ll also find house plants, pots, terrariums and macramé. Roots also offers same day flower delivery when you order before 10am (Monday to Friday) to postcodes BS1 to BS16.
Roots Floral Designs, 1 Broad Quay, Bristol BS1 4DA
2. Ahh Toots
Located up Bristol’s Christmas Steps, Ahh Toots is owned by baker Tam and sells gorgeously decorated cakes. Big and small, these cakes are suited to whatever the occasion may be – from weddings to a weekend treat. This bakery not only sells celebration cakes, doughnuts, cookies, cinnamon buns, savoury pastries and traybakes, but also offers a baking provisions supply box as well as DIY baking packs, plus boxes packed with a range of cake slices or traybakes like blondies and brownies, which can be delivered to your door or available for collection. To learn more head here.
Ahh Toots, 17 Christmas St, Bristol BS1 5BT
3. The MAZI Project
Founded by Melanie Vaxevanakis, The MAZI Project is an initiative that aims to tackle food insecurity for 16 – 25 year olds living in supported accommodation. From care leavers, youth recovering from homelessness or young asylum seekers. With a combination of delicious food, creative storytelling and local collaborations, MAZI wants to transform the way vulnerable people have access to healthy food whilst inspiring them to cook sustainably. The initiative recently made a call out for any Bristol food businesses interested in partnering with them on this project.
4. The Small City Bookshop
You won’t find many bookshops in east Bristol, but The Small City Bookshop is an underappreciated supporter of literacy in the area. Started by two friends, Christie and Sarah, the community bookshop stocks a curated range of adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction that “represents our tastes and reflects our beliefs of inclusivity of voice, character and theme.”
201 Church Rd, Redfield, Bristol BS5 9HL
5. That Thing
It’s one of Bristol’s longest-serving independent businesses, opened by Joh in 2008, and stocks around 50 independent designers. Many of these are Bristol-based and local to the store itself – as well as being women-owned businesses! Inside That Thing, you’ll find an eclectic mix of gorgeous items, from jewellery to homewares to vintage clothing. While it also stocks its own in-house brand, ‘That Thing’.
6. Rhubarb Jumble
Step back in time with this Bristol vintage shop, Rhubarb Jumble. And when say vintage, we mean vintage. Amy Hamilton’s particular affinity for mid-century aesthetic means nearly all the second-hand items here really are from the 1940s to 1970s. That means you might find anything from a 60s shift dress to an 80s raincoat – as well as everything from hair accessories and jewellery to mid-century furniture and homeware.
Rhubarb Jumble, 52 North St, Southville, Bristol BS3 1HJ
7. Bambi Locks
Amber Heath of Bambi Locks, is part of the A&E hair and make-up studio team on Gloucester Road, which is one of many women-owned businesses in Bristol run by two women. She offers a hair extension service and the salon is a haven for those tresses that may have seen better days. While Amber may specialise in hair extensions, the salon also offers great cuts, blow dries and full face make-up that will have you wanting to show off your brand new do and makeover.
8. Brunel Studios
The Bristol musician and former BIMM student, Emma Lawrence, opened her own recording and rehearsal studio in 2019. If you’re looking to start a band, there are six large rehearsal rooms at Brunel Studios. When you think you’re ready (and even if you’re not) lay those tracks down a in professional recording studio. Not quite ready? Tune up those instrument skills – from drums to guitar to vocals – with a series of lessons from the studio’s industry professional tutors.
Unit 309, Central Park, Hengrove Park, Hengrove, Bristol BS14 9BZ
9. Otomí
A fan of the iconic feminist painter Frida Kahlo? Then you’ll love Otomí. But on top of lots of Kahlo-inspired gifts (bags, boxes, pendants, cushion covers etc.), you’ll discover a vibrant shop brimming with Mexican goods. Co-founder, Louise has packed the shop with everything from Mexican hot sauces to wrestling masks, glassware to cookbooks.
Otomi, 4 Boyce’s Ave, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AA