This month marks International Women’s Day (March 8) as well as Women’s History Month, so we thought we’d share some of the best women-owned businesses in Bristol. And, who better to tell us the best spots but YOU. We asked Secret Bristol followers what their favourite women-led businesses were, and you did not disappoint, giving us some truly amazing places to shout about. From plant shops and cafés to charities and pottery makers, here’s what you recommended.
1. Ozaria Plants
Looking to feed your plant obsession? For all the avid and wannabe Bristol plant mums and dads out there, this women-led Bristol business is the perfect go-to if you want to decorate your home with plants. With shops in Clifton and the Old Market area, you’ll find a selection of houseplants and flowers to suit all living conditions, as well as pots and plant care items.
2. Ahh Toots
Located up Bristol’s Christmas Steps, Ahh Toots is owned by baker Tam and her bakery sells gorgeously decorated cakes, big and small, suited to whatever the occasion may be- 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.
3. Panda Pots
This cute Bristol store stocks an array of items that are perfect as gifts. From trinket and soap dishes to oil burners and vases, Panda Pots, also known as Miranda Ceramics, offers unique pieces to suit all tastes. The woman-owned shop makes small batch ceramics at Maze Studios in Bristol, with each piece being unique so you’ll never have the exact same item as someone else, making for a very personal gift.
4. 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.
5. 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 Bristol’s women-led businesses run by two women. Amber offers a hair extension service and the salon is a haven for those tresses that may have seen better days. Amber specialises in hair extensions, but 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.