We should all be doing more to support independent women-owned businesses in Birmingham. 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 Brum’s women-led businesses. From nail studios and hair salons to florists and jewellery makers, there are some some truly bostin places to shout out too!
1. Enki
This cute Birmingham store stocks an array of items that are perfect as gifts. From handcrafted jewellery and pottery to recycled candles and funky stationary, Enki in Kings Heath offers unique pieces to suit all tastes. Plus plenty of unique cards and wrapping paper to ensure those gifts arrive with love and care. The woman-owned shop also offers jewellery services such as custom creations, jewellery repairs as well as jewellery-making classes.
30 High St, King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7JT
2. Ju Ju’s Cafe
Ju Ju’s Cafe is well-known to (and beloved by) most Brummies. Combing panoramic canalside views and good old-fashioned home-cooked food – whether for breakfast or a Sunday roast – the cafe always feels like home. Owner Julia’s “sassy service”, healthy portions, and refreshing cocktails, just seal the deal.
Ju Ju’s Cafe Birmingham, Watermarque, Canal Square, 100 Browning St, Birmingham B16 8EH
3. Common Interests
Nails in need of some TLC? Well, this women-owned nail studio in the Jewellery Quarter is definitely worth a visit. Offering a wide selection of nail designs to suit your style, Common Interests will provide you with eye-catching nails that’ll have you leaving the salon feeling like a boss if you didn’t already.
Common Interests, 34 Tenby St, Birmingham B1 3EE
4. Wonder & Wild
The independent, women-led business Wonder and Wild began towards the end of 2020 with handmade, personalised stockings but it has now grown to offer cute wall hanging banners. These are not only suitable for children’s rooms but look rather cute hung up in an at-home workspace, thanks to some of the motivating messages owner Lesley has designed. The pom-poms on the corners of the wall hangings are a fun touch too.
Looking to get married? Lesley also runs White Fern Weddings.
5. Kuula Poke
It was in Los Angeles that Felicity fell in love with poké, before travelling to Hawaii to learn more about these super-healthy dishes. She’d later take all she knows to the heart of Birmingham by launching Kuula Poké in 2019. The city’s first poké has flourished ever since, serving both traditional (tuna and salmon are staples) to unique flavours – like truffle chicken and frilled halloumi. You can also enjoy açaí and smoothie bowls.
16a Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QD
6. Atypical Thing
Another handmade jewellery company based in the Birmingham area, however Atypical Thing, which is located in The Spectacle Works in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, creates jewellery with a difference. Atypical Thing creates minimalist jewellery designs using recycled gold and silver, so not only are you helping to support local, women-led businesses, you are also doing good for the planet. Win-win.
7. Isherwood & Co
Looking to feed your plant obsession? For all the avid and wannabe Birmingham plant mums and dads out there, this women-led Birmingham business is the perfect go-to if you want to decorate your home with plants. Based in Bournville, you’ll find a selection of houseplants and flowers to suit all living conditions at Isherwood and Co, as well as pots, greeting cards and candles.
89 Woodlands Park Rd, Birmingham B30 1HA
8. Frances & Fortain
Owned by Chloe Frances and Natalie Fortain, this Walsall hair salon is one of the women-led businesses chosen by you that is run by two women. Frances and Fortain is a haven for those lockdown tresses that may have seen better days. The salon mainly specialises in balayage but also offer great cuts and blow dries that will have you wanting to show off your brand new do.
St Matthews Quarter, George St, Walsall WS1 1RS
9. Bear Bookshop
One of Birmingham’s best bookshops is also one of our favourite women-owned businesses. Bear Bookshop is completely devoted to children’s books and is teaching the joy of reading to the next generation of bookworms. How can you not find that lovely? There’s a massive range of beautifully crafted picture books to transport you and your little ones to new worlds inside this small bookstore.
588 Bearwood Rd, Bearwood, Smethwick B66 4BW
10. Naked Bakes
From looking at the shop alone, we believe this women-owned business in Kings Heath deserves our support. Naked Bakes easily sits amongsat the pinkest places of Birmingham. But it also serves some phenomenal cakes too – particularly the cupcakes. If you’ve got a special occasion, Gemma also offers special made and unique.
2b Woodthorpe Rd, Birmingham B14 6EL