Women In Business Guide 2026
- Information VOICE_TRIBUNE
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
By: VOICE-TRIBUNE • Sponsored
Women-owned businesses are leading the Louisville area with innovation, passion, and purpose. This collection celebrates the women entrepreneurs who are building successful businesses, creating jobs, and making a lasting impact across the Louisville area.
“From the first day that I opened 502 Hemp, I was struck by the cross section of our community that came through our doors,” says Dee Dee. “All kinds of people across generations and every walk of life were coming in and receiving relief from injury, arthritis, anxiety, insomnia, seizures. Cancer patients reeling from chemo, veterans trying to just feel at home in their own lives again.”
The 502 Hemp approach is simple: Do things with love and care.
“My staff and I encounter people who never even thought to smoke a joint in their lives, but somewhere they heard that they could try something natural, and it would make things better. When it works, and I see them come back again doing so much better, it’s just the most incredible thing. A lot of happy tears are shed at our shops. And who am I kidding, they’re mostly mine.”
Dee Dee Taylor
Owner of 502 Hemp/812 Hemp/President, Kentucky Hemp Association
Cartwheels Papers & Gifts, in the heart of St. Matthews, is owned by local mother-daughter team Kathy Lintner and Meredith Lintner Metzmeier. Together they have created a unique guest centered shopping experience, focused on thoughtfully curated gifts, home decor, special occasion baby & toddler clothing, and bespoke stationery.
Both Kathy and Meredith enjoy helping their guests celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. That is why they intentionally focus on finding special gifts, beautiful papers, and sweet fabrics for children’s clothes. They also love working with and supporting local artists, whose works add a very special community touch.
Cartwheels is the only brick and mortar stationery boutique in Louisville. Meredith really enjoys the time she is able to spend with couples planning their upcoming weddings, new parents welcoming their babies, graduations, and birthday celebrations for every generation.
Since opening in 2009, they have formed lasting relationships with generations of families throughout the community. They are grateful for the continued support of their customers and artists. They look forward to continuing to serve the community and celebrating those special moments for many years to come.
Clay and Cotton was created by women, for women. We believe the right clothing should look amazing, feel incredible, and give you the confidence to move through every part of your life—from everyday moments to life’s special occasions.
Our thoughtfully curated collections feature limited style runs, which allows you to express your personal style without blending into the crowd. We proudly partner with many women owned brands, from talented makers here in Louisville to artisans around the world. In fact, every piece of jewelry in our boutique is handmade by women.
For more than 20 years, Clay and Cotton has been a Highlands favorite, known for distinctive fashion and goods, exceptional quality, and a welcoming shopping experience. We invite you to stop in, explore our latest collections, and discover what makes our boutique so special. We are located at 1341 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204.
Edenside Gallery Celebrates 35 Years
For 35 years, Edenside Gallery has offered an eclectic collection of fine art, crafts, jewelry, and distinctive gifts. A ten-time Best of Louisville award winner, the gallery features oil paintings by local artists, contemporary ceramics, fine woodworking, and handcrafted treasures.
Edenside is especially known for its exceptional collection of antique jewelry, including beautiful Art Deco diamond rings.
Visit us in the heart of Louisville’s historic Highlands.
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:30 AM–5:30 PM • 1422 Bardstown Road • (502) 459-ARTS
“When I founded Eternity Wellness in 2019, I wasn’t trying to build another medical practice, I was creating the kind of healthcare experience I believed people deserved.
After years in traditional medicine, I saw too many patients feeling unheard and searching for deeper answers. I envisioned a place where evidence-based medicine, functional wellness, prevention, and natural aesthetics could come together under one roof, supporting patients as they navigate every season of their health.
As a wife, mother, nurse practitioner, and entrepreneur, building Eternity Wellness has been one of the most meaningful journeys of my life. What began as a dream has grown into one of Louisville’s most unique integrative wellness practices, built on compassion, inclusivity, education, and personalized care.
Today, our team is honored to help patients optimize their health, restore confidence, and age with vitality. Every person who walks through our doors has helped shape our story, and we are grateful to continue serving our community with the same passion and purpose that inspired it all.”
Kristina Pohl, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Founder & CEO, Eternity Wellness
My name is Jill Higginbotham and I’m the proud owner of J Michael’s Spa & Salon in Louisville, Kentucky. When myself and my father, Jerry Plappert, opened J Michael’s in 2011, our mission was simple: to elevate our guests, our team, and our community through exceptional service. We envisioned a luxury spa and salon in Louisville that feels both elevated and welcoming. A sanctuary where everyone can relax, feel cared for, and enjoy a moment of beauty that’s truly their own. We’re proud to now be a family affair, with my sister Kristi Burge as co-owner and Chief Operations Officer.
Every visit is designed around you. We are committed to creating an experience where your beauty is illuminated, inside and out. From our warm, attentive team to our customized services that include haircuts, color, facials, Hydrafacials, massage, nails, permanent makeup, extensions, and bridal, each detail reflects our belief that beauty begins with how you feel. That’s why it’s so important to us that we curate a space of connection, service, and excellence. So that you can have the best salon experience every time.
At Laura Rice & Associates, we are committed to delivering a seamless client-focused real estate experience rooted in expertise, professionalism, and personalized service. Led by Laura Rice - a top producing Louisville real estate agent and leader of one of the top performing teams in the Louisville Market - our team closed more than $39 million in sales volume across 80 transactions in 2025. Through strategic marketing, skilled negotiation, and a hands-on approach, we are dedicated to providing exceptional results and an elevated experience for every client we serve.
For 35 years, Margaret’s Consignments has been Louisville’s go-to destination for designer and name-brand women’s fashion at exceptional prices. The locally owned boutique offers a thoughtfully curated selection of clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and accessories, with new arrivals added daily.
Looking to refresh your closet? Margaret’s is currently accepting gently loved women’s clothing and accessories on consignment, making it easy to clear out your wardrobe while earning extra cash.
Shoppers can also score incredible savings during the Quarterly Tag Sale, July 31–August 7, featuring 25%–70% off throughout the store. The celebration continues August 10–14 as Margaret’s marks its 35th anniversary with customer appreciation events, including 35% off purchases with a Kentucky Humane Society Wish List donation and a special puppy meet and-greet on Friday, August 14, from 5–7 p.m.
Visit Margaret’s seven days a week at 2700 Frankfort Avenue or shop online.
Mellwood Antiques — A Louisville Treasure Hunt
Located inside the historic Mellwood Art Center, Mellwood Antiques is Louisville’s oldest antique mall and a dream destination for collectors, decorators, and bargain hunters. Spanning more than 45,000 square feet, the mall features 100+ dealers and over 200 booths filled with fine antiques, art, books, records, primitives, Arts and Crafts, Mid-Century Modern, Space Age pieces, collectibles, and unique home furnishings.
Open since 2014 in the former Fischer Packing Company building, Mellwood Antiques offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience where every visit brings new discoveries. Whether you’re searching for a rare find or a special piece to make your home unique, there’s truly something for everyone.
1860 Mellwood Ave, Louisville, KY | (502) 895-1306
ODUOAK (eau de oak) is a unisex bourbon-centric fragrance house led by Jackie Zykan. An award-winning whiskey blender, mixologist, perfumer, and herbalist, Jackie has spent her career training one of the most refined sensory instruments in the spirits world, the palate of a master blender. Decades of experience taught her how dozens of aromatic notes layer, express tension, and resolve into something greater than their parts, and that exact skill is what she now points at fragrance. She doesn’t formulate scents the way a lab does; she composes them the way she composes a blend or a cocktail, by feel, by memory, and by an instinct earned over thousands of hours at the nose and glass. Hand produced in Louisville, KY. Por one, por y’all.
Peddlers Mall is where vintage treasures, hidden gems, and unexpected finds come together—all under one roof. Every visit is a new adventure!
Since 1997, Peddlers Mall has proudly served the Louisville community, creating a unique space where hobbyists, collectors, resellers, and entrepreneurs can thrive. With hundreds of locally owned booths, you’ll discover everything from antiques and vintage finds to home décor, collectibles, handmade goods, and so much more.
Shop secondhand...FIRST. Every purchase supports local small businesses, gives pre-loved items a new life, and helps build a more sustainable community. You never know what treasure you’ll find next!
Sassy Fox Louisville was established in 2005 on Chenoweth Ln in St Matthews by Jessica Moreland. Jessica learned the consignment business from her mother, the original owner of the Sassy Fox in Lexington. That store was sold to a new owner in 2023. Jessica worked for her mother throughout high school and college before moving to Louisville to pursue another career, eventually returning to her love of consignment in 2005 and opening her own store in Louisville, KY. She has a dedicated and fun team of employees that love consignment as much as she does. We love consignment and interacting with our wonderful customers and consignors.
Susan’s Florist has been serving Louisville since 1942. Susan’s Florist has been a finalist multiple times in the Louisville Magazine for the Best Florist in Louisville award.
We specialize in designs from contemporary to traditional. Our trademark is specializing in beautiful and creative designs, especially our whimsical Mum menageries.
We are a full-service florist and will be happy to help you plan any event from a banquet to your wedding. We provide florals for local events such as the Speed Museum Gala, the Younger Women’s Club Fundraiser and corporate customers including Brown-Forman, Norton Hospital, and Baptist East Hospital. Susan’s Florist is owned by Amy Schoenhoff Streeter.
We welcome you to TC Highlands Farm, where rolling pastures, gentle Scottish Highland cattle, and genuine Kentucky hospitality create an experience unlike any other. Set on 120 peaceful acres in Shelby County and owned by a mother and daughter, our private, one hour experiences invite guests into the pasture for an up-close encounter with the herd. Feed treats, brush their shaggy coats, capture unforgettable photos, and learn about this remarkable breed—all in a relaxed setting designed for small groups. Whether you’re planning a girl’s getaway, gathering with friends, celebrating a special occasion, organizing a team-building event, or bringing an FFA or college group, every visit is intentionally personal, memorable, and one you’ll be talking about long after you leave.
A women-owned company founded in 2017 on the belief of beautiful skin made simple, The Only Facial is an award-winning authority in skin- and self-care. Offering one exceptional, comprehensive 11-step facial at one consistent price, we make the facial treatment experience approachable and accessible for everyone. What started as one location in St. Louis has grown into a thoughtful and deliberate expansion, with Louisville being the 27th location in 10 states. We are proud to support and empower women in business and the communities in which we live and serve, and give back to help take care of those who need care and their caregivers. To learn more, visit TheOnlyFacial.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Coming soon to 3592-101 Springhurst Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40241.
Valaterra is a serene retreat and wellness destination in LaGrange, Kentucky, created to foster healing, connection, and personal growth. Set on 100 acres of countryside, it offers an inspiring setting for corporate, nonprofit, and board retreats, women’s retreats, yoga, mindfulness workshops, creative gatherings, and holistic wellness experiences. Founded through the vision of Valerie Young and operated by the Young Family Foundation, Valaterra honors her belief in the healing power of nature and community.
Valaterra is committed to cultivating a welcoming community where people of all backgrounds and identities feel safe, seen, and valued.
Led by Executive Director Kendall Perkins and guided by Board President Rhonda Schladand, Secretary Joyce Crum, and Treasurer Laura Warren, Valaterra is stewarded by leaders committed to creating spaces where people can slow down, reconnect, and flourish.
Whether for a strategic planning retreat, wellness experience, or creative gathering, every visit invites rest, reflection, and renewal.
Jennifer Wright is an Independent Cabi Stylist serving women throughout the Louisville and Southern Indiana area. After a 27-year career as a dentist, Jennifer discovered Cabi as the perfect way to combine her love of fashion, helping others, and building relationships. She believes every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful, regardless of her age, size, or lifestyle. Jennifer specializes in creating versatile wardrobes that simplify getting dressed while reflecting each woman’s unique personality. Whether through private styling appointments, pop-up boutiques, or fun styling events with friends, she makes fashion approachable, personal, and enjoyable. Her goal is for every client to leave feeling more confident than when they arrived. Jennifer is passionate about encouraging women, supporting local businesses, and building community—one outfit at a time.
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