Blog: International Women’s Day 2023
It is a true honor to be able to showcase ten strong and resilient female entrepreneurs on the Mother Road Market campus. Each day, these women are inspiring the next generation of girls to follow their dreams, stay true to themselves and stand up for what they believe.
As we take this month to celebrate each of these entrepreneurs, we hope the Tulsa community will prioritize supporting female-owned businesses. Thank you for standing with women today and everyday as they continue to be courageous forces for good in our community.
Each year, we love sitting down with our female entrepreneurs to share with you a small glimpse into their journey as business owners, while they also take on the role of mothers, sisters, grandmothers, students, mentors and more. Keep scrolling to read some truly inspiring stories.
What has your experience been like as a female entrepreneur at Mother Road Market?
“Our experience as female entrepreneurs at Mother Road Market has been nothing but positive! From day one we have been surrounded by women such as Elizabeth Frame Ellison, who create a force in the spirit of entrepreneurship. Growing alongside other female business owners in the market has been both exciting and educational. It’s inspiring to be part of an initiative that supports the idea of diversity and inclusion, in and out of the market. We hope to contribute to the evolution of the Market District, as women, just as our leadership has done.” Rebekah Kantor & Jasmine Rikin - Knot Yours
What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs?
“I would encourage other female entrepreneurs to support one another. Recommend women-owned businesses, frequent women-owned establishments and reach out to ask for help and/or support from other women entrepreneurs. We are eager to see each other succeed. Building that community for yourself will be very valuable to your own success and confidence.” Allison Cunningham - Mythic City
What are some of the biggest opportunities you see as a female entrepreneur?
“As a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, I see opportunities for growth and expansion in my business. While it can be difficult to navigate in an industry where women are underrepresented, I am determined to use this as motivation to succeed. I believe that my unique perspective as a women brings a fresh approach to the food industry and helps me stand out. I am constantly looking for ways to improve and grow my business, and I am always seeking out new opportunities to showcase my skills and passion for cooking. Being a female owner also gives me a chance to be a role model and inspire other women to pursue their passions and dreams, regardless of their industry.” Faith Walker - Curds & Whey Gourmet
What is your favorite female-owned business in Tulsa and why?
“My favorite female business in Tulsa coincidentally is also owned by a Brazilian woman - Luciane, better known as Cupcakes by Lu. She already has a long journey with the bakery here in Tulsa, and even with all the difficulties of the pandemic she recently reopened her shop in Bixby. In addition to being a fairy-handed confectioner, she is also a successful businesswoman.” Gi Bach - Doctor Kustom
What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs?
“Be authentic, be true to yourself and show the people the real you so that they might see a part of themselves in you. Additionally, never let the challenges stop you. You don’t need to be amazing to start, but you need to start to be amazing.” Esther Wright - Hilo de Amor
Who is one female that you look up to and why?
“I'm fortunate enough to say that my mother has been a woman who has taught me how to remain diligent, how to handle stress, and how to be true to myself. I've always admired how she navigated motherhood while running a business with my dad at the same time. She doesn't shy away from problems, she faces them. And she's funny. Having a sense of humor is the balm for the unpredictability of being an entrepreneur.” Sami Cooper - Big Dipper Creamery
What has your experience been like as a female entrepreneur at Mother Road Market?
“I take great pride in having Mother Road Market as the home for Da Yolk. There is not a better place in Tulsa where we could be surrounded by a group of such amazing, locally owned businesses, several of which are woman owned, like Da Yolk.” Kalee Kallam - Da Yolk
Please join us in celebrating the incredible female entrepreneurs above plus Danielle Phillips, co-owner of Chicken and the Wolf, Tara Hattan, owner of Zasa’s Pizza and all of the women of Kitchen 66.
In order to continue the celebration this Women’s History Month, Mother Road Market will be doing weekly giveaways on Instagram! Participants will have the chance to win one $100 Mother Road Market gift card, as well as one $100 gift card to another female owned business in Tulsa. Head over to instagram.com/motherroadmarket to learn more and enter the giveaways.