We love to see a business led by a female-identifying person so I asked for your favorites and you delivered. If we’ve missed any, post them in the comments!
Sara’s Kitchen, 419 Broadway, Saratoga Springs: Owned by Sara Ali. Born to Egyptian parents and raised in Abu Dhabi, Ali got her master’s in engineering in Cairo before her then-husband got a job at GlobalFoundries (according to Saratoga Living). What started in farmer’s markets now led to her opening up her first storefront in downtown Saratoga. Don’t miss this authentic Middle Eastern food in Saratoga!
Nan Nail, 1210 Central Ave, Albany: I had a hard time finding information about the owner (who I assume is Nan). Their social media hasn’t been updated since Feb. 2023.
Cake Street Sweets, 130 Remsen St, Cohoes: Owned by Kayla E. Renfroe. Renfroe brings classical training in French and American pastry arts together with years of experience and a skillful team to ensure every bite you take contains unrivaled taste and quality. Award-winning decorating skills will give your wedding, holiday, or other special occasion a creative touch you and your family will love.
Farmhouse Tap + Tavern, 186 Main St, Altamont: Owned by Jackie Silvestri. Silvestri started 518 Foodies during the pandemic which led to Downtown Dough and then, Farmhouse Tap + Tavern. They pride themselves on being a locally-sourced, from-scratch kitchen (and their food is so delicious).
Cafe Calabria II, 1736 Western Ave, Albany: Owned by Sandra Cipollo. Cipollo’s brother was the previous owner until she took over operations in early 2023. Cafe Calabria was started by Chef Michael Futia at 23 years old. The restaurant served, and will continue to serve, traditional Southern Italian dishes from Calabria, Italy (News10).
College Compass NY: Owned by Jessica. Hiring College Compass will help bring enjoyment back to post-high school planning. Think of it like tutoring for college admissions. Or like hiring a driving instructor for your new driver.
Rooted + Rind, 14 Booth Rd, Delmar: Owned by Nicole Rice. A plant-based cafe serving smoothies, salads, wraps, breakfast sandwiches, + more.
Kimberly Alexis Photography, Colonie – Owned by Kimberly Clancy. Capturing the natural emotions of everyday life.
Bake for You, 5001 Dunhill Ct, Slingerlands: Owned by Linda Kindlon. Honestly, if this wasn’t voted in, I would’ve put this business in here myself. She offers delicious cookies, treats, and sandwiches- and I’ve watched her from the ground up. I supported Bake for You when she was baking out of a church basement and I’m so excited to see how far she’s come- well deserved!!
Pearl’s Bagels & Bakery, 16 Picotte Dr, Albany: Owned by Rachele Feisthamel.
Micropolitan Matchmakers: Owned by Becky Daniels and Gabby Fisher. Do you find dating hard in the Capital Region? Why do it by yourself? Let the Micropolitan Matchmakers help you with their database and date ideas.
Viva Empanadas, Galleria 7, 1214 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham: Owned by Veronica Agama.
Tara Kitchen, Schenectady/Guilderland/Troy: Owned by Aneesa Waheed.
A Vita Tattoo, 428 N Greenbush Rd, Rensselaer
Burn Boot Camp, 1758 US-9, Clifton Park: Owned by Jessie Reamer and Erinn St. Croix.
Lavish Nail Lounge, 102 Van Rensselaer Square #102n, Rensselaer:
Peter Pause, 535 Nott St, Schenectady: Owned by Amie Phillips.
The Olde Mercantile, 615 Pawling Ave, Troy: Owned by Dolores Bacon.
My Lighthouse Indoor Play Gym, 1580 Columbia Turnpike Building 3 suite 1, Castleton-On-Hudson: Owned by Karyn Morrow.
Vitoria Adamo Day Spa, 1700 Tower St, Schenectady: Owned by Patricia Gary.
Cussin’s Nails, 118 Jay St, Schenectady: Owned by Cori Rodriguez.
Willow and Sage Salon, 747 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham: Owned by Jenai.
The Cutting Room Hair Studio, 113 Park Ave, Mechanicville: Owned by Vicky Weber and Carrie Jaycox.
All Buttered Up Tattoo & Beauty Lounge, 1603 US-9, Clifton Park: Owned by Hannah Butterfield (but also featuring the amazing Carmella Laporta).
AND A FEW I WANTED TO ADD:
Take Two Cafe/ Unbeetable, Schenectady: Owned by Chelsea Heilmann.
Pin Up Jordan’s Mermaid Lounge, 204 Lafayette St, Schenectady: Owned by Jordan Yanatos.
Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen, 353 Clinton Ave #3102, Albany: Owned by Kizzy Williams.
Ya Ya’s House Southern Cuisine, 135 Broadway, Schenectady: Owned by Amanda Thompson.
Novel BIBLIO·BREW, 515 State St, Schenectady: Owned by Sara Pratt.
Graham’s Coffee Parlor, 3406 State St, Schenectady: Owned by Katryn Malen.
Cafe Euphoria, 225 River St, Troy: Owned by Atsushi Akera.
The Nest, 512 State St, Schenectady: Owned by Kaytrin Ziemann.
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