Herstory in the Making: Women-Owned Wonders in Grand Forks

March is Women’s History Month, and what better way to celebrate than by highlighting some local, women-owned businesses in the area! From delicious restaurants to unique shopping spots and plenty of diverse wellness areas, the women of Greater Grand Forks are truly doing it all. If there are businesses on this list that you haven’t heard of before, I challenge you to find some time in March to visit them!

Starting strong with some delicious women-owned restaurant choices, Little Bangkok, Melissa’s Mobile Cocina, and Bernie’s were some that immediately came to mind. Bernie’s owner, Molly Yeh, opened her restaurant in 2022, shortly after Melissa Castro’s Mobile Cocina opened in 2021. Both restaurants were a unique, delightful addition to the food scene in Greater Grand Forks and quickly became local favorites. A place that was once neighbors with Bernie’s, now located in South Grand Forks, Dow Storey’s restaurant, Little Bangkok, has consistently shone for its authentic (and delicious) Thai cuisine. I have many fond memories of visiting the original East Grand Forks location for family hangouts, pre-high school dance dinners, and lunch breaks. I had the chance to visit the new location this summer, and spoiler: the food is still delicious!

While they may not be completely classified as restaurants, Brick and Barley, Level 10, and O’Really’s Irish Pub are all owned by Sarah Horak and her husband. Bricks has a large menu with lots of variety and something for everyone, including the people across the street at O’Really’s, who can order food for delivery between bars. O’Really’s quickly became one of my favorite spots in town for the amazing community and fun atmosphere!

If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe while supporting local women entrepreneurs, the women-owned clothing boutiques in Greater Grand Forks offer something for every style and season. Key Bliss Boutique, owned by Heather McAtee, is a go-to for trendy clothing, casual staple pieces, and unique statement pieces. In downtown Grand Forks, Ashley Anderson’s Silo Boutique offers an inviting shopping experience with options for everybody and style. In the same building as Silo, Rachael Eider’s RH Standard provides an elevated experience with an amazing high-end boutique vibe. Down the street from Silo and RH, Lacey Tronnes’s Pretty B Boutique is perfect for fun clothing, accessories, and gifts that stand out in the best ways. Each of these shops has its own signature style and provides special experiences in Greater Grand Forks for locals and tourists alike. These women-owned businesses make it easy to shop local and feel confident knowing your purchase supports small businesses in the community!

Whether you’re looking for a welcoming workout spot, a new hairstyle, or a refreshing facial, the women-owned wellness scene in Greater Grand Forks has you covered! Traci Plante & her husband, owners of The Pedal, and Mickenzy Hammond, owner of Lotus Yoga, have changed the game when it comes to unique workout spaces. Both businesses offer a variety of class styles and class packs, making it easy to build your perfect workout routine. Another women-owned wellness center in the Greater Grand Forks community is Hudson, owned by Jessie Shirek and her husband. Hudson Wellness offers a unique blend of fitness, recovery, and beauty services under one roof, allowing you to meet your wellness needs. Lotus quickly became one of my favorite places in Grand Forks after taking my first class in 2024, and I hope to check out The Pedal and Hudson soon!

If you’re looking for somewhere local to update your hairstyle, Avant Hair & Skin Care Studio, owned by Anne Zimmer, and Rhapsody Salon & Spa, owned by Amber Sundine and Amanda Jo Hendrickson, are fantastic women-owned options. Both of these businesses also offer a variety of other services, ranging from body treatments, makeup, and facials. For your other aesthetic needs, Bloom Beauty Bar and Sublime Aesthetic Professionals are both welcoming, friendly, women-owned options. There is also Carly Irene Artistry owned and run by Carly Ranten on the south end of Grand Forks. A fabulous aesthetician and makeup artist that has some wonderfully luxurious options for skin care! While I haven’t had the chance to visit Bloom, owned by Marissa Regan, or Carly Irene Artistry, I’ve heard great things about both! I’m a long-time customer of Sublime in East Grand Forks, owned by Angie Bjorgaard. From high school dances to sorority formals, their spray tans have kept me bronzed and confident throughout the years!

If you love discovering new spots around town, Greater Grand Forks has no shortage of women-owned gems worth exploring. Wy’s Floral(Caitlin Holter), East Grand Floral(Savannah Johnson), and Jalen Nicole Floral (Jalen Nicole) each have their own creative flair, offering arrangements that make every occasion feel extra special. For coffee lovers, the Board Room Coffee & Tap House and Bully Brew locations are owned by Sandi Luck. You should also check out women-owned Meg-A-Latte, opened in 2025 by Megan Wold! If you’re making updates to your home, Sterling Carpet One Floor & Home, owned by Paula Anderson, provides flooring options to transform your space. Keera Sullivan and her husband own Flippin Happy Home Decor, which offers charming one-of-a-kind pieces that add personality to your space. For those looking for a little bit of everything, Laura and Jessica’s Midtown Marketplace is the perfect stop, bringing together a variety of vendors all under one roof. While they may be more niche in terms of services or offerings, these women-owned businesses highlight the creative spirit that makes shopping local in Greater Grand Forks such a rewarding experience!