The Women of Brooklyn

It’s not an unknown fact that women have faced oppression and varying levels of inequality over the centuries. It’s been a long road for the fairer sex, and every year it seems that females are breaking new barriers and changing the role they play in the world. Relationships are different now. The workforce is taking a second look at their leadership for good reason. Empowering female characters are being highlighted through film and political leaders are having no choice but to tune into what a collective voice of powerful women have to say. This weekend, the weekend of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating Brooklyn and the female entrepreneurs who have been a force in their industry.

A humorous article came out a few years back stating that women in Brooklyn were among the pickiest females in the nation. I don’t necessarily believe that to be true, but to me it tells a different story. Women in Brooklyn, i notice, seem to be some of the most career oriented women around. As years progress, women are more excited by the idea of building a future and owning a business than meeting a new dating prospect. In fact, a recent article revealed that the most women-led startups currently exist in Brooklyn! This popular borough, in fact, houses some of the biggest “boss babes” around.

McNally Jackson is a bookstore chain that brings flocks of hipsters through their doors every day. Think books are a thing of the past? Think again! Sarah McNally and her team work hard to bring unique and thought provoking titles by independent artists to the store daily. Their curated artwork collections and monthly events make this a Brooklyn gem.

We can’t talk about Brooklyn female entrepreneurs without mentioning Ovenly Bake Shop’s founder, Agatha Kulaga, who pledges fraternity and maternity leave for all employees. With shops in Park Slope, Manhattan, Greenpoint, and Williamsburg, the bake shop has become a bit of a baked good empire in Brooklyn.

In 2011, Elizabeth Power opened up Awoke Vintage, a retro digs spot that quickly developed into a successful chain with a garden of vintage findings that are specifically chosen by the owner. By its own description, it hails as a “brick and mortar vintage store in Brooklyn, New York,” partnering with a multitude of local businesses to create a mecca of treasured goods.

So take the time this weekend to support Brooklyn’s female owned businesses in honor of International Women’s Day! With a little research, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many of them there are!