As March approaches, we’re getting ready to celebrate Women’s History Month! It’s time to reflect on the amazing female accomplishments of the past and show your appreciation for all the incredible women in your lives. In honor of the month, why not check out some of Syracuse’s woman-owned businesses?
Golden Bee Bookshop
For all the bookworms out there, the Golden Bee Bookshop in Liverpool is a buzzworthy spot. Owner Casey Rose Frank has dedicated her shelves to books that represent a diverse audience, ensuring everyone can find a piece of themselves in a story from her shop. Aside from selling a large selection of books, the Golden Bee also hosts various events, including book clubs for every genre. The store even has a partnership with Libro.fm if audiobooks are more your speed. So if you’re looking for a new hobby or want to fuel an existing one, go pick up a book (or many), and don’t forget to read bee-tween the lines!
The Sweet Praxis
Who doesn’t love a sweet treat? In 2011, two female friends, Jennifer Walls and Natalie Evans, started a catering business before settling into their shop downtown, The Sweet Praxis, in 2016. Sadly, Evans passed away in 2022, but the business has continued to flourish under Walls. This bakery carries an elaborate assortment of baked goods, along with fancy drinks and lattes, and even some more hearty lunch foods. Plus, there are various gluten-free and vegan options. If you’re looking for a goodie to bring to a friend’s potluck or you’re planning a coffee date, consider making an order or stopping by!
BeeKind
Window-shopping at a boutique is one of my favorite pastimes. If you’re into that sort of thing, you’d love BeeKind in Tipperary Hill. While the shop is filled with tons of knick-knacks ranging from home decor to jewelry to beauty products and more, the homemade soy candles are the main attraction. In fact, co-owners (and sisters!) Jillian Barret and Jenna Graf formed their business after perfecting their candle-making craft during the COVID-19 shutdown. On the whole, BeeKind is about sharing products that were created close to home. So if you need a sweet gift for a loved one, products from BeeKind are as kind as can bee!
Mamma Hai
Calling all the foodies! Located in Salt City Market downtown, Mamma Hai is a Vietnamese restaurant that shares traditional recipes mixed with some local Syracuse flavors. They also have gluten-free and vegan options. Owner Ngoc Huynh opened the restaurant in 2021 to share her culture, family recipes and love of cooking. With the intention of being a place of comfort for the community, Huynh named her restaurant after the endearing Vietnamese term “Mamma Hai,” meaning “Mother number two,” someone who cares about you unconditionally. So if you’re feeling homesick or just looking for a nice meal, grab a bite and remember to spread the love.
CNY Women’s Market
On International Women’s Day (March 8), CNY Women’s Network is hosting a CNY Women’s Market, showcasing woman-owned businesses, artists, makers, curators and creators. The event will be held at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is free for anyone who wants to come support and celebrate women in business.
Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.