In honor of Women’s History + Appreciation Month, here is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society in the Peoria Area. Narrowing this down to a manageable list was challenging to say the least, but we hope this can be a starting point for more of us to support, uplift, and champion Women-owned businesses in our community.
Click here for more Women-owned businesses in Peoria
Ada Laine Boutique owned by Bridget Gilroy {Princeville} // Bridget began this adventure when she was 19, opening a brick and mortar in her hometown of Princeville, IL. Ada Laine Boutique strives to bring a unique shopping experience to small town USA. With clothes, accessories, shoes, home decor, beauty products and more!
A Perfect Pear Boutique owned by Libby Kotsuza {Peoria Heights} // A Perfect Pear Boutique is an upscale shopping boutique located in Peoria Heights. This boutique, with new arrivals daily, will help you create exclusive looks from the most fashionable labels and designers. With a variety of brands, shoes, and accessories, all ages are sure to find something they love!
Art at the Bodega owned by Tricia Yocum {Washington} // Let your inner artist bloom! Art at the Bodega, owned by Tricia Yocum is a studio where everyone can create a masterpiece. They offer parties, classes, private events, and walk-in DIYs. They also have New To-go kits and subscription boxes. Get creative and try out a class or create on your own!
Bear’s Bites owned by Samantha Hutchison {East Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2023 // Treat your furry friends to some treats from Bear’s Bites! Bear’s Bites offers many options of locally produced and packaged dog and cat treats, bites, and more. They are 100% natural with no grain, additives, or preservatives. They also offer monthly bite boxes if you’d like your best friend to try out a few of their products! Your furry friends will thank you!
Book Rack Books + Gifts owned by Stacy Hardin {Peoria} // A family run bookstore, with a well-curated selection of good reads covering the spectrum. Stacy knows the power of a good book and wants to share that gift. Everyone is in need of a good book, stop by to find yours.
Castaways Bar and Grill owned byAmanda Oedewaldt {Chillicothe} // Castaways Bar and Grill is the perfect place to go for top-quality meals at a reasonable price in an upbeat and fun atmosphere. Try out their delicious and fresh homemade meals including gourmet burgers, pub sandwiches, and fresh salads. Castaways gourmet flavors will keep you coming back for more!
Cafe Santa Rosa owned by Marta Vidal {Peoria Heights} // With a family farm located in the Cauca Region of Columbia you know that they are in control of the process and exquisite quality of the final result. Incredible history and care that you can taste. Cafe Santa Rosa is somewhere you have to experience!
Curvy Chic Boutique owned by Kali Holt {Pekin} // A safe space designed for women with curves to feel good shopping fashionable clothing. Kali set out to take the stress and struggle from plus size shoppers who struggled to find cute stylish clothes. The excellent customer service–greeted with a warm welcome, complete honesty, and as much or little styling assistance as wanted–has helped countless women to feel empowered, trendy, and comfortable in their own skin.
Dream Illustrations owned by Kay Davis {Chillicothe} // is a tattoo, body piercing, and permanent cosmetics shop. They have been around since 1983 and can custom draw any tattoo design you may want. Send them a message and they can get you set up with a price and quote for all your tattoo ideas!
FaireCoffee owned by Emily Hartter {Washington + Eureka} // Who doesn’t love a good coffee shop? FaireCoffee is owned by Emily Hartter. FaireCoffee spreads joy through coffee one cup at a time. They offer mobile and curbside ordering and feature many unique flavor combinations including brown sugar cinnamon and lavender peppermint. Consider stopping by when you need your next caffeine fix!
Hello Headband owned by sisters, Megan + Erin Ray {Peoria} // Hello Headband™, was started in 2011 on a creative whim after Megan made her first headband. What started as a hobby on Etsy quickly became a viral boom! From making upwards of 20 headbands per style and pattern, Hello Headband now makes hundreds of each pattern. Hello Headband currently has several different headband styles for everyone, including babies, children and adults, which you can find at Indie Gift House in Keller Station–the sisters’ storefront and workshop.
Kuchie’s on the Water owned by Jan Little {Peoria} // Jan has done a superb job of creating a one of a kind casual Riverfront restaurant. Offering seafood, incredible appetizers, and delectable drink options. You have got to pull up and dock your boat and enjoy an absolutely delicious meal on the patio!
Lela’s Resale Shoppe owned by Lela Schaff {Chillicothe + Lacon} // Lela’s Resale Shoppe #2, located in Chillicothe and owned by Lela Schaff, is the sister to Lela’s Resale Shoppe #1 in Lacon, IL. Lela’s is a consignment and thrift store that sells new and used merchandise, furniture, and more! You never know what you might find!
Looking 4 Treasures owned by Dawn Childers {Chillicothe} // Looking 4 Treasures is a thrift and consignment store. Owned by Dawn Childers, Looking 4 Treasures offers quality used furniture, small appliances, a big selection of used books, tools, sports items, collectibles, primitives, pottery, pictures, and glassware. Check them out before you start your next DIY project, they might have exactly what you’re looking for!
Lost Art Design & Print owned by Danielle Laroche {Peoria} // Danielle is a pro and brings something special to each and every design she touches. With a team of talented graphic designers and a passion for what they do, Lost Art Design is a must for your design and printing needs.
Maneki Permanent Jewelry + Gift Shop owned by Asia Henderson {Peoria} // Leading the trends Maneki is your one stop shop for permanent jewelry and one of a kind gifts. Grab a friend to go shopping and get some permanent jewelry from Asia while you are there!
Mo Tru Travels owned by Arien “Mo” Wallace {Peoria} // Thinking of planning a trip soon? Mo Tru Travels specializes in planning and providing affordable family travel packages both domestically and internationally. Mo is a Bradley University alumna with a passion for traveling and learning about different cultures at a low price.
The Queen of Squash owned by Heather Wolbeck {Peoria} // With the constant goal of using only fresh local, organic ingredients, Heather has succeeded in packing flexible delectable dishes with nutrition. The Queen of Squash is a unique dining experience for those looking for a mixture of fresh, healthy food options. Come and dine in or grab and go!
Relaxed and Refreshed owned by Virginia Clark {Peoria} // Your body will thank you after receiving massage therapy from Relaxed and Refreshed! Relaxed and Refreshed specializes in massage therapy to relieve the body, mind, and spirit. Virginia also provides basic facials and pedicures for when you want to treat yourself and does many types of events including one-on-one sessions and parties.
Riley’s Vegan Sweets and Eats owned by Riley Greenwood {Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2021 // Riley’s Vegan Sweets and Eats, open since 2017 is Peoria’s first 100% vegan bakery. They have many dietary options including vegan, soy-free, nut-free, and more. Riley also offers family-sized meals as well as traditional treats like cupcakes and cookies. You can also preorder custom treats or mouth-watering and decorative vegan cakes!
Roasted owned by Jamie Crum {Manito} // If you can trust anyone with your coffee it’s Jamie. Serving a variety of hot and cold drinks with many unique delicious flavors Stop at Roasted for a tasty treat!
Ron’s Carpets and Hardwood owned by Carol Hayse {Peoria} // Offering help with all of your flooring needs! Owned by Carol Hayse, Ron’s Carpets in Peoria offers a variety of flooring options including carpet, vinyl, and wood. With great prices, friendly staff, and top-notch installers, you can get the flooring you want in an easy and timely manner.
Sage and Co. owned by Kalee Christian and Andrea Huprich {Peoria Heights} // Sage and Co is a trendy boutique that provides an inclusive size range of clothing options along with products for home, self care, baby, and more! Located in the heart of Peoria Heights visit Kalee and Andrea for all your fashion needs!
Sentimental Journey owned by Kris and Shelly Hasten {Washington} // This specialty boutique opened by two sisters in 1982 wanting to bring something new to Washington’s Downtown Square has done just that. Now being run by one of their two daughters, Kris and Shelly, Known for its home accessories, collectibles, baby gifts, and “just because” gifts, stop in and shop local!
She-Pop Gourmet Popcorn owned by Sheila Marshall {Peoria} // This super fun shop specializes in delicious homemade popcorn made fresh and mixed exactly as you wish. With so many incredible flavors and a perfected process, you have got to stop in to experience this yummy snack!
Sunflower Boutique owned by Lea Faye {Wyoming} // What started off as a small online business for Lea has grown into a brick and mortar in the last six months. The Sunflower Boutique focuses on finding natural bath + body products, charming home decor and trending fashions.
Sweet Cakes by Rachael owned by Rachael Parker {Peoria} // In business for 18-years, Sweet Cakes by Rachael began with just an oven, a folding table and a mixer. Rachael is also the only baker and is known for her delicious cupcakes and beautiful custom cakes. She has no set menu and is open to trying new ideas, but make sure you pre-order your treats!
The Runaway Rack owned by Shay Obery { Mobile Boutique } // Experience shopping in a whole new way! The Runaway Rack is a charmingly curated mobile boutique store. Found locally throughout the year, you’ll be able to shop all the latest trends. Shay also has a booth at The Hub in Washington.
The Vintage Rose Boutique owned by Hattie Rose {Wyoming} // Hattie created The Vintage Rose with a passion for helping women feel confident in their own skin all while staying trendy! Stop in to shop for clothes, shoes, accessories, and so much more!
Unique Tees Inc owned by Shundra Parker {Peoria} // specializes in custom embroidery and screen printing. Located in Campustown next to Bradley University in Peoria, Unique Tees is the perfect place for all of your custom T-shirt needs!
Voilà Macarons owned by Diana Natale {Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2023 // Macarons in Paris are one of the city’s most prized delicacies because of their chic design and delectable taste—but now, you can experience these authentic treats in Central Illinois thanks to Voilà Macarons.
Whits Wicks owned by Whitney Baker {Elmwood} // When it comes to creating incredible scents Whitney is who you need to find. Candles made with 100% natural soy wax, hand poured in small batches with zero phthalates or paraffins, Whits Wicks quality and care is unmatched.
The Wink House owned by Andrea Winkler {Peoria} // With the mission of creating a community space for local vendors, Andrea is leading the charge. This incredible community of small business all under one roof is a must visit. Go and experience this one of a kind shopping experience!
Yeni’s Palarte Mexican Ice Cream {Peoria Heights} // Illinois Made class of 2022 // Yeni Rodriguez moved to Peoria in 2004 and was immediately touched by how the community embraced her family and heritage. In fact, Peoria was so friendly and encouraging, she was inspired to open Yeni’s Palarte, a homemade ice cream shop combining the unique flavors of her Mexican heritage with locally sourced ingredients. Ever since opening, she has had a steady stream of customers waiting to sample the unique flavor-of-the-day. Stop in—you won’t be disappointed!