A Day at the Women-Owned Marked Presented by Women Who Rock

BY LAURA HARPER/WWR Staff Writer

Saturday, July 9 was a hot day, but that did not stop people from coming down to The Terminal in Pittsburgh’s Strip District to experience this summer’s second Women-Owned Market presented by Women Who Rock and powered by Duquesne Light. The atmosphere was alive with both patrons and vendors who came out to enjoy some live music and to support some of Pittsburgh’s incredible woman-owned small businesses.

“It’s moving and emotional to see so much talent in one place,” owner of Vision Partying Cathy Gruss said. “I’d like to see this movement spread across the country.”

Erica Parr, owner of Closet Rehab, agreed that it was amazing to see so many female business owners at a single event, and that it would be cool to see something similar in cities all across the country.

Many of the business owners at this event expressed their gratitude at having the opportunity to showcase their brands at The Terminal. Shelby Black-Couch with Trades of Hope says she loved the atmosphere of uplifting women and creativity.

“I was thrilled to find an event focused on women and empowerment through creativity and beauty," Black-Couch said.

Quincy Gow, owner of Hi Hemp-Infused Crafts, noted how the event was working wonderfully to bring women, and specifically women business owners, together in one place.

“Women can do everything men can do and we love to showcase it,” Gow said.

Each woman at each booth had their own reasons for being there and their own story to share about what brought them to this point. One such woman was Lisa Johnson, owner of Fearless Female, who shared the story of her friend who was attacked while out one night. This traumatic experience influenced Johnson to start her own business focused on offering lessons and products for self defense with the goal of protecting women and children.

“I made it my life’s mission to share the significance of awareness and avoidance,” Johnson said. “It’s important to give back to protect women and children.”

Despite having so many vendors on site, each one had something unique to offer, from earrings crafted out recycled toys to organic lip balms to exotic coffee and espresso and so much more. To top it off, patrons also had the opportunity to shop the exclusive Women Who Rock apparel and accessory line, enjoy live performances from Anna Hazo and Bryana Appley, take photos in front of The Terminal backdrops, and cool off with some Kona Ice.

If you would like to experience the Women-Owned Market presented by Women Who Rock for yourself, be sure to stop by for the two remaining dates this summer: Saturday, August 13 and Saturday, September 10 from 2:00pm – 6:00pm. This event is located at The Terminal in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, with vendors being located between the 18th and 20th Street passageways alongside the growing roster of Terminal retailers.