Check Out These Women-Owned, Local Businesses

By Molly Sanders | March 8, 2019

Who run the world? Today marks International Women’s Day, an excellent excuse to celebrate the powerful and influential women of San Diego. Locally-owned small businesses are the lifeblood of America’s Finest City, and the chance to support the badass women who built them from the ground up is something we should do every day. Check out these women breaking down barriers in San Diego’s business scene.

When it comes to dynamic duos, it’s hard to find one better than the co-owners of The Haven Pizzeria and Del Sur Mexican Cantina. Cornering the markets of Kensington and South Park, these two charming eateries are owned and managed by business partners Lauren Passero Brooks and Kate Grimes. Opened in 2013, The Haven serves up pastas, salads, sandwiches and, most importantly, some of the finest Neapolitan-style pies in San Diego. Following the success of The Haven, this terrific female team embarked on the opening of Del Sur Mexican Cantina in 2016 to bring handcrafted margaritas, signature cocktails and colorful Mexican cuisine with vegetarian options to South Park.

It doesn’t get much more local than The Perfect Pineapple, found at the Carmel Valley lifestyle hub The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch. Founded by San Diego local and Point Loma Nazarene University alumni Annie Glenn, The Perfect Pineapple is the North County mecca for unique and locally-sourced gift ideas. Whether you’re on the hunt for hostess gifts, party decorations or the perfect personalized present, The Perfect Pineapple is a one-stop shop with an unbeatable selection of mugs, candles, wall art, fun accessories and more. A true maven of boutiques, Glenn also owns Urban Girl at the center, specializing in products that give back clothing to candles to candy and more.

Owned by three San Diego sisters and Torrey Pines alumni, hip and fashionable Mabels is also found at The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch in addition to two other locations. Featuring chic clothing, jewelry, shoes and gifts for women, babies and moms to be, Mabels carries one-of-a-kind gifts and clothing in addition to fashion lines including Trina Turk, Free People, Citizens of Humanity, Kickee Pants and more. Ideal for gift giving and boutique shopping, Mabels offers unmatched individual attention, gift wrapping and alterations for a true brick-and-mortar experience.

Honored and voted as Best Women’s Local Clothing Boutique year after year, TRE Boutique is a true family business thanks to owners and sisters Sheree and Rochelle. Establishing a third location at The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch, TRE Boutique has mastered the trend-setting styling of customers for special events, getaways and even the everyday moments. Specializing in sophisticated and savvy styles, the specialty boutique experience encourages you to skip the big-name stores in favor of beautiful fashions designed just for you!

Second Chance Beer Company is celebrating women in craft beer this International Women’s Day. The female-owned, San Diego-based brewery is creating a Women’s Everyday Rosé, in collaboration with other local and women-led companies from all different fields. The base of the Women’s Everyday Rosé is a blonde ale which then has fresh citrus, Semillon grapes and rose petals added in.

The rosé will officially be brewed the weekend of International Women’s Day where all the women involved will come out to Second Chance’s Carmel Mountain location and help with the brew process. The anticipated release date is April 7, National Beer Day, which will also entail a release party, featuring an artisan market open to the public with local vendors. Partial profits from the beverage will benefit Pink Boots Society’s scholarship program for women looking to advance in the beer industry.

“The beer industry historically has been portrayed by hairy men in flannels. We brought together a rainbow of San Diego women busting ceilings in our local, independent craft beer community and beyond. Women Everyday Rosé can be enjoyed with girlfriends, boyfriends and family of all colors and genders, identity be damned! We believe that’s what true community and love should be. So many women — across many industries traditionally male-predominate — are change-makers. I want to draw attention to that fact and show how our indie beer community can bring us together for a great cause and fantastic beer!” – Virginia Morrison, CEO and co-founder at Second Chance Beer Company