As we begin Women’s History Month and near International Women’s Day (March 8), we’re taking the month of March to celebrate the women who make Tampa special. From women-owned businesses and women artists all the way to our Mayor Jane Castor, we’re shining a light on the people who keep our city moving.
To start, one of the biggest pockets of beloved local women-owned businesses is in Hyde Park Village, where so many of our favorite spots call home. More than half a dozen businesses in the popular destination are owned and run by local women making their mark on their city, all just steps away from each other. Today, we want to introduce you to some of them.
Albisia (top left); Katrina Riley and Lindsey Cronk (top center); Sunni Spencer (top right); René Neff (bottom)
Albisia – Making Tampa sparkle
Meet Albisia, founder of Albisia Jewelry located in Snow Circle. Since 2011, Albisia has handcrafted gold and fine jewelry inspired by her roots in Tampa and Istanbul. Each piece is thoughtfully created from raw materials—simple, timeless, and designed to mix playfully.
1605 W Snow Cir
Alli Wilkins – Keeping Tampa in tune
Alli Wilkins, affectionately known as “Ms. Alli,” is the founder of Allisongs for Tots and a joyful presence in our community. With a background in drama, voice, and psychology focused on special education, she founded Allisongs in 2006 with the belief that we are all born musical. For over 15 years, she has brought little ones and their families together through music, creating moments of connection, confidence, and pure joy.
1402 W Swann Ave
Jen Bingham – Tampa’s most trusted palate
Jen Bingham, Certified Sommelier and founder of Cru Cellars, brings her signature expertise and passion for approachable wine to Bouzy in Hyde Park Village. After building a devoted following across Tampa Bay with Cru, Jen expanded her vision with Bouzy, a refined champagne and cocktail bar rooted in celebration, connection, and elevated hospitality. Today, Bouzy stands as a vibrant destination to sip, gather, and toast to life’s most memorable moments.
1640 W Snow Ave
Susan Ward – Putting the pep in Tampa’s step
Susan Ward, co-founder of Buddy Brew Coffee, built the brand on a simple belief: coffee should be rooted in love and community. Inspired by Buddy, the Labrador behind the logo who once kept watch over their first roaster, Buddy Brew was founded on loyalty, joy, and connection. Guided by its “Brew Good, Do Good” mission, the company ethically sources and artfully roasts specialty-grade coffees from around the world. For Susan, coffee is the craft, but love is the reason behind every cup.
1605 W Snow Ave
Misty Akers – Keeping Tampa fragrant
Misty Akers, Founder and Co-Owner of The Candle Pour, brings a dynamic blend of corporate leadership and creative vision to Hyde Park Village. After a successful career, she co-founded Tampa’s first custom candle-making experience in 2019. Today, The Candle Pour is a local favorite known for its curated scent library and interactive experience, reflecting Misty’s passion for people, culture, and community.
1619 W Snow Cir
Maresa Keene and Kaylie Burchardt – Bringing country to the Tampa coast
Maresa Keene and Kaylie Burchardt are the founders of Coastal Cowgirls Collective, the custom hat bar at Hyde Park Village that blends Tampa’s coastal style with Western flair. With Maresa’s deep ties to the local community and Kaylie’s Texas-rooted love of country fashion, the duo created a space that feels both personal and playful. Together, they’ve built an interactive, design-your-own hat experience that reflects their shared vision of style, creativity, and connection.
734 S Village Cir
Marina Moon – Adding some color to Tampa
Marina Moon moved to Florida in 2000 and earned her degree from the University of South Florida. What began as an undergraduate role at Color Me Mine evolved into a lifelong passion, leading her from team member to manager and now proud owner. Today, Marina is committed to fostering creativity and community, giving back to local schools and foundations, and creating a welcoming space where families and friends can gather and create together.
730 S Village Cir
René Neff – Tampa’s dog-gone good business owner
Nearly 20 years ago, René Neff sketched her vision for Downtown Dogs while working at Tampa General Hospital. Today, Downtown Dogs in Snow Circle is the go-to spot for specialty treats, collars, accessories, and personalized experiences for pups and owners. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate René and the women shaping The Village.
1631 W Snow Cir
Katrina Riley and Lindsey Cronk – Empowering the women of Tampa
In 2019, best friends turned business partners Katrina Riley and Lindsey Cronk founded ÉLAN Aesthetics to bring advanced, non-surgical aesthetic treatments to Hyde Park in a luxury setting. Today, their vision has flourished—growing from a small team of five to a powerful group of more than 20 inspiring women. Their success continues with VISAGE by ÉLAN, expanding their mission of empowering women through personalized beauty and wellness.
1503 W Swann Ave
Andrea Messina – Crafting the tastes of Tampa
As the owner of Fig & Julep, Andrea’s passion for artisan foods and the art of gastronomy shines through the shelves of her store, where guests will discover an amazing array of unique gourmet foods such as olives from around the globe, French mustards, specialty pastas and sauces, gourmet condiments and spices, hard-to-find cocktail mixers, artisan crackers, honey, nuts, jams and chutneys, specialty cheeses and more.
1621 W Snow Cir
Rebekah Norrell – Making Tampa beautiful
Rebekah Norrell is the founder of Salon Norrell, a luxury Aveda salon serving the Tampa area. A mom of three and passionate entrepreneur, she has built her brand around exceptional experiences, beautiful spaces, and a strong team culture. Rebekah is deeply committed to mentoring her stylists and empowering women in the beauty industry to build confident, successful, and financially independent careers.
720 S Village Cir
Courtenay Smith – Keeping Tampa moving
Courtenay Smith is the founder of SHACK yoga + fitness, a Florida-based wellness brand dedicated to movement, community, and sustainable growth. She began teaching yoga at age 25 and developed her leadership foundation through Lululemon management and grassroots community marketing. Since launching SHACK in 2012, Courtenay has expanded the brand alongside major life milestones—marriage, motherhood, and navigating business through the COVID era—opening a second studio in 2023. As a mother of two and employer of 45+ team members, many of whom are women and mothers, Courtenay believes movement and wellness spaces can serve as a powerful refuge in both business and life.
1602 W. Snow Avenue
Sunni Spencer – Getting Tampa runway ready
Sunni Spencer’s lifelong passion for the ocean and travel inspired her luxury ocean-lifestyle boutique, Sunni Spencer. Leveraging her fashion expertise and entrepreneurial drive, Sunni launched her vision in New York City and The Hamptons before bringing her shop to Hyde Park Village.
1618 W Snow Ave