The women in your life should be celebrated every day of the year, and today, International Women’s Day, is certainly no exception. We put the call out on Facebook and Instagram for you, our readers, to give a shout-out to women-led businesses around Melbourne that we can follow, support and celebrate.
Of course, we couldn’t cover all of the women-led businesses around Melbourne on this list. If you’re looking for more suggestions from your fellow readers, do check out our Facebook prompt above, or the answers on our Instagram post here.
From recycling initiatives to adorable dog clothes, here are some of your suggestions.
1. QVWC Shop
The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Shop is a curated design store in the CBD. Run by women, for women, it showcases gifts, fashion, art, homewares, books, treats and more that are unique, ethically-made and locally-sourced. The makers take home a higher percentage of the sale price than traditional wholesale, and all of the profits goes back towards the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, and supporting women around the state.
📍QV Square, Rear, 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. Haus of Dizzy
Proud Wiradjuri woman Kristy Dickinson makes bold and playful jewellery that celebrates and honours Indigenous culture. Each piece at Haus of Dizzy is designed, laser-cut, hand-pained and assembled at the studio in Fitzroy. These accessories often feature political and social messages, encouraging crucial dialogue on key issues.
📍Suite 16, 95 Victoria St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
3. Migrant Coffee
This gorgeous café in West Footscray was create by two first generation daughters of immigrants. Dedicated to their mothers, this space features New York Style bagels with Filipino, Thai and Island flavours. Pair your bagel with a quality cup of coffee for the perfect outing. Migrant Coffee is open from Thursday to Monday.
📍3/576 Barkly St, West Footscray VIC 3012
4. Bloomin’ Marvellous Flower School
Create something beautiful, like bouquets and wreaths, at floral workshops under the guidance of Jemina Richards from Bloomin’ Marvellous Flower School. Try out a class in person, and indulge in additional features like high tea or antipasto, or make something from the comfort of home by following a pre-recorded class online. These workshops are great for hen’s parties, and can be done at the studio in Malvern or at a venue of your choice.
📍 77 Chadstone Rd, Malvern East VIC 3145
5. Snoot Style
Love buying clothes for your dog, but looking for a sustainable solution? Look no further than Snoot Style. Founded by Katy (and her dog Buddy), this store provides fashionable and durable designs for dogs. The Floofy Fleece Dog Coat and Blanket are made from recycled polyester, and 10 per cent of all profits go towards the World Wildlife Fund.
📍Online
6. Breast Wear
Sam was supporting a friend through breast cancer when she decided to create Breast Wear. This post surgery recovery bra is designed to be comfortable and colourful, with front clasp features, soft fabric and bright patterns to support you both physically and mentally during the recovery period.
📍Online
7. Mazi
Effie founded Mazi in 1992, creating romantic and vintage-inspired clothing and accessories for the women of Melbourne. Find dresses, cardigans, coats and more at their new boutique location on Brunswick Street.
📍479 Brunswick St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068
8. Little Mouse Teahouse
Looking to add something extra to your next celebration? Why don’t you try Little Mouse Teahouse? This custom-made, 1950s-inspired caravan offers fun catering options to jazz up your next event. Kids especially will love their tea party packages, but Little Mouse is also good for weddings, birthdays and hens parties. Enjoy their wide range of options, including full bar service, high tea and styled picnic packages.
📍 17 Livingstone Rd, Eltham VIC 3095
9. RCYCL
Belinda founded RCYCL as a response to global pollution. This service gives you an alternative to throwing your old clothes in the bin. If you have clothes that can’t be upcycled or donated, RCYCL it. Pack up your clothes that are too worn, stained and torn into a RCYCL satchel, and Sendle it away. RCYCL will take these clothes and ship them to a factory, where it is repurposed into new yarn.
📍Online
10. Kisskill
Treat yourself to some luxurious lingerie from the talented team at Kisskill. This group of independent and creative women will help you feel confident with their range of lingerie, hosiery, sleepwear and accessories. You can find them on Chapel Street, or simply order your clothes online.
📍509 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141
11. Sweet Bakes
Alisha is sending sweet vibes all across Melbourne with her range of adorable cakes. Get your cake delivered around Melbourne, or, if you’re a massive sweet tooth, sign up to her Cake Mail Club. This subscription means that you’ll get a box of delicious cake slices delivered to your door once a month. To find out more about Sweet Bakes, click here.
📍239 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121
12. Secret Stays
Treat yourself to a personalised secret getaway in Victoria with the help of Melissa, travel manager at Secret Stays. You could stay anywhere from the beach to the mountains. All you need to do is tell her when you’d like to go, your budget, how far you’d like to drive and even a theme. She will do the rest.
📍Victoria
13. Pinky’s Store
Find the perfect gift at Pinky’s in Preston. Created by designer Emily Green and stylist Beckie Littler, this store features plenty of ceramics, homewares, jewellery, kids stuff and more, from Australian and international creators.
📍28 Gilbert Rd, Preston VIC 3072
14. Plume Gallery
Find contemporary and Aboriginal artworks at Plume Gallery in three locations around Victoria. Owned by Katrina McKeon, these galleries feature three resident artists: Kendra Sloan, Katrina McKeon and Raymond Walters Penangke. Plume also features a curated range of art by well-known and emerging artists.
📍Armadale, South Melbourne and Lorne