March is Women’s History Month. During this month, our nation observes and celebrates women’s achievements and successes throughout the years. 2021’s theme for Women’s History Month is “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to be Silenced.”
Promenade acknowledges the women that have impacted the Baltimore community and we encourage all of you to support our local women!
Baltimore Women Showing That Nothing is Impossible
Emma Canoles
A master gardener, reiki practitioner, executive chef, and activist, Emma Canoles has harbored a lifelong dream of connecting people to nature through food and tea. So, she opened her own tea shop, Emma’s Tea Spot. Her shop bursts with events such as classes, movie nights, and children’s activities. The menu boasts soups, salads, sandwiches, and, yes, tea, made from scratch using local ingredients. There are also British imported food and gifts and full high tea service with cream and scones.
Sunni Gilliam
Sunni, an avid tea drinker, often describes herself as “98% tea.” Her one wish? That we all drank more tea. So, desiring to open a safe, comforting space with the best tea, she opened Tea-ology in 2005. The business took off with its wide array of tea, espresso beverages, and pastries. Today, her cafe has expanded and grown into Teavolve, with its house-made sangria, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert options. A reflection of Gilliam herself, Teavolve utilizes all-natural ingredients to promote sustainability and good health. Since Sunni practices yoga and spirituality, Teavolve focuses on the “good vibes.”
Judith Golding
Judith Golding brings Sicily to Baltimore with her restaurant, Cosima. Beyond their mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine, Cosima is known for its elegant bar and impressive wine selection. If you’re interested, Cosmia offers cooking classes on the finest Southern Italian dishes. When she’s not cooking or in the shop, you can typically find Judie outdoors. Golding also donates her time and efforts to the Maryland SPCA, to better assist our community. But, according to Judie, she’s truly “happiest when the place is humming and everyone is eating great food.”
Jesse Sandlin
Self-taught “Top Chef” contender Jesse Sandlin recently opened Sally O’s in Highlandtown, her hometown. Yes, Jesse actually grew up in East Baltimore, living above her aunt and uncle’s restaurant. Between Sandlin’s fourteen years of experience and the truffle fries, Sally O’s is a must-visit. The name, Sally O, is an homage to her grandmother, who blossomed Jesse’s relationship with food. Her eclectic and fun character is seen in Sally O’s decor and its modern, creative take on American cuisine. Through Sally O’s, Jesse hopes to give back to the community she loves.
Cindy Wolf
Cindy Wolf is an accomplished, decorated, and esteemed entrepreneur. Her exemplary cooking skills have been featured in Bon Appetit, The New York Times, The Washington Times, and The Washington Post. Cindy is also a 9-time James Beard Foundation finalist for Best Chef. If you haven’t been, we recommend visiting her infamous restaurant, Charleston, where she shows off her exemplary culinary talents and classic French training. She is also the co-owner of other Foreman Wolf properties and restaurants, including:
Women Who Refuse To Be Pushed Out Of The Arts
Julia Fleischaker
An awesome little independent bookstore, Greedy Reads, is owned by Julia Fleischaker, who moved back to Maryland after working nearly 20 years in the publishing industry in New York. The store is chock-full of great finds and will also frequently host book clubs, discussions and author events. You can also find her furry friend, Audie, at the shop, too; she’s a friendly dog that loves pets!
Rebecca Alban Hoffberger
In 1984, Rebeeca Alban Hoffberger founded the American Visionary Art Museum, a modern art museum showcasing unique and hidden artworks with self-taught artists. By doing so, she opened a new, resistant space that encouraged women in the arts. Today, Rebecca encourages patrons to reflect on themselves and society through paintings, sculptures, ceramics, mosaics, and more. Beyond the beautiful array of artwork, AVAM offers educational courses, exhibitions, and events. This is no surprise, as Rebeca is an active member of Baltimore’s community and is a feminist, activist, and art director.
Bringing the Outdoors In
Liz Vayda
Horticulturist Liz Vayda wants to connect us with nature in meaningful ways via her store,
B. Willow. Inspired by her Environmental Science course in her study abroad program in New Zealand, Liz aspired to further her connection with nature, plants, and greenery. As a result, her mental health, bodily health, and quality of life increased. Wanting her community to better themselves with nature, she opened B. Willow, a plant store retailing indoor houseplants, terrariums, and plantcare kits. By opening a local store, Liz is happy to promote sustainability and “repair the planet.”
Promise to Shop Local
We hope you’ll support Baltimore’s local female-owned businesses this March and beyond—they need our support now more than ever.