According to the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), 42% of all American businesses are women-owned. That statistic is easily supported in Mantua, where a host of women-owned enterprises can be found on Prospect Street alone. The next time you’re in the area, why not stop by and visit one to see all they have to offer.
Here are a few, listed in alphabetical order. First is Bibury & Co, LLC, located at 4673 E. Prospect Street. This warm and inviting shop opened in 2020 and is owned by Ann Ellis. She sells hand-made greeting cards, journaling supplies, and gift items. Bibury features a variety of locally made items and home décor as well as unique items from national and international sources.
At 4690 East Prospect Street is Five Five Media Co., owned by Holly Michelson. This creative entrepreneur started her business in 2010 when she purchased her first camera. She notes that Five Five Media Co. helps others tell their stories no matter which media they require. Five Five Media offers photography, videography, custom painting, web design and graphic design to provide a custom approach to telling a story.
Jake’s Eats can be found at 4680 East Prospect Street and opened in 2009. Co-owners Jodie Fiala and Kim Sumwalt had a long-time interest in the hospitality industry and opened Jake’s upon their return to Mantua. At Jake’s they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, including daily specials, homemade soups and desserts. As Jake’s has thrived, they opened Jake’s Market at 10710 Main Street in 2015 to offer fresh fruit and produce, grab and go foods, salads and homemade soups as well as beer and wine to the local community.
J&J Sales can be found at 4664 Prospect Street. This country-style shop is owned by Jackie Holler. Jackie and her husband started home décor retail sales 46 years ago. They began by selling at festivals and shows in Pennsylvania, Milwaukee and Atlanta. Over the last 25 years, they had a storefront inside another location, but decided to open their own retail store in 2020 in Mantua. Some of the items featured on her shelves include jams, jelly, coffee/tea, pickled foods, card stock, pickled foods and more.
Next up is the Next Door General Store, owned by Terri Vechery and her family. Located at 4637 West Prospect, this shop features bulk ingredients including a variety of items for cooking and baking. They also feature a large collection of bulk candy, and jarred items like jams and pickles.
Last, but not least, visit Tracey Garrett at Top Tier Pastry LLC at 4668 East Prospect. This quaint shop features French-American fusion pastries made from the highest-quality ingredients. Items may be enjoyed at the shop or to go; special orders are also available for holidays and special occasions.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and these women-owned businesses can help you find the perfect items for special women in your life.
