Woman-Owned, Austin-Operated

Written by: Courtney

Make a Day out of Showing Your Support!

There are about 78 women-owned businesses in the Austin area, with some 1,433 women-owned start-ups. That’s a fair number of local girl bosses out here doing their thing. Still, there’s no harm in helping that number grow, nor is there any harm in helping these businesses to flourish. 

What better way to spend a day in Austin, than showing your support to a few of these local women-owned/founded businesses? You get to enjoy some of the most buzzin’ places in town, while also supporting these powerful women in their endeavors. 

Jo’s Coffee on SoCo

Start your day off with a hot (or cold) cup of Joe at any of the three Jo’s locations. All three locations open at 7:00 AM, if you want to start exploring first thing in the morning! I’d suggest visiting the South Congress location to scratch another item off your Austin to-do list. 

Here you can find the iconic “I Love You So Much” wall that was actually spray-painted by a girl friend of the founder, Liz Lambert. She founded Jo’s in 1999, naming it after her mother. Lambert’s since moved onto other creations of her own design, but she still pops in every now and again for her free cup of coffee.  

Milk + Honey Spa

After getting your early morning pick-me-up, head on over to Guadalupe St. for some quality pampering and relaxation at Milk + Honey Spa. If you’d prefer to take your adventures outside of downtown Austin, you can visit any of the other various Milk + Honey locations. 

This spa was founded by Alissa Bayer who moved to Austin for graduate school, and like many others, fell in love with the city and decided to stay. Here they have a variety of spa treatments for you to choose from. Whether you’re in need of a massage or some microneedling, they’ve not only have both of those services but everything in between. Let Milk + Honey Spa be your one-stop relaxation station before heading out to your next destination. 

Franklin Barbecue

After a sensational massage, you deserve a nice, hearty meal. Nothing says “I visited Austin” more than getting a plate of fresh Texas BBQ from the one, the only, Franklin Barbecue. Stacy Franklin is the co-owner and COO of this success, and she has done nothing but continuously help the restaurant to flourish. 

Many have heard the name, but how many have made it through the line to acquire that renowned barbecue? You’ve got to be in it to get it! Franklin’s is open Tuesday through Sunday, but here’s the catch… once they sell out, they’re closed. Their hours vary based on their BBQ availability, so be sure to get in line before 2:00 PM.

Amy’s Ice Creams on SoCo  

After enjoying some Texas BBQ, head back over to South Congress to end your day of exploration with dessert. You’ll always be in for a sweet and savory handcrafted surprise at Amy’s. With the constant rotation of the menu, to give everyone the opportunity to try over 350 flavors of icecream, you may want to check out what each location is offering before heading over to end your Austin ventures with a creamy artisan creation.

In 1984, Amy’s Ice creams was founded by Amy Simmons. Though, she is not an Austin native, she understood the local appeal. That local appeal is what made Simmons’ business into the success that it is today. Her technique of maintaining locality within the borders of Texas is what has kept Amy’s from losing its touch and becoming just another franchise.

Can you think of a better way to spend your day?

What does your agenda for a day of showing your support look like? Feel free to scramble up the list I’ve given above, no need to maintain an orderly fashion. Have fun with it! Maybe you want to mix it up and add in some of the other women-owed businesses, Austin has so many of them to offer.

Regardless of your list of destinations, each experience will be unique and well worth the visit. Your exploration of Austin will not only be fun-filled, but tummy-filling and relaxing, with all of the delicious food, coffee and pampering options awaiting you!

Edited by: Hayden