by Leah Reed Forbes
Looking to support women-owned businesses in Johannesburg? This guide highlights standout female-led brands across food, wellness, fashion, and experiences that we love. We’re celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March and highlighting our favourite female-led spaces in Joburg. If you'd like a few more gift ideas, we've put together a list for more inspo here.
Women-Owned Food Businesses in Johannesburg
The Counter
Creating jaw-dropping confectionery from their Craighall Kitchen, The Counter is the go-to for all things fudge, marshmallows, and other yummy treats. They feature a cookie of the month, with fresh, mind-blowing flavours available on a regular basis. Try their birthday cake cookies or send a gift box to someone you really want to impress.
The Pink Piano
Started in 2021 by mother-daughter duo Christelle & Chantel, The Pink Piano started as a pop-up coffee shop and has evolved into a stunning space with an events restaurant and pottery cafe attached. Hosting live music events in their quirky Instagrammable cafe, they also serve up a delicious breakfast and lunch menu complete with spectacular cakes, smoothies, and outstanding coffee. The Pink Piano is located at 19 8th Ave, Northmead, Benoni, and is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8 AM - 4 PM. Their cafe is pet-friendly.
Rrraw Chocolate
Rrraw Chocolate is a woman-owned craft chocolatier based in Joburg. Their sustainably sourced cocoa is farmed in Uganda, and founder and chocolate maker Ana Maria says that they’re vegan-friendly too; everyone deserves excellent, indulgent chocolate.
Women-Owned Wellness & Lifestyle Businesses in Joburg
La Rouge
When the regular gym just doesn’t cut it, check out La Rouge for pole classes in Joburg as well as aerial hoop, silks, and burlesque for all levels. Gain strength, flexibility and confidence. With a host of experienced instructors, La Rouge is a deeply feminine space; it's a welcoming environment and a fabulous way to get strong, feel sexy, and start loving the skin you're in.
Lemon Berry Soap
Lemon Berry is a 100% Black female-owned beauty business, offering handmade vegan bath bombs, balms, mists, scrubs and candles. On top of selling handcrafted cruelty-free beauty products, they have two store locations to treat yourself and get your nails done. Their Joburg nail salons are based in Linden, directly opposite Arthur Bales at 65 4th Avenue, and their new nail bar is at 377 Ontdekkers Rd, Florida Park, opposite Florida Junction.
Women-Owned Fashion & Decor Brands in Johannesburg
Thabootys
Founded by media personality Thando Thebethe, Thabooty’s seeks to change the way women see underwear & shapewear forever. Their range includes everything from everyday invisible underwear to lingerie, sleepwear and swimming cozzies, making Thabooty’s the one-stop shop for confidence and self-love.
Sunset Soda
Technically a 50/50 split between two siblings, Monique De Villiers runs Sunset Soda Furniture Co with her brother, Jacques. Local dopamine decor meets mid-century modern at this Joburg-made furniture and decor store. A must for anyone who rejects minimalism and can’t resist a loud pattern or statement piece in their home. Check out their showroom at 168 Blueberry Hill St, Bush Hill, Randburg.
The Piercery
The Piercery is the brainchild of Roxy Burger and her sister Cassie. Their friendly store and all-femme team make piercings less of a scary experience and more of a bestie-date activity. They’ve got plenty of cute jewellery and accessories to choose from, as well as pain-free piercings on certain Saturdays with a qualified doctor. Find them at 9 4th Avenue, Parkhurst and keep an eye out for our upcoming Parkhurst Taste Tour while you’re at it!
Women-Owned Creative Studios & Experiences in Joburg
The Melville Mudroom
The Melville Mudroom is a pottery studio owned by sister duo Kate and Nina Shand. The studio provides a safe, creative space to find your way with clay, working with your hands and offering the option of hand-building pieces or throwing on the wheel. Together, Kate and Nina offer a lovely balance of playful exploration and mastery of ceramic skills for adults and teens. Find them near the top of Melville Koppies, at 28 Main Road, Melville.
Get Fonted
Get Fonted Calligraphy is a woman-owned, Johannesburg-based creative studio. They specialise in calligraphy and engraving personalisation services for elevated events and extraordinary gifting. Perfect for corporate and large-scale event gifting, and for intimate, personal gifts too.
Femme Petale
Femme Petale is a female-led flower farm in Irene. They offer fresh cut flowers, seeds, creative workshop events and even allow you to pick your own flowers on the farm. Join one of their floristry workshops, a watercolour class or their slow Sunday lunch; “a harvest-table style lunch celebrating seasonal flowers, thoughtful food and unhurried time together.” Find them at 198 Mooiplaats, Boschkop Rd, Boschkop.
Why support women-owned businesses in Johannesburg?
Supporting women entrepreneurs helps keep our local economies strong and diverse, and allows us to promote diverse innovation across industries. Being a conscious shopper means knowing who and where your money is going and helps to make great choices when spending your hard-earned randelas.