In honor of Women’s History + Appreciation Month, here is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society in the Peoria Area. Narrowing this down to a manageable list was challenging to say the least, but we hope this can be a starting point for more of us to support, uplift, and champion Women-owned businesses in our community.
Curvy Chic Boutique owned by Kali Holt {Pekin} // Curvy Chic Boutique is a safe space designed for women with curves to feel good shopping fashionable clothing. Kali set out to to take the stress and struggle from plus size shoppers who struggled to find cute stylish clothes. The excellent customer service–greeted with a warm welcome, complete honesty, and as much or little styling assistance as wanted–has helped countless women to feel empowered, trendy, and comfortable in their own skin.
Mo Tru Travels owned by Arien “Mo” Wallace {Peoria} // Thinking of planning a trip soon? Mo Tru Travels specializes in planning and providing affordable family travel packages both domestically and internationally. Mo is a Bradley University alumna with a passion for traveling and learning about different cultures at a low price.
Dream Illustrations owned by Kay Davis {Chillicothe} // Dream Illustrations is a tattoo, body piercing, and permanent cosmetics shop. They have been around since 1983 and can custom draw any tattoo design you may want. Send them a message and they can get you set up with a price and quote for all your tattoo ideas!
Unique Tees Inc owned by Shundra Parker {Peoria} // Unique Tees specializes in custom embroidery and screen printing. Located in Campustown next to Bradley University in Peoria, Unique Tees is the perfect place for all of your custom T-shirt needs!
Ron’s Carpets owned by Carol Hayse {Peoria} // Ron’s Carpets can help you with all of your flooring needs! Owned by Carol Hayse, Ron’s carpets in Peoria offers a variety of flooring options including carpet, vinyl, and wood. With great prices, friendly staff, and top-notch installers, you can get the flooring you want in an easy and timely manner.
A Perfect Pear Boutique owned by Libby Kotsuza {Peoria Heights} // A Perfect Pear Boutique is an upscale shopping boutique located in Peoria Heights. This boutique, with new arrivals daily, will help you create exclusive looks from the most fashionable labels and designers. With a variety of brands, shoes, and accessories, all ages are sure to find something they love!
Lela’s Resale owned by Lela Schaff {Chillicothe + Lacon} // Lela’s Resale Shoppe #2, located in Chillicothe and owned by Lela Schaff, is the sister to Lela’s Resale Shoppe #1 in Lacon, IL. Lela’s is a consignment and thrift store that sells new and used merchandise, furniture, and more! You never know what you might find!
Art at the Bodega owned by Tricia Yocum {Washington} // Let your inner artist bloom! Art at the Bodega, owned by Tricia Yocum is a studio where everyone can create a masterpiece. They offer parties, classes, private events, and walk-in DIYs. They also have New To-go kits and subscription boxes. Get creative and try out a class or create on your own!
FaireCoffee owned by Emily Hartter {Washington} // Who doesn’t love a good coffee shop? FaireCoffee in Washington is owned by Emily Hartter. FaireCoffee spreads joy through coffee one cup at a time. They offer mobile and curbside ordering and feature many unique flavor combinations including brown sugar cinnamon and lavender peppermint. Consider stopping by when you need your next caffeine fix!
Rileys Vegan Sweets and Eats owned by Riley Greenwood {Peoria} // Riley’s Vegan Sweets and Eats, open since 2017 is Peoria’s first 100% vegan bakery. They have many dietary options including vegan, soy-free, nut-free, and more. Riley also offers family-sized meals as well as traditional treats like cupcakes and cookies. You can also preorder custom treats or mouth-watering and decorative vegan cakes!
Five Senses Spa and Salon owned by Paola Hinton {Peoria} // Treat yourself to some relaxation at Five Senses Spa and Salon. Owned by Paola Hinton, Five Senses Spa and Salon is proud to be named as one of Salon Today’s Top 200 Spa and Salons in North America. They have a barbershop, salon stations, mani/Pedi stations and spa rooms. Give yourself a break and make a visit to Five Senses Spa and Salon!
Happy Thoughts Coffee owned by Sarah Williamson {Chillicothe} // Looking for coffee and a meal? Happy Thoughts Coffee is another delicious coffee shop owned by Sarah Williamson that has been serving the community with tasty coffee and cafe items for almost 22 years! Happy Thoughts serves delicious beverages as well as baked goods, breakfast, and lunch items.
Up Beet Jams, Inc owned by Jam Rohr {Peoria + Bloomington} // Up Beet Jams, is a vegan and gluten-free meal prep service for the Peoria and Bloomington area where each week of meals also comes with a weekly music recommendation. The owner has mastered various cooking techniques to prepare unique and ever-changing vegan meals. She has also done extensive research to learn the specific benefits of a whole food plant-based diet. She offers delicious single meals, family-sized meals, and add-ons. Try one today!
Bear’s Bites owned by Samantha Hutchison {East Peoria} // Treat your furry friends to some treats from Bear’s Bites! Bear’s Bites offers many options of locally produced and packaged dog and cat treats, bites, and more. They are 100% natural with no grain, additives, or preservatives. They also offer monthly bite boxes if you’d like your best friend to try out a few of their products! Your furry friends will thank you!
Castaways Bar and Grill owned byAmanda Oedewaldt {Chillicothe} // Castaways Bar and Grill is the perfect place to go for top-quality meals at a reasonable price in an upbeat and fun atmosphere. Try out their delicious and fresh homemade meals including gourmet burgers, pub sandwiches, and fresh salads. Castaways gourmet flavors will keep you coming back for more!
Relaxed and Refreshed owned byVirginia Clark {Peoria} // Your body will thank you after receiving massage therapy from Relaxed and Refreshed! Relaxed and Refreshed specializes in massage therapy to relieve the body, mind, and spirit. Virginia also provides basic facials and pedicures for when you want to treat yourself and does many types of events including one-on-one sessions and parties.
Hello Headband owned by sisters,Megan + Erin Ray {Peoria} // Hello Headband™, was started in 2011 on a creative whim after Megan made her first headband. What started as a hobby on Etsy quickly became a viral boom! From making upwards of 20 headbands per style and pattern, Hello Headband now makes hundreds of each pattern. Hello Headband currently has several different headband styles for everyone, including babies, children and adults, which you can find at Indie Gift House in Keller Station–the sisters’ storefront and workshop.
World on Wheels owned byLynnette Lee {Peoria} // Learn how to glide along on a Segway with World on Wheels! Owned by Lynnette Lee, World on Wheels is the only Segway tour and Quadricycle bike rental experience in Peoria. They’re great for individual riding or corporate events and are open March thru November. Gliding with World on Wheels is as fun as it gets!
Looking 4 Treasures owned by Dawn Childers {Chillicothe} // Looking 4 Treasures is a thrift and consignment store. Owned by Dawn Childers, Looking 4 Treasures offers quality used furniture, small appliances, a big selection of used books, tools, sports items, collectibles, primitives, pottery, pictures, and glassware. Check them out before you start your next DIY project, they might have exactly what you’re looking for!
Sweet Cakes by Rachael owned by Rachael Parker {Peoria} // In business for 18-years, Sweet Cakes by Rachael began with just an oven, a folding table and a mixer. Rachael is also the only baker and is known for her delicious cupcakes and beautiful custom cakes. She has no set menu and is open to trying new ideas, but make sure you pre-order your treats!