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.
Click here for more Women-owned businesses in Peoria
AnaPrana Healing Studio owned by Ann Oesterle {Pekin} // Focusing on a holistic approach, Ann is here to encourage others to find their power and own healing abilities! Visit AnaPrana Healing Studio to find the perfect yoga class for whatever your body is needing!
Crafted DIY Studio and Bar owned by Jodie Vierira {Peoria} // With a true passion for creating and crafting, Jodie is happiest when she is making something. Come in to Crafted DIY Studio and Bar and craft your own beautiful creations while having a drink and hanging out with friends!
Curvology owned by Beth Fischr {Peoria} // By creating a safe space for plus size women, Beth strives to help you find pieces that make you feel beautiful. With a range of trendy styles and pieces you will find something that makes you feel incredible. The Curvology team will make sure of it!
Cyd’s in the Park owned by Emily Cotton {Peoria} // Emily has planted Cyd’s in beautiful Donovan Park, creating an incredible experience. Come to Cyd’s to stay a while or pop into their take away market for a quick bite to eat! No matter what you do the food will always be fantastic!
Enough Stuff Club owned by local volunteers {East Peoria} // Founded on the importance of community and helping others, Enough Stuff is stocked with items that have been donated and are given to those who are in need of them. If you want to be a part of it, donate items or become a member!
Escape 60 owned by Michelle Rouland {Peoria} // Escape 60 in Peoria Illinois is one hour of the most heart pumping, team building and brain-teasing fun you will ever have. Michelle welcomes you to enjoy a thrilling real world interactive adventure!
Faraway Mercantile owned by Joanna Vining and Amber Rusk {Chillicothe} // You are going to love Faraway Mercantile, a retail store with a southwest flare and a tanning salon! You can do so much in just one visit!
Feels Like Ohm owned by Brooke Swedman {Peoria Heights} // Brook takes inspiration for her juices from different yoga positions and energy centers of the body. Come in and get a healthy treat or stock up on juice for the week!
The Fiber Universe owned by Erin Strehlo and Melinda Breede {Peoria} // The Fiber Universe is a specialty yarn store in downtown Peoria. Erin and Melinda have quite the selection, offering yarn, spinning fibers, classes, kits, and more! Stop in for all things yarn!
Floral Designs, Ltd owned by Ann Dill and Kim Dill-Zeller {Morton} // Floral Designs specializes in a unique artistry. They envision, create, and personally design each arrangement. Every home they accessorize reflects the enthusiasm and exceptional talents of their design team.
The Floratory owned by Lindsey Rajkowski {Peoria Heights} // The Floratory is dedicated to crafting fresh, beautiful floral arrangements right here in Peoria. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten someone’s day, trust The Floratory for all your flower delivery needs.
Hacienda El Mirador owned by Julia Roca {Peoria} // For Julia Roca creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere at Hacienda El Mirador allows those stopping in to eat to be more like friends than customers. With a menu to satisfy any taste and seasonal dishes, you will want to keep coming back!
Hardin Soy Candles by Book Rack owned by Stacy Hardin {Peoria} // Emily produces all natural soy candles, melts and goats milk soaps. All products are made using organic products and they make and sell them right in store!
Jane’s Sweet Addictions owned by Janey Scott {Peoria} // It’s the truth, Jane’s sweets are addicting! Located in the Northwoods Mall you have got to swing by and try the fudge, chocolates, popcorn, and other sweet treats!
Life… the other 4letter word owned by Tammy Schaefer {Peoria} // Welcoming everyone with love and light, Tammy makes it her goal to grow connections and keep it real. Go to Life… the other 4letter word for 1:1 Spiritual Life Coaching, Holistic Wellness Classes, or shop at the lovely boutique!
Little Shop of Hoarders owned by Cindy Scime {Chillicothe} // Cindy has pulled together an incredibly diverse collection of neat “stuff”. Down at the Little Shop of Hoarders you can find furniture, sculptures, books, and so much more! Stop by if you have something in mind or just for fun, you never know what you will find!
Mi Ranchito owned by Dana Cardenas {Elmwood} // Need a new favorite Mexican restaurant? Mi Ranchito in Elmwood is perfect for that role. Dana makes sure you are getting true authentic delicious Mexican cuisine, flavorful margaritas, and you have to top it all off with a tasty dessert!
The Pickers Daughter owned by Tammy Smith {East Peoria} // Tammy has quite the selection! With items ranging from handmade, refurbished, and vintage all things are unique and one-of-a-kind! Housing 130 vendors in one space, The Pickers Daughter has something for everyone!
Pretendly owned by Jennifer Rosa {Peoria} // Pretendly is a family-owned neurodiverse kid art shop. Jennifer Rosa turns her daughters’ art into fashionable clothes and fun gifts.
Rachel Rene Bath & Body Boutique owned by Christine and Rachel Davis {Princeton and Peoria} // This mother daughter duo are the soap crazed ladies we all need! Born from the need to solve her daughter’s eczema, Christine has been perfecting the soap making process since 2006. Find their stores to find products that are fun and fragrant and good for you!
Relics owned by Deb Opyd {Peoria} // Come to Relics to find unique and whimsical gifts for all ages! Deb’s does a wonderful job of bringing interesting things that tell a story to the area! Swing by to ding jewelry, cards, books, decore, vintage items, plants, and more!
Rhythm Kitchen owned by Julie Maag {Peoria} // Julie is not only the cool owner but the incredible chef in the kitchen! Come not only for incredible + fresh food but also for the good vibes that come along with it. Once you visit Rhythm Kitchen you will keep coming back for more!
Rosie Acres Bakery, LCC owned by Emily Jefford {Chillicothe} // Rosie has had a passion for baking for over fifteen years, and you can tell. She offers a wide variety, including: cookies, cupcakes, cakes, cake pops, macarons and so much more! Be careful… Once you try a bite, you will be craving Emily’s sweet treats all the time!
Silver Spoon Boutique owned by Julie Behrends {Tremont} // Stop in at Silver Spoon Boutique for women’s clothing, baby clothing, accessories, and more. Julie specializes in beautiful handmade vintage spoon jewelry you will not be able to pass up!
Spoon River Bowl owned by Amy Stutzman {Wyoming} // The Spoon River Bowl is a great place to get the family together for America’s favorite pastime, bowling! Amy has created an incredible place for family and friends to gather to eat good food and bowl! What more can you ask for!
Stems By Allison owned by Allison Carmack {Chillicothe} // Stems by Allison specializes in stunning floral designs. Allison offers sympathy florals and plants, wedding and event florals, as well as everyday florals and houseplants. You don’t wanna miss out on her gift shop either!
Sunset Hills Golf Course + Eatery owned by Andrea Cambell {Pekin} // Nestled back from the main roads on the greens of some of the finest golfing in central IL, you can truly enjoy your meals or drinks in any season. As the weather gets warmer it’s the perfect time to visit, go play a round and grab a bite!
The Tin Top owned by Teresa Rusk {Chillicothe} // Teresa wants to make sure everyone enjoys the little things in life. At the Tin Top you can find local artists, trade products, vintage finds, home decor and much more! Swing by and look around, they have something for everyone!
Toots Treats owned by Kindea Mumma {Elmwood} // Toot’s Treats is a great place to stop and grab a bite to eat….ice cream and great grill food! Stop in and check out Toot’s!
Tropical Sno Peoria owned by Susan Hill Moreland {Peoria} // Find your new favorite flavor combo with Tropical Snow Peoria, and keep an eye out for their mobile Sno-truck out and about this summer. Tropical Sno Peoria offers delicious shaved ice in incredible flavors.
Voila Macarons owned by Diana Natale {Peoria} // Violà Macarons is an authentic French bakery with craftfully hand baked artisan Macarons for every occasion. With over 40 regular flavors to try, and rotating seasonal flavors, these macarons will expose your palate to the best flavors of Paris.
The Yoga Projekt owned by Betsy Criss {Peoria Heights} // With her hope to grow their positive impact on the Peoria community community, Betsy can say she has done just that. By providing exceptional yoga classes focused on improving well-being, you don’t wanna miss out on experiencing a Yoga Projekt class!
Women-Owned in the Service Industry:
Aura Salon owned by Sarah DeVore and Andrea Huprich {Peoria Heights}
Best Bet Salon owned by Morgan Bailey {Chillicothe}
Britt Shay at Begonia Studio owned by Britt Shay {Peoria}
Communication Junction owned by Abbey Cook {Peoria}
Esthetics by Brooke Alyssa owned by Brooke Alyssa {Peoria}
Eyelash Extensions + Hair by Mish owned by Michelle Sy {Peoria Heights}
FaceTyme with Jeanine owned by Jeanine Proksch {Peoria Heights}
Fae Rae Photography owned by Fae Rae {Chillicothe}
Five Senses Spa, Salon and Barbershop owned by Paola Pinello Hinton {Peoria}
The Bohemian owned by Maggie Craft {Peoria Heights}
Illuminated Wellness owned by Jen Zeck {Peoria}
Relaxed and Refreshed Salon owned by Virginia Clark {Peoria}
Sankoty Sustainables owned by Virginia “Nikki” Andrews {Washington}
Vibe Aesthetics + Wellness owned by Lindsey Fritz {Peoria}