Women-Owned Businesses in Alaska You Should Be Supporting
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Are you looking for more ways to give back during your travels in Alaska? Supporting women-owned businesses is a great way to engage in meaningful experiences and responsible travel in Alaska. When I talk about my home state, Alaska, you’ll often hear me gushing about the women there—how they are strong and resilient and can do any of the stereotypically male-dominated jobs just as well—if not better—than men. In fact, this is one of the things that I miss most about Alaska.
On my most recent trip home, I took a cruise with a female captain and then rode the train with a Black woman conductor running the train. Women in Alaska are outdoorsy and athletic. They gut fish, build houses, chop wood, and fly planes, all while leading daring and bold lives. The women in Alaska are creative, crafty, and intelligent, producing fantastic art.
In fact, Alaska leads the nation in women-owned businesses. Because the women in Alaska have created ingenious businesses, I will highlight some of my favorite women-owned businesses that every tourist and local in Alaska should support. These women and their teams are excited to show off their gorgeous home state to visitors and will make you feel right at home.
Every dollar spent at one of these businesses supports the local Alaskan economy and the savvy women entrepreneurs that make it so great. As a bonus, you can leave Alaska with a unique memory or souvenir that is one of a kind.
Women-Powered Tour Companies
Alaska Private Touring
Founder Pamela Manderson has lived in Alaska since she was three and has a long history in the tourism industry. Her first job was getting Alaskans out of Alaska, someplace warm and sunny. Unsatisfied with that career, she changed gears and ended up on a path that allowed her to start Alaska Private Touring, showing people Alaska.
Her tour company caters to visitors seeking an in-depth, guided visit to Alaska, away from the crowds and typical ‘bus’ tours. Each of their itineraries is custom-designed with guests’ specific interests in mind.
Whether traveling independently, with their significant other, or with the entire family, their specialty creates the ideal Alaskan experience they will never forget. They refer to themselves as ‘Alaskans selling Alaska,’ which sets them apart from other companies. They would be great for solo female travelers, couples, family groups, or work colleagues.
Pamela works with a team several women travel designers who know Alaska like the back of their hand. Pamela says,
“It’s not particularly intentional that our travel designer team consists entirely of women, but it works for us. I can’t tell you how much I value the women I work with – I couldn’t do this without them, and I work very hard to ensure they know how much they are appreciated. I’ve always believed that my priority is taking care of my team, and they will, in turn, take care of our clients.”
Talk about ultimate girl power! When Pamela isn’t busy creating dream Alaskan vacations, she’s a super-mom to two kids. With the support of her loving husband and fantastic tour guides, she rarely misses baseball or soccer games, even during peak season!
Seward Ocean Excursions
I’ve toured Resurrection Bay in Seward on one of the larger charter sightseeing boats, and the connection to nature was great, but I can only imagine what it is like on one of Seward Ocean Excursions’ small group tours.
They take no more than six passengers on a Hewescraft 240 Alaskan boat and explore Resurrection Bay in an intimate setting. Co-owner and boat captain Krystin describes herself as a do-it-all kind of woman. On top of having her captain’s license, she has a private pilot’s license and enjoys flying when she’s not on the water.
It doesn’t end there because she works as a professional engineer while not helping run the boat business. Of course, like most super moms, she always makes time to play outside with her son and husband, with whom she co-owns the company.
Aside from Captain Krystin, Seward Ocean Excursions employs other women as senior captains and just brought a new one on board. This makes them an excellent option for solo female travelers or anyone looking for a small group once-in-a-lifetime tour of one of Alaska’s most beautiful places.
They are WhaleSENSE certified and have a strong commitment to sustainability!
Salmon Berry Tours
Salmon Berry Tours was started by Candice McDonald, an Alaskan-born and raised powerhouse. Candice always knew she wanted to own her own business in Alaska, so she pursued her passions and founded Salmon Berry Tours.
Her business partner, Mandy Garcia, joined the team first as a tour guide and worked her way up until Candice asked her to join forces. They now operate as a dynamic duo, making waves in Alaska’s tourism industry. Both Candice and Mandy are hard-working mothers who can balance a successful business and quality family time.
Salmon Berry Tours operates year-round and specializes in locally guided, small-group, all-inclusive, off-the-beaten-path day tours from Southcentral and Fairbanks, Alaska, and curated multi-day packages statewide! Salmon Berry loves incorporating “hidden gems” that the considerable commercialized experience misses, and they can do this by staffing seasonal and year-round local Alaskans, like many women, as glacier guides!
Community engagement is critical as they work with smaller Alaskan communities to connect guests to those intimate places. They have an exclusive partnership with the Alaska Native Heritage Center and have been invited by the Chickaloon Tribe to visit their site. They were the first small group tour company to offer winter tours from Anchorage — like their signature pink vests say: “Alaska, always in season”!
Aside from providing authentic tours in Alaska, they are committed to going green by reducing plastic use and often donate to women’s charities.
Talkeetna River Guides
My husband had his bachelor party in Talkeetna; yes, it involved a lot of weed, booze, and rafting—not all at the same time, though. They booked through Talkeetna River Guides, and in no time, a group of guys from around the world loaded up on a raft, where their fantastic guide took charge and down the river.
Talkeetna River Guides has many women guides, and its owner, Ashley Kaso, is an inspiring woman and business owner.
Ashley was born in Connecticut and was often found wearing pearls, chinos, and polo shirts, so when the call to move to Alaska to be a river raft guide knocked on her door, she was hesitant. However, she traded her East Coast posh for Alaskan wild and never turned back. She started as a river raft guide when Talkeetna River Guides was under the ownership of Margaret Salmon. She moved her way up, becoming the general manager, and eventually, Margaret offered to sell the business to Ashley.
“I do my best to hire the people I feel most uphold our company values, and oftentimes, guests will point out that we are a heavily female-staffed company. My response is that we always try to hire the best, and it just so happens that the best applicants are women! It’s not something I regularly think about because a kick-ass woman is normal here at T.R.G.
It is pretty regular that on our 4-Hour Float Trip, our guests come into the office raving about the strength of their female guide, who is rowing a boat with eight people and a fierce headwind. So strong, independent, adventurous women are an everyday experience at T.R.G.; we are very proud of our girl power!”
Talkeetna River Guides offers daily scenic Natural History Float tours or custom options if you’re traveling with a group. They are perfect for families, groups of friends solo female travelers. This should be on everyone’s list when visiting Talkeetna as a train stop or on the way to Denali National Park.
Gold Daughters
Jordan and Llaura Reeves, the Gold Daughters, have gold in their blood. They were born and raised in Fairbanks, the golden heart of Alaska, and were raised panning for gold. They opened Gold Daughters in 2014 to share their passion for gold panning with the rest of the world. The women have a long history in Fairbanks and dominate a male-dominated market by simply being excellent at what they do.
“Over the years, the community has seen our business flourish, and we are proud to be the women calling the shots. In the beginning, many businesses that we worked with or customers were skeptical of our product because gold panning is not a typical profession for young women to aspire to. Not only have we proved our skill as prospectors, but as businesswomen and as leaders. We strive to train and uplift our all-female staff so they feel confident in their role at Gold Daughters and outside of work as well.”
A visit to the Gold Daughters will start with lessons from experts on how to pan for gold. You’ll then be set free to try your hand at panning. Gold isn’t the only thing you might find, as some people have walked away with woolly mammoth ivory and other precious gems.
They practice the “finders, keepers” motto, and you can take home everything you find. With Fairbanks’ long history with gold, visiting the Gold Daughters should be on everyone’s to-do list in the golden heart of the state. Sometimes, you must relax, pan for gold, and enjoy your vacation!
The Alaska Native Heritage Center
Learn about Alaska’s Native heritage, culture, and history from Indigenous Peoples across the state.
See live dance and shows, enjoy art, and even see traditional dwellings.
My dear friend Emily Edenshaw is the executive director, and she is the true embodiment of a strong Native Woman. She balances motherhood and her executive roles while completing a PhD in Indigenous Studies.
Honorable Mentions
Major Marine Tours get an honorable mention from me. They are a local family-owned business, which is impressive, but they also employ three women captains and a full sales and marketing team of women.
I was fortunate enough to take a boat tour with them into Resurrection Bay with the Captain, her First Mate (also a woman), and a woman Park Ranger. It was a flawless experience that my whole family loved! Central Marine is great for larger groups.
The Alaska Railroad also gets an honorable mention for employing many women conductors, cabin managers, and commentators. They also staff POC crew members at every level. Now, that is a company I can support!
Looking for more outdoor adventures in Alaska? Then don’t miss my local recommendations for the best things to do outdoors in Anchorage, Alaska.
Other Options Across the State
My experience in tourism is primarily with South Central Alaska and the interior, but there are dozens of women-owned tourism businesses in Alaska. Here are a few others to get you started.
- Jayleen’s Alaska – small boat whale watching in Juneau.
- Silverbow Inn – a boutique inn in downtown Juneau. Sustainable and inclusive!
- Denali Hostel – private cabins and shared dorms near Denali NP. Certified Adventure Green Alaska.
- Paws for Adventure – N. Light dogsled tours.
- Bettles Lodge – access Gates of Arctic NP with backcountry expeditions.
- Roam Nome – small group tours for birding and wildlife in Nome.
- Adventure Kodiak – small group boat cruise for wildlife out of Kodiak.
I’m passionate about helping people see Alaska as sustainable while supporting women in business. Leave a comment about where you are headed, and I will respond with a woman-owned business in that area!
Woman-Owned Alaskan Fashion, Retail, & Apparel
Salmon Sisters
Alaska’s hottest fashion piece got a serious upgrade when two local Alaskan women got a hold of them and created Salmon Sisters. X-TraTuf boots are Alaska’s official shoe. People fish in them, hike in them, get married, wear them on dates, to the bar, and while doing yard work. There is no inappropriate time to wear these boots.
View this post on InstagramSea Greens on a sunset seashore. #aksalmonsisters #salmonsistersxtratuf #xtratuf #legacy
Two lifelong Alaskans, Emma Teal, and Claire, grew up on a homestead called Stonewall Place on the Aleutian Islands. Their family owns a fishery, and X-TraTufs are part of their uniform. These two Alaskans have created unique, original designs that line the fishing boots, so you reveal an excellent piece of fashion when you roll down the top.
Alaska and the ocean inspire the designs. When this power duo is not studying to finish a master’s degree, they continue to fish for salmon and halibut and spend their winters running Salmon Sisters. These boots make a unique Alaskan gift or souvenir, and you can find them at stores like Big Rays in Anchorage, Salmon Sisters in Seward, their home store in Homer, or right next to Shirley’s Homemade Ice Cream on Main Street in Talkeetna. I suggest buying them as soon as you land to blend in with the locals!
In addition to the iconic fishing boots, Salmon Sisters creates designs featured on hoodies, leggings, and other items. The sisters donate a can of Alaskan salmon for every boot purchased to the local food bank.
Salmon Sisters are an awesome local business you should support, and they, in turn, support local women, including Iñupiat ambassador Cordelia Qigñaaq Kellie, who also has a deep connection to fishing and a subsistence lifestyle. Read about her ambassador program here.
Oomingmak Musk-Ox Producer Co-Op
Oomingmak is a co-op conveniently located in Downtown Anchorage but employs 250 Indigenous Alaskan women throughout the state. You’ll find luxurious hand-knit Qiviut hats, scarves, and tunics.
Qiviut is quite possibly the warmest (8x warmer than wool), softest, and most lightweight material out there. It comes from the local Alaskan Musk Ox. The musk ox sheds its fur annually, and women collect the fur and knit it into wonderful creations just for you. This process is a sustainable, ethical, and traditional art form.
Each “traditional item” is 100% Qiviut and natural in color, and each village has its unique pattern and style. If you ask me, purchasing a traditional item from these women is the way to go, but if you want a more modern look, they have a “tundra line,” which is a silk Qiviut blend dyed for a contrasting pattern.
View this post on InstagramTime to start making more Christmas ornaments. #almostchristmas #knitting #qiviut #preptime
The women are paid fair working wages and can knit as fast or slow as they want. They pay a yearly membership fee, giving them access to the collective Qiviut and their copyright pattern for their village. They are paid once the work is completed, and they can mail their designs to Anchorage, or someone may visit the village once or twice a year and pick up the items.
Alaska Chicks
You can’t go far without seeing a girl in Alaska wearing an Alaska Chicks original design. These ultra-comfortable and thick hoodies, hats, sweaters, and leggings are a fashion staple in the last frontier. Most of their designs are created and produced locally in Palmer for Alaska Chicks Co., but you will find a few other Alaskan and national artists on display in their stores.
The woman owner behind Alaska Chicks loves fashion with a vintage twist, and twice a year, Alaska Chicks hosts a vintage market where they sell all the “trash” they have collected and recycled, upcycled, and polished off to sell like new. Alaska Chicks also has a unique co-op style where they support other woman-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
Alaska Chicks has two locations in Wasilla, the Boardwalk Shop and Palmer in Peak Boutique.
Blue Market AK
My favorite zero-waste store in Anchorage is owned by two wonderful women. Jessica and Jennifer are intrepid travelers, environmentalists, and core pillars of the eco movement in Alaska. Their store is so well curated that every time I return home to visit, I stock up on my favorite plastic and packing-free lip blam and local Alaskan mindful and meaningful gifts.
If you are looking for a unique hand-made sundry gift for yourself or someone back home, swing by and take a look. Alternatively, if you forget anything like soap, hair products, lotions, or other toiletries, you can stop by to stock up before you hit the road.
Headband Happy AK
I love a business repping my hometown of Eagle River, Alaska, so I have a ton of these HappyAK headbands. Sewn and created in Eagle River, these headbands feature designs made by local printing companies to embody Alaska, mountains, and the wild.
They’re great for hiking, working out, or keeping your hair out of the way while staying stylish. Every purchase helps the working mom behind the brand. You can find the headbands online or at Alaska’s festivals, fairs, and markets.
AK Starfish Co.
Owned by a third-generation Alaskan woman, Marci, the AK Starfish Co. was probably the first Alaskan-inspired clothing line to blow up, starting a trend in Alaskan fashion. You can take home the iconic starfish design recognized throughout Alaska on a hoodie, dress, hat, water bottle, shirt, and more. You can find AK starfish stores in Anchorage, Homer, and Seward.
Read About Alaska From a Woman’s Perspective
Look for These Books at Local bookstores
Dana Stabenow was born and raised in Alaska and attended the University of Alaska Anchorage. She has published many books in or are inspired by Alaska, such as the Liam Campbell and Kate Shugak series. Her book in the Kate Shugak series, A Cold Day for Murder, won the Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original in 1993, and she was named the Alaskan Artist of the Year in 2007.
Read Two Old Women, a story by Alaskan Indigenous author Velma Wallis. This story has been passed down through her family for generations. It follows two older, sassy Alaskan women on a harrowing adventure after they abandoned their village during a winter famine.
Ada Blackjack tells a story inspired by the diary and journal of an Alaskan Indigenous woman who joined an adventuring party as a seamstress. Six people entered the Arctic, and only one, Ada, returned.
Eowyn Ivey is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and Alaskan author. Don’t miss her books about Alaska, The Snow Child and The Last Days in Hunting Camp. She even owns a bookstore in Palmer, Alaska, called Fireside Books, which you can visit for more Alaskan authors.
Also, don’t miss Black Birch Books, owned by Alaskan veteran Taylor Jordan. Her bookstore has many oddities, local books, and Alaskan gifts. She also hosts meet-and-greets with authors and poetry and spoken-word nights.
Art, Crafts, & Jewelry by Alaskan Women
The Quilted Raven
You’ll find three talented and creative women, Lou Ann, Leigh, and Barb, behind the counter at The Quilted Raven, Anchorage’s best quilting store. I’ve often come here with my mom, and no matter who’s working, they are always chatting up a storm with locals and travelers alike, helping them pick out and craft unique one-of-a-kind Alaskan patterns, fabric, or quilt pieces.
The Quilted Raven supports local women artists, featuring quilting and cross-stitching patterns created by Alaskans, including moose, bears, salmon, and the raven. They also stock plenty of Alaskan-themed Batiks by artists such as local Cindy Shake. Beyond quilting, you can buy yarn hand-dyed in-state and the truly special Qiviut wool from our local musk-ox.
Trickster Company
I love the designs of Trickster Company, which was started by Crystal Worl and her brother Rico. They are an Indigenous Alaskan duo whose goal is to promote innovative Indigenous designs. They began by designing skateboards for friends and family and now have a wide range of products, including athletic wear, jewelry, home decor, stationery, and fine art.
Their mother store is located in Juneau and is a must-visit for anyone passing through on a cruise. You can also find their products at various stores across Anchorage and Alaska or order online.
Corso Graphics
You can find Corso Graphics stickers, created by artist Annie Brace, decorating my laptop and all my water bottles. My mom always sends them to me for Christmas because I miss Alaska.
Annie perfectly captures Alaska in her extensive collection of cards, fine art, stickers, and more. Keep an eye out for her art, which you’ll find all over Alaska, including Stephan Fine Art in the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, Brown and Hawkins in Seward, The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood, and many more locations, including Etsy.
Her stickers are the perfect souvenirs to bring home and give to your coworkers, friends, and family.
Aurora Dora
Dora, from Brazil, moved to Alaska in 2001 to dedicate her life to capturing the beautiful Northern Lights. She had never even heard of the Aurora until she saw them for the first time in Alaska, and it was love at first sight. Her art gallery in Talkeetna, Alaska, features stunning images that you can take home to hang on your wall and remember your time in Alaska. She also offers workshops for the photography enthusiast.
Sevigny Studio
Sevigny Studio, located on 4th Avenue, is owned by Alaskan transplant Katie Sevigny. She has become an icon in the Alaskan art scene, owning her own studio featuring Alaskan artists, livening up the streets with her street art, and being an active member of the art community in Anchorage. Stop by her store and pick up a piece of Alaska to take with you, and don’t miss the bear statue she painted downtown in front of the visitor’s center.
Dawn Gerety Art
One of my favorite Alaskan artists, Dawn Gerety, was born in Australia but raised in Girdwood, Alaska. Her art is colorful and sometimes abstract. She felt something missing from her career in graphic design and reconnected to find her true calling with canvas and paint. Inspired by Alaska, much of her art features stylized animals and layered organic elements.
Dawn owns her own company, Art Seriously, which offers everything from graphics to painting. Her art can be seen all over Girdwood at Slack Tide Gallery, The Hotel Alyeska, and Jack Sprat, as well as at Sevigny Studio and online.
Watercolor Woods
Alaskan Hailey Thompson creates beautiful pieces of watercolor art inspired by her adventures in Alaska. She spent time driving ships in Alaska. Her main inspirations are Alaska’s “18-hour-long solstice days, the quiet rainforests of ancient Sitka Spruce, plump wildflowers drenched in rainfall, and fat spawning salmon.”
She ensures that every piece she creates is made with attention to detail and sustainable practices. Hailey not only creates beautiful pieces on canvas but also takes her prints and puts them on tote bags, ski masks, stickers, and more!
Sew n Bee Cozy
Sew n Bee Cozy is another quilting shop in Seward’s heart. Shiela is the 3rd owner and a huge part of the local quilting community. They work with a local quilting group on projects such as the Infant Learning Program, which donates quilts for every new baby, a local nursing home, and they just started doing quilts for veterans with cancer. It doesn’t end there, as the group has an emergency supply of quilts for those with a major catastrophe such as a house fire.
The shop is easy to access for tourists. Right off the cruise ship, you can take Seward’s shuttle to her store and shop till you drop. Many Alaskans are avid quilters to help us survive the long, dark, cold winters, and Shiela’s shop features plenty of Alaskan designs, patterns, and creations.
Do not miss the Sockeye Salmon Run created by Alaskan Debbie Kay while she was living in Seward. They have an entire wall featuring Alaskan patterns and a whole corner of Alaskan prints and panels.
Looking for a tasty beverage after a long day of exploring? Then check out Alaska’s awesome craft beer scene and drink your way through the state.
Food & Beverage Managed by Alaskan Women
The Writer’s Block Cafe
When I am home visiting, you can find me at the Writer’s Block hanging out and getting rid of my writer’s block, to be honest. This cozy home away from home changed the community of Spenard in Anchorage for the better. Before there was the Writer’s Block, there was a porn store. This store was associated with sex trafficking, drug dealing, and more.
It took a couple of women walking in and negotiating the sale of the building. They gutted it and transformed it into a community space for reading, writing, live music, coffee, food, and local artists.
I remember when that porn store was around and I remember wanting to avoid that area of Spenard, now I visit every time I am home and enjoy the art and local flavors of my beautiful state. The Writer’s Block is located near the Anchorage Airport and is a great stop to refuel on the way to or from the airport.
Lucky Wishbone
Probably one of Anchorage’s most famous restaurants and one of my dad’s favorite spots to eat for as long as he can remember. We always go here on father-daughter dates, and they have the best fresh local burgers, milkshakes, and fries to die for. The Lucky Wishbone was initially opened by two beloved Alaskans, Peggy and George Brown, who recently passed, leaving the city uncertain of its future.
Thankfully, two savvy entrepreneurs, Heidi Heinrich and Carolina Stacey, took over, maintaining the same values as Peggy and George’s restaurant. Heidi, who has worked at Lucky Wishbone since she was 16, understands how special this restaurant is to the community.
These two women have seen generations of families eating at Lucky Wishbone and have had lifelong customers attend many milestone celebrations in their personal lives. Eating here, you’ll feel like part of the local Alaskan community and experience genuine customer service.
When they’re not busy running the restaurant, both Carolina and Heidi are active in reviving the downtown Anchorage area, lobbying in our state capital, and doing their part to keep Anchorage thriving.
The Original Gourmet Ice Cream Bars, Inc
Would you believe me when I said Alaskans eat more ice cream than any other state per capita? We just love the cold, what can we say. My childhood memories were filled with going to the Alaska State Fair and ordering an Original Gourmet Ice Cream Bar, and after wandering around for a while, I would often come back for seconds.
This tasty Alaskan treat was started in 1983, making it one of the older women-owned businesses in Alaska. Patricia Perry has spent 35 years traveling Alaska, serving her ice cream bars at festivals and events, and she is dedicated to employing Alaska’s youth. Working her ice cream bar stand was the first job for many people, including Janelle Griffith, who is set to take over the company in 2022 when Patricia retires.
Both women are lifelong Alaskans and true entrepreneurs. Don’t miss them at the Alaska State Fair, Anchorage Saturday Market, Summer Solstice Festival, and many more events around the state.
Nature’s Nectars
Cedar, the power woman behind Nature’s Nectars in the small boat harbor in Seward, has been running her own successful coffee house for almost 10 years. Nature’s Nectar proudly serves local Alaskan Kaladi Brothers Coffee, loose-leaf teas, chai, and matcha. They pride themselves on serving original real fruit smoothies, their most popular beverage. Cedar is a single mom who has used her successful business to raise and support her two kids, who are nearly in college.
“I am a former competitive mountain runner, and I have taken what I learned at training and competing at a high level, into my business. It takes the same laser dedication, focus, love, and endurance as athletics…and also pushing through when you’re absolutely exhausted.”
Wild Scoops
This ice cream shop has transformed downtown Anchorage with tourists and locals alike forming a line around the block for their fresh local homemade ice cream! Is it as good as the hype? I certainly think so because I can be found in the line every time I’m home and drag all my friends and family to join in. Elissa Brown, the female co-owner of Wild Scoops has done her part to create one of Anchorage’s most talked about treats. Try their signature Baked Alaska, or any of their other flavors featuring fresh local ingredients including Alaskan blueberries, herbs, sea salt, honey, and much more!
13 Ravens Coffee House
Seward’s newest addition in the coffee scene is 13 Ravens Coffee House, owned by Liberty Miller. Liberty spent her summers working on boats in Alaska and her winters making coffee. She soon fell in love with the art of making coffee and dreamed of owning her own coffee house.
So, she pursued her dream when the history and charming retired Seward train cars, which house cafes and shops, had an opening.
At the time, she was working for Zudy’s Cafe in Seward (another women-owned business), and when her boss asked her why she was working for them and not opening up her own shop, she knew she had the support to make it happen.
13 Ravens Coffee has its grand opening this April 2018, so don’t miss it in the old train cars. Liberty is also somewhat of a traveler and has written a book about her thrilling adventures before settling in Seward.
Save and Share
I hope you enjoyed learning about some of the fantastic women-owned businesses in Alaska. These woman-powered travel and tour companies are ideal for exploring Alaska with a local expert and guide. The artists and entrepreneurs in Alaska create unique souvenirs to take home.
Support a sustainable and equitable economy by giving your tourism dollars to women in Alaska.
What a perfect list and so timely for International Women’s Day! I have always wanted to visit Alaska and when I finally get to planning my trip I will definitely be referencing this list. Not only is it supporting strong women, but these tours, products, and restaurants all look AMAZING! Great job putting this together Susanna!
Cool list! There is also Jade Lady Meditation in downtown Anchorage for Qigong and Tai Chi instruction. It is Jadelady.com. And, there is Yurt Health and Wellness. Website is Yurthealth.com.
Cheers to all powerful and free-spirited women in Alaska!
Too bad you didn’t get to Southeast AK. There are several women entrepreneurs in Sitka, AK. Trudy Pruitt helps to run Sitka Tours-which runs bus tours for cruise ship visitors. Granted it isn’t off the beaten path, but she is continuing the tradition that was started by her husband and she continues now that he has passed.
Several coffee places in Sitka are also owned, and managed by women. Highliner, Fish Eye Coffee and the Backdoor Cafe are examples of what women can do.
Ebb and Flow is a maker of Alaskan women’s wear. Check out her website to see what amazing work she productes. Not as famous as Salmon Sisters or Octapus Inc, but soon will be.
You kept to the mainland for this article, but you need to expand on this idea and see what is happening in SE and in the Aleutians. You will be surprised.
Cheers,
Bobbi
Hi Bobby, thank you so much for your message. As my editor’s note states I am only one girl who was born in Eagle River, which means my knowledge and network is limited and there is little information online – which is why I created this post. Since Alaska has the highest percentage of female entrepreneurs in the nation I know I there are hundreds of amazing women I have missed and Alaska never ceases to amaze me with how many talented women there are! I am always editing this post and adding more women who deserve to be up here! It sounds like you know a lot about Sitka and the amazing women there, so please, if you know anyone who deserves to be on my list have them email me at [email protected] with information about them, their business, and being a women owner in Alaska and I will look at getting them added. I will try and reach out to them as well, but if they can email me that is fantastic! It was a local, such as yourself, that helped me gather so much information on Seward, so I hope through you I am able to get some amazing SE ladies added! I appreciate you taking the time to read it and help me support women. Thank you so much.
It mentions books stores but doesn’t state that most of the book stores in the Mat-Su are owned by women as well BlackBirch supports local several female artists and crafters in her shop.
Hi Nathan, thanks so much for reading and supporting women-owned businesses in Alaska! The great part about Alaska is there are hundreds if not thousands of women-owned businesses across the state, but that also means, unfortunately, I am not aware of every business owned by a woman. Because of this, I have mentioned in the post that if a woman who owns their own business wants to be included in my round up to have them email me more details at [email protected]. I hope some of these fantastic women in the Mat-Su area reach out to me with more details about their name, their business, and what inspired them to go into business, so I can gather more information and work on getting them included. I would love to have some more Mat-Su representation. Thanks again for reading and your comment highlight women in business!
The Writer’s Block Bookstore & Cafe, 3956 Spenard Rd, Anchorage. These 4 women. Ought an old sex shop (porn, sex trafficking), demolished it and built a vibrant new. Immunity space. An independent bookstore, a cafe serving yummy international comfort foods, beer and wine, and an event space that hosts community discussions, standup comedy, interviews, book launches, poetry slams, rock n roll. Amazing what a little vision and a whole lot of hard work can do.
I LOVE the writer’s block. I spent a lot of time there last summer while I was home working on this blog and writing a book based in Alaska! I hope to visit again soon. I will have to get them added to the list if you are able to let them know they can email me with more details about themselves and their business at [email protected] that would be amazing!
Such a great article! Thanks for highlighting all of the awesome companies. I’m glad you got to come out on a boat with me with Major Marine tours. Just saw the first humpback whale of the season today on our spring tour! Love our jobs :-)
Thank you for reading! My family had such a great time on our Major tour with you as captain. Thanks for the memories and enjoy all the beautiful critters in Alaska!
Talkeetna! There are the group of ladies who own Conscious Coffee, Marne manages the famous Fairview Inn, Aurora Dora with her northern lights photography gallery and workshops, the Suzy Kellard legacy of Talkeetna Gifts & Collectibles that her daughter, Jenn, manages and has in part sold to the second generation ladies (cousins) of Once in a Blue Moose retail businesses born in Anchorage. Talkeetna River Guides is woman owned. Nancy from the Latitude 62, Suzanne at K2, Amber at Susitna Valley Naturals. And there’s me: Trisha, Lady of the House at the Talkeetna Roadhouse these last 23 years. There are more, but that pretty much takes care of ‘beautiful downtown Talkeetna’ Yes, we ladies make it beautiful!
Thank you for your list… just the inspiration I needed to feel that what sometimes seems like endless struggle results in much visible and real success.
Thank you for reading, supporting, and being an inspirational woman in Alaska. I will try to reach out to some of these ladies, but if any of them want to email me at [email protected] with more information about themselves, their business, and any other details about being a woman in business in Alaska I can look at making some edits to include a few more!
WOW!!! This is an amazing resource! Such a treasure of information. I truly appreciate the work that went into creating such a thorough list and love that it is women focused. Thank you for making my summer visitor plans easy! (xoxo from Eagle River)
Hi Kerry, thanks for reading and supporting all these amazing women! – And right back at you from this Eagle River who got lost and landed in Germany! I miss home so much!