By Kate Bartlett
The Lakewood Community features a wide-variety of women-owned businesses who pride themselves not only on their economic impact but for the values they embody. These businesses showcasing a vibrant local scene of boutiques, cafes, and creative shops while focusing on community involvement, social responsibility and diversity in their businesses, leading to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
tion (LCDC) has seen a growth in the number of female-owned
businesses in the area such as The Shabby Shrub and Cotton
Thistle both on Lakewood Avenue.
Women-owned businesses serve as role models for young girls and women who may not have considered entrepreneurship as a viable career path. By owning their businesses, women can create their own paths to success. Lakewood has a strong community of women-owned businesses, particularly along Chautauqua Avenue, and they support each other in their endeavors with common values.
Recently, The Lakewood Community Development Corporation (LCDC) has seen a growth in the number of female-owned businesses in the area. “We’ve definitely noticed a trend in women-owned businesses in the community,” explains Michelle Turner, LCDC Board Member. “We have seen an increase in the number of overall businesses in the area, but a large number are owned by women. They have a great support network in the community.”
“I feel blessed to be part of a supportive community like Lakewood,” remarks Katie Swerdon, Owner of
Mable Roads Cafe and Catering. “As a woman business owner, I’ve found the environment to be empowering, surrounded by fellow women entrepreneurs who inspire confidence. I’m proud to be among this exceptional group of women.”
Danielle DeVine, owner of Eight Limbs Wellness Studio in downtown Lakewood for 18 years shares a similar perspective. “Being a woman-owned business has meant growing right alongside the village itself. My work has always focused on healing through touch and mindful bodywork—offering massage and wellness practices that help people feel more at home in themselves and grow into who they are becoming. Lakewood is a community where relationships truly matter, where small businesses are supported not just as storefronts but as neighbors, and where women entrepreneurs are encouraged to lead with heart, creativity, and resilience. One philosophy that has guided my work and my connection to this community is simple: ‘give out more of what you want in return.’ Over the years, I’ve watched Lakewood evolve into a deeply connected village, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that values wellness, inclusion, and genuine human connection.”
Kimberly S. Carlson, owner of Pea Pod & Juniper, remarks “Having grown up in this area, it just feels like home. It’s great to be part of our growing community.”
Similarly, Laurie Shults, owner of Brick Elephant Designs is honored to be part of this strong female community. “It’s wonderful to be able to help people in a way that is natural for myself. Being in design and offering services to our community has always brought me great joy; whether its people coming into the shop and seeing them smile while they find that one special unique thing, or seeing clients who I worked with for years settle down in a project that’s now home. Being of service in these ways has been and continues to be a really wonderful experience.”
The LCDC works with all merchants, meeting monthly to see how they can help each individual business. “We aim to bring people to the area, year-round, to discover all that Lakewood has to offer,” explains Michelle. The LCDC has organized successful seasonal events, including Rock the Lake and Fall Fest. This June marks their first annual car show, Hoods Up Lakewood. “Through these events, we hope to help people discover Lakewood. We aim to showcase our local businesses, increase exposure, and help them thrive.”
The Lakewood Community has developed into a vibrant community with deep values in connection and diversity. The LCDC along with the individual shop owners invite everyone to explore all the area has to offer, including the many women-owned businesses. For more information, and a full list of women-owned businesses, visit lcdcny.com and follow on Facebook for upcoming events.
Look forward to more features on these unique boutiques in upcoming editions of The Villager.