Pike Place Market Honors our 250+ Women-Owned Businesses

50% of businesses in the Market are either fully-owned or co-owned by women.

SEATTLE, WA – To celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Pike Place Market is honoring the incredible achievements of the Market’s women-owned businesses. For over a century, women entrepreneurs have played a vital role in the success, diversity and creativity of this historic Market. Currently, 40% of U.S. businesses are women-run. At Pike Place Market, 50% of Market businesses are owned or co-owned by women.

Today over 250 women-owned businesses operate within the Market, including shops, restaurants, services, farms, handmade artists and artisanal food vendors. Pike Place Market is commemorating the many milestone accomplishments of its longstanding women-run businesses, including:

  • Art Stall Gallery, with over 50 years in operation, this gallery booth showcases work from its all-women cooperative of 13 artists.
  • Another notable business is Chukar Cherries, founder Pam Montgomery started Chukar Cherries with the simple mission to craft a dried fruit product without commercial preservatives; 35 years later, her dream continues to be a reality.
  • In the Craft Market, Mustuko Mitsui, owner of Flyingcat Creations, is celebrating her 20th anniversary at the Market, where she creates delightful and whimsical ceramic cups, mugs, earrings, necklaces, and cartoon-style drawings.
  • Linda Boitano, owner of Market Lavender, has sold her farm-fresh lavender products at the Market for nearly 30 years. She is a third-generation farmer, growing her lavender on the same land where her grandfather once raised his vegetables.

The Market’s community of women-owned businesses each has their own unique story and offerings. From handmade crafts to artisanal delights and unique retail, these women entrepreneurs have put their hearts and souls into their businesses, and their passion shines through in everything they do. Chef Traci of Atrium Kitchen is one testament to the passion of this community. During the pandemic, Chef Traci prepared and delivered meals to home-bound seniors and people living with food insecurity throughout Seattle neighborhoods. As of August 2022, over 50,000 meals have been served.

The Market is proud to continue uplifting its diverse community of women-owned businesses comprised of long-time locals, multi-generational immigrant families, and young aspiring entrepreneurs, among many others. With more and more women breaking through the glass ceiling in business, Pike Place Market is proud to lead the way in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for women entrepreneurs to thrive.

This Women’s History Month, take a moment to celebrate the many contributions of women at Pike Place Market and beyond. Whether you’re shopping for fresh produce, unique gifts, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of this iconic landmark, remember that women entrepreneurs have been at the heart of Pike Place Market’s success for over a century.

For a complete list of women-owned and operated businesses to support at Pike Place Market, visit here.

Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority PDA – The nine-acre historic district is maintained and operated by the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA), a not-for-profit public corporation created by the City of Seattle in 1973. The PDA supports the Market’s remarkable community by increasing farm and food retailing opportunities, supporting small and marginal businesses, and providing services for low-income individuals. In addition, PDA helps protect the essence of the Market by preserving, rehabilitating and maintaining the buildings within the Market. PikePlaceMarket.org

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Media Contact
Madison Bristol
Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Pike Place Market PDA
E: [email protected]
P: (206) 724-8142
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