Article
Celebrating Female-Led Businesses in Downtown St. Cloud
Among the many reasons to celebrate this district is the presence of several successful women-owned businesses that have made their mark on the town.
A few miles from Kissimmee is charming, historic Downtown St. Cloud. This quaint city is a vibrant and welcoming community with unique shops, delightful eateries, and a strong sense of local pride. Many of the small business owners along Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts Avenue grew up or have strong local ties to St. Cloud, and you can feel their pride for the community just by walking along the sidewalks and brick streets. Among the many reasons to celebrate this district is the presence of several successful women-owned businesses that have made their mark on the town. If you need a new dress, a quick blow dry and hairstyle, or a refreshing drink on a hot day, you can find exactly what you need at one of the shops around Downtown St. Cloud.
Owner of Madilynns Craft Coffee Shop, Kristen Lanier, and her family wanted to express an unwavering commitment to sharing a passion and love for craft coffee with their local community. As a sixth-generation Osceola County family residing in St. Cloud, Florida, their roots run deep, and they wanted their shop's name to reflect their connection to home and their children. Madilynns Craft Coffee Shop warmly invites visitors to their establishment, whether for socializing, working, or simply grabbing their favorite craft coffee, you’ll immerse yourself in a welcoming atmosphere. Their mission was to create a locally crafted blend that represented their community which led to a unique house blend using a combination of Ethiopian and Brazilian beans, a two-origin blend. They collaborate with Split Oak Coffee Roasters to ensure freshness, roasting their beans every week. They aim to make everyone feel right at home with their gorgeous window views of Downtown St. Cloud and of course their famous caramel apple crumb cake.
Go early, she will run out!
Caren Nelson Johnson possesses a deep passion for shopping and fashion, believing they go hand in hand. Driven by this conviction, she embarked on a venture to curate exquisite clothing pieces through her charming online boutique. However, she yearned for personal connections with her clients, recognizing the importance of face-to-face interactions. It was during this quest for genuine relationships that she set her sights on expanding her business in the big, bold heart of Florida, The Pink Paisley Boutique, into a brick and mortar location in Downtown St. Cloud.
Franny McNutt hails from a family deeply rooted in the business fabric of St. Cloud, most notably her mother, who runs a renowned furniture store. As the lockdown took its toll, Franny and her mother watched local artisans struggle financially in their community. So, they established the EastRow Market, a haven where local artisans could gather and share their creations. Named after Franny's beloved nieces, it quickly became a vibrant hub of creativity. As Franny forged deep connections with these talented vendors, she envisioned a space where their remarkable creations could be prominently displayed — a physical store of her own. She then began a search for a suitable location when fate intervened.
It just so happens that Caren and Franny had been close friends for years
and coincidentally found themselves eyeing the same property. Recognizing the synergy between their visions, they made the big, bold decision to join forces. Stepping into their store, one cannot discern any boundaries between them; their collaboration seamlessly melds into a singular entity. Caren's expertise shines through in the array of wearable delights, while Franny's offerings cater to practical and functional needs. Together, they have cultivated a partnership that perfectly aligns with the growth and spirit of the St. Cloud community.
Shop 'til you drop at The Pink Paisley Boutique.
A special kind of magic happens when a mother and daughter share a dream. After working 22 years in corporate finance in Manhattan, New York, Laura Kuntzevich and her mother, Myra, pursued their own local boutique. They relocated to the vibrant community of St. Cloud, Florida in 2020 and quickly fell in love with the area, but more importantly the people. They received a warm welcome from other boutique owners in St. Cloud, and Laura will tell you that sealed the deal for them when choosing a community. To see other women supporting women makes her feel right at home in Downtown St. Cloud, and it's shown in her passion for quality, the endless folks who stop by to shop or just to say hi, and of course opening this shop with her mother is the cherry on top.
As you step into Lavender Patch, you'll be greeted by a collection of gifts carefully curated with love and attention to detail. Their boutique showcases an exquisite selection of hand-picked pieces for every occasion. From stunning jewelry and elegant handbags to captivating home décor and specialty items, Lavender Patch caters to every style. They carry an assortment of brands including Farmhouse Fresh, It’s Me Candle, Lily Pulitzer, and Martell Studio.
Fall in love with this boutique in Downtown St. Cloud.
Emilee Pate’s talent and dedication led her to become a sought-after hair stylist at the local salon where she worked. Eventually, she knew it was time to spread her wings and create something extraordinary. In 2018, Studio Emvy was born, beginning its humble journey as a two-chair hair studio nestled within a local boutique. Emilee's vision and expertise quickly gained support from family, friends, and the local community. Embracing this outpouring of love and trust, Emilee and her team transformed Salon Emvy into the go-to destination for those seeking top-notch hair services and an unforgettable salon experience.
At Salon Emvy, their mantra is simple: to make every client feel not just beautiful and rejuvenated but also empowered. Whether you're seeking a subtle makeover or a complete transformation, their team of talented and passionate stylists is always prepared to exceed your expectations. When you step into Salon Emvy, you'll be welcomed with open arms and warm smiles. Their friendly and accommodating staff will make you feel right at home, ensuring that your salon experience is nothing short of delightful. (P.S. - you can support women full throttle and start your appointment with an ice-cold Keke Coffee from Madilynn’s Craft Coffee Shop which is attached to the salon. These two owners are sisters-in-law!)
Get a refresh at Salon Emvy.
Whether it's fashion, beauty, community involvement, or delectable treats, these women have followed their passions and enriched the lives of those who call St. Cloud, “home”. While you’re planning your trip to the big, bold heart of Florida, sign up for our newsletter or read more about Downtown St. Cloud on our blog to see what adventures you and your family can go on.