International Women's Day is a global movement honoring the tenacity, creativity, and accomplishments of women everywhere, not merely a day on the calendar. As this historic day draws near, we are excited to highlight the vibrant force of women-owned companies in our region. While we know we cannot showcase all of them, we have included a diverse list of many in our region. These innovative business owners, who run both well-established companies and ground-breaking startups, are redefining industries and the path forward for coming generations. Join us as we honor the talent, determination, and success of female entrepreneurs everywhere—after all, when women succeed, communities and economies do too. 

 

Clara B’s Kitchen Table: 

Clara B's Kitchen Table is a contemporary homage to a time when scratch cooking and baking was all there was. Owned by Jodi Ferguson, this modernized casual dining concept located inside of LongStory Coffee in Belleville features Texas brunch favorites. They also have a food truck and can be found throughout St. Clair, county. This is true Southern hospitality, an eclectic mix of her grandmother's roots in Louisiana and her eventual move to Texas. A mix of the best that BBQ, Tex-Mex, and a little Creole cuisine has to offer for all the easy Sunday mornings one could hope for. 

Can you tell me about your journey as a female entrepreneur? What motivated you to start your own business? 

“My journey started while I was working for other people. When you work for someone else, no doubt you will see the opportunities that could make the operation better, but most of the time you are expected to operate by the status quo. I constantly would say, if this were my place this would be different." 

“Fast forward to March 2020 and I got furloughed during the pandemic. I also had been living in Belleville with my fiancé and noticed a lack of options for a brunch experience that was focused on high-quality food. I wanted to fill a void while showcasing my skill and living my passion for making tasty food that was not like what we had on this side of the river. Restaurants were shutting down, so a new restaurant was out of the question, but we gathered enough funds to start the food truck. The rest is history.” 

What advice would you give to young girls and women who aspire to pursue careers in male-dominated industries or start their own businesses? 

“Owning a business or trying to make a name for yourself in a male-dominated industry is not for the weak-minded; it requires a strong will and plan. As a female chef, I was underestimated or dismissed on multiple occasions, but I had a focus that rivaled any competition. It's tough to reconcile but many times, women must work twice as hard to get the same recognition as a male counterpart that may be mediocre in their ability. It's discouraging and frustrating but if you want it bad enough, the drive actually makes you stronger, mentally agile, and a true master of your craft. Starting your own business requires time, sacrifice, and patience. Anyone who says otherwise either has a business that is failing or is entertaining a very expensive hobby.” 

 

Stay Pressed Juice Co.: 

Stay Pressed Juice Co. in O’Fallon, IL is a smoothie and juice bar that prioritizes health and wellness. Below, we chat with owner, Nicole Wheatley, who takes us through what it means to be a female entrepreneur. Next time you are looking for a flavorful smoothie, a delicious acai bowl, or yummy toast, give Stay Pressed Juice Co. a visit.  

Can you tell me about your journey as a female entrepreneur? What motivated you to start your own business? 

“My journey as a female entrepreneur has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Every obstacle has fueled my determination to succeed. With perseverance, resilience, and a supportive network, I've turned setbacks into opportunities, paving the way for growth and innovation. Through it all, I've learned the power of embracing authenticity, harnessing my unique perspective as a woman in business to drive positive change and inspire others along the way.” 

“My entrepreneurial journey began with a simple but powerful drive: the desire to do something meaningful and impactful for my family. After a few setbacks in the beginning, I was determined to carve my own path on this journey. The prospect of building something from the ground up, shaping my own destiny, and making a difference for my loved ones is what drives me forward. With unwavering determination and a belief in my vision, I took the leap into entrepreneurship, driven by the belief that anything is possible with dedication, hard work, and a willingness to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.” 

Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of your business, and how do you hope to continue empowering women in entrepreneurship and leadership roles? 

“Looking ahead, I envision Stay Pressed Juice Co., as not just a place to grab a refreshing drink, but as a vibrant community hub promoting health and wellness. Continuing to prioritize our commitment to quality products and exceptional customer service. We will strive to maintain our reputation for serving delicious, nutritious foods while providing an outstanding experience for every customer who walks through our doors ensuring that we remain a trusted destination in O’Fallon Illinois for health-conscious individuals seeking nourishing food options and friendly, personalized care.” 

“In terms of inspiring women in entrepreneurship and leadership roles, I hope to always lead by example. By sharing my journey, celebrating the successes of other women entrepreneurs, and providing mentorship and support to aspiring female leaders, I aim to create an environment where women feel empowered to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and thrive in leadership positions. I will always aspire to create a ripple effect of empowerment, inspiring women to believe in themselves, pursue their passions, and make their mark on the world of entrepreneurship and beyond. Life is like a glass of juice...it's all in how you make it.” 

Marcoot Jersey Creamery:

Marcoot Jersey Creamery is a seventh-generation family-owned dairy farm located in Greenville, Illinois, renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. With a legacy dating back over two centuries, the Marcoot family's passion for dairy farming has culminated in a distinguished reputation for producing the highest-quality artisan and farmstead cheeses. Their dedication to sustainable practices, personalized service, and a wide range of delectable dairy products has made Marcoot Jersey Creamery a cherished destination for food enthusiasts and a trusted partner for corporate gifting experiences.

What advice would you give to young girls and women who aspire to pursue careers in maledominated industries or start their own businesses?

The advice we would give to young girls would be to find your passion, have a purpose, be willing to learn and work hard!

What advice would you give to other women who aspire to start their own businesses or pursue leadership roles in their careers?

I think we could have a very long list for this question! One piece of advice we would give other women would be to stay curious, be willing to adjust according to repeated customer feedback and to keeping learning more about yourself. It's important to understand your leadership style and how your style affects your business. 

Oh. So. Sweet. Bakery & Cafe:

Oh So Sweet is an intimate bakery and café located in Carlyle, Illinois. It serves an excellent variety of artisanal pastries, gourmet desserts, and freshly baked items while catering grazing tables and dessert bars. They focus on high-quality ingredients and inventive recipes while offering a welcoming environment for savoring sweet delicacies and specialty coffees. With their mouthwatering selection, Oh So Sweet strives to please any sweet craving, whether you're searching for a morning pastry, a lunchtime pick-me-up, or a personalized cake for a special event.

Can you tell me about your journey as a female entrepreneur? What motivated you to start your own business?

From a very young age, I could be found in the kitchen baking and cooking. My mom instilled these traits in me, and I had always dreamed of opening my own bakery one day. In 2014, I started my own home-based business specializing in desserts and custom displays for events such as weddings, showers, birthdays & more! I never let my fear of failure get to me, and I wanted to expand. On December 15, 2023, my mother’s birthday, I opened Oh. So. Sweet. Bakery & Cafe in CarlyleBusiness has been booming, and I am so glad I took the leap!

What advice would you give to other women who aspire to start their own businesses or pursue leadership roles in their careers?

Just go for it! I let my fear of failure get to me for so many years, but I eventually decided to put that fear behind me. I would not be here today if I did not take the leap and go after my dream.

What strategies have you found most effective for networking and building professional relationships as a woman in your industry?

I belong to the Clinton County Connection organization that allows business members from all over to collaborate and network monthly in the Clinton County, IL area. I have built so many relationships and have learned so much from my peers. I try my best to never miss a meeting and encourage others to network and do the same. Collaboration over competition - there is plenty of business to go around!

June’s Breakfast + Patio 

Liz Welzbacher opened up June's Breakfast + Patio as a container for connection. A place where your name is known, and community is held. June’s aims to model slow, sustainable living on a little corner in Shiloh, Illinois. Their current offerings include coffee, breakfast, lunch, craft beer, natural wines and cocktails.

How do you incorporate your values and beliefs into your business practices, and how does being a woman influence your company's mission and vision?

One of my biggest values is authenticity, followed by integrity. In business, especially the hospitality industry where intention, connection, and, well… hospitality is essential, it can be difficult to maintain focus and easy to lose your center. There are many needs to balance, people constantly asking more of you: the requirements of an evolving team, partners and collaborators goals’, the desires of your customers and the hopes of the broader community. To counter the external expectations, I apply this rubric to critical decisions: 

• Is this right for me? Would I be proud/excited to share this with my friends? 
• Is this right for June’s? Does it align with our brand and our values? 
• If we didn’t pursue this, would I be disappointed? 
• If I make this decision, would I stand steady if it ended up as a headline?

The essence of June’s is feminine. That was on purpose. As we were developing the concept, I looked around the community and asked “Where would I feel safe? What kind of energy do I want to surround myself with? Where might the most marginalized people feel seen, welcomed, and respected?” Arriving at a point of view on these questions had less to do with me living in a woman body; it was about me stepping into my feminine… something which all of us can do. When I show up at June’s and make decisions on the team and company’s behalf, I do my best to stand in that divine feminine space centering values like inclusion, community, togetherness and sustainability OVER progress, competition, growth at all costs, and the like. I don’t always get it right, but I think the fact that I, and our leadership team, do our best to operate out of this space sets June’s apart.

If you are looking to support other women-owned businesses in Downstate Illinois, here is a list of some establishments to visit:  

Breathe & Bend Hot Yoga, Albers  

Uptown Bar and Grill, Red Bud 

Wayward Wovens (Wander Community Art Studio), Du Quoin 

Moonshine Store, Martinsville 

The Chocolate Affair, Highland 

St. Nicholas Brewing Company, Chester, Du Quoin, and Murphysboro 

Sunflower Broom Shop, Crossville 

Wildflour Bakery & Candy Company, Casey 

Little Cookie Shop, Palestine