Cleveland’s Women Owned Business Spotlight of 2021

Since March is Women’s History Month, there’s no time like the present to showcase some of the women owned businesses making an impact on our area. Our local business community wouldn’t be able to thrive without women who make countless sacrifices day in and day out. One of the best ways we can elevate and support women in our community is by sharing their business endeavors to our family and friends and supporting them whenever possible. Interested in the women-owned businesses making an impact in our area? Take a look at our women-owned business spotlight below! 

Banyan Tree

Opening in the Tremont neighborhood in 2001, Banyan Tree helps deliver a slice of Bali to Northeast Ohio. Originally starting as an art gallery, founder Christie Murdoch gained the inspiration that led to opening Banyan Tree following a post-graduation trip to Bali. Before graduating with a Fine Arts degree, Christine helped her Mom operate her shop on one of the Islands of Lake Erie. The time spent working with Mom helped plant the seeds that would later become Banyan Tree!  

Upon entering the Tremont location, shoppers are greeted with a wide variety of clothing, home goods and jewelry. Staying true to the roots of the store, many of the clothes are hand dyed by Balinese artists. Their two house brands Figwood and North Shore are also primarily made in Bali, while many of their home goods and jewelry are sourced from local artists and creators. To learn more about Banyan Tree, visit them online or at their locations in Westlake or Tremont! 

Brilliant Source Energy

Helping commercial, industrial and non-profit organizations cut their energy and telecommunications costs is where Brilliant Source Energy shines. CEO Dawn Paytosh founded the Company in 2013 in Berea, Ohio and has worked with clientele ranging from locally owned and operated small businesses to Fortune 500 companies across the nation. Brilliant Source Energy consists of a team of auditors and telecommunications specialists that bring a combined total of 60 years of experience to the table. That experience has helped save customers save an average of 20% of their utility costs.  

Along with cutting customer costs, another area of importance for Bright Source Energy is giving back to the community. Through their BSE Cares initiative, they’ve contributed over $16,000 to causes and charities across the board. Additionally, they offer a complimentary analysis program allowing customers to contribute any funds they save to a charity of their choice. To learn more about Bright Source Energy visit them online and schedule a consultation today! 

Choate BODY

Specializing in skincare products, Choate BODY’s mission is to help others along the path to self-acceptance. After battling with eczema and dry skin with products that weren’t delivering a level of satisfaction she was happy with Rhandi Kai, the owner of Choate BODY began making her own products. Each of their hand-crafted products are made with organic ingredients designed to treat and smoothen skin. Their products have been featured in magazines ranging from Vogue to Glamour and won Cleveland Magazine’s Best Facial Cleanser award for 2020.  
 
All their products are created here in Northeast Ohio and can be found in markets and stores throughout the area from lip balm to body butter, Choate BODY has your skincare needs covered. To learn more about the products they have available, check out their online store. 

Luster, A Gift Boutique

Located in the Van Aken District of Shaker Heights, Luster offers a wide variety of goods that range from books and board games to candles and kitchen cups. Upon opening the boutique a few years back, owners Tamar and Robin strived to create a fun retail experience that offers a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Their unique collection of products is a combination of goods created by local artists and creators, along with nationally known and recognized brands. The owners pride themselves on going the extra mile to learn what it takes to provide the shopping selection they’re able to provide their customers with. 
 
Tamar and Robin spent valuable time researching and testing products, along with meeting artists personally in order to provide such an eclectic offering to shoppers. Luster, A Gift Boutique’s retail location in the Van Aken district of Shaker Heights aligns with their dedication to creativity, passion and local art and artists. If you can’t visit their location in person, visit their website. 

Reverie

Originating in Cuyahoga Falls, Reverie has lots to offer shoppers seeking something out of the box. With gifting being a main source of motivation for starting the boutique, shoppers will be greeted with a wide variety of potential presents. From self-care goods to kitchenware, there’s something for everyone either at their online store or either of their locations in Cuyahoga Falls and Gordon Square in Cleveland. Owner Kristin Hadari Worcester relocated to Northeast Ohio originally from Indiana after earning her degree in Fashion Design at the Illinois Institute of Art. 

Part of the inspiration behind opening Reverie is the time Kristin spent with her grandmother growing up. When she was young, her she allowed Kristen to pick out the fabrics used in dresses she would sow her for special occasions like holidays. To this day, Kristen believes those experiences laid the groundwork for her to become the creator that she is today. If you’re on the lookout for a memorable gift for someone in your life, check out their website! 

Supporting the business community in our own backyard would be impossible without placing the spotlight on the women who help build it. Celebrating the women who make a difference in our community is important to us not only during Women’s History Month, but year-round. To keep up with the ways we support our local women-owned businesses, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn today.