3 Female-Owned Ottawa Brands to Fall in Love With

Small businesses, side hustles, or passion projects; whatever you prefer to call it, the last few years have seen more and more entrepreneurs start chasing their dreams and establishing their own brands. As consumer behaviour trends towards an affinity for locally made products and personalized experiences, these makers have the opportunity to genuinely connect with their clients in ways that corporations simply never have. Personal relationships like this allow consumers to meet the entrepreneurs behind the product or service and allow the businesses themselves to tailor their brand to fit the community they're in.

Ottawa is filled with creative and unique small businesses that need our support now more than ever in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. When you see #buylocal and #supportsmallbusinesses trending on social media, which brands pop into your mind first? Many of us tend to have a set of go to local-makers that we love to shop from. If you’re ready to add a few more to your personal list, here are three local female-owned brands that you should definitely check out.

1. Ashley's Kitchen

There's really no denying, it’s been a tough year for all of us. Sometimes we need a treat to get us through - perhaps a little something sweet here and there! If you have even half the sweet tooth that I do, if you’re looking to celebrate someone or some special event, or if you simply can’t bake to save your life (guilty!) you've got to check out Ashley’s Kitchen. Ashley Hajjar lovingly crafts custom cakes, cookies, brownies, cheesecakes, and more for clients in the Ottawa area.

Ashley is a full-time paramedic who began baking for friends and family a few years ago to relieve stress. It quickly became much more than just a hobby and, lucky for us, she decided to foster her passion and officially launch her business in March of 2020. She takes custom orders through DM on instagram to make your confectionary dreams come to life no matter the occasion. Ashley’s Kitchen also curates themed goodies around major holidays, which you can find out about through her social media.

Ashley has cultivated her entire brand around a strong sense of community and she pours her heart into absolutely every order. Be sure to give her a follow, but be prepared; you’ll definitely be craving some sugar after seeing all of her mouthwatering content.

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ashleeyskitchen

2. Amanda Julia Events

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenge after challenge to small businesses for the past 15 months. The creative solutions and innovations that have come around, however, are absolutely remarkable. Consider the event planning industry and how it has changed in a world where events are no longer allowed! Perhaps one of the best examples of the industry adapting to this in Ottawa is demonstrated by Amanda Julia Events. While this skilled party planner awaits the day that we can all be reunited for her beautifully organized in-person gatherings, she has pivoted her offerings to fit a socially distanced society with her signature party packs.

Amanda Ruddy knows how to create the events that give you the feels - they’re always perfectly planned, absolutely instagrammable, and stress-free for the client. Now, they can even be done remotely! She has created party packs for pandemic graduations, where custom themed boxes can be sent to the new grad in your life. Recently, she even did a “girls night in” party pack with face masks, wine, snacks, and everything else you and your girlfriends could need for a happy hour at home.

Amanda Julia Events takes the stress out of event planning and has found a way to create memorable experiences and celebrations (even during the pandemic!). Check out her website and her instagram to find out about upcoming launches and be sure to hit her up when planning your next celebration.

Website - www.amandajuliaevents.com

3. LUXE Blooms

What do you get for the person who has everything? I ask myself this question all the time - it can be so hard to shop for gifts sometimes, especially when you haven’t seen that person in a while (thanks for that, COVID) or if you don’t know them well to begin with. If the classic bottle of wine or gift card vibe is getting stale for you, LUXE BLOOMS will quite literally save the day. This brand offers beautiful preserved floral arrangements, made right here in Ottawa, that can last for years. Clients rave about the quality of the products and the customer service you can expect to receive.

Owner Michelle L-J offers the most stunning preserved roses in any colour you could dream of, for any occasion. They are chic and customizable, and they make for a unique gift that lasts much longer than a classic bouquet. The product line has even been expanded to include fresh flowers, mini roses, macaron add-ons, and so much more. Not to mention, her instagram feed and luxurious branding is the stuff that dreams are made of. Seriously, if you’re searching for gift-giving inspo created by an incredible female entrepreneur, look no further than LUXE BLOOMS. Happy shopping!

Website - luxeblooms.ca

Instagram - www.instagram.com/luxe.blooms

Feel like sharing some of your favourite brands and small businesses? Now is a better time than any to shop local, so I'd be thrilled to hear of more places in the Ottawa area that I can support. Send me a message through my contact page and I'll be sure to check them out this summer and feature more blog posts like this one.