Our Blog

Female-Owned Businesses On 17th Ave

17th Ave’s extensive lineup of businesses includes award-winning restaurants and eateries, beloved local retailers, luxury spa and wellness services, longstanding favourites and so much more, but one of the most integral components of this iconic community is its people. This month, in celebration of International Women’s Day, we want to recognize the rock star females who work behind the cash register, manage the books, run things behind the scenes and hustle every day to keep things going. Here are a few female-owned or operated businesses on 17th Ave that deserve a shout out today, and every day.  

BAMBOO BALLROOM 

Opened in Edmonton in 2005 by best friends with a love of fashion and supporting local, Kyla Kazeil and Anastasia Boruk now have two Bamboo Ballroom locations located in Edmonton and Calgary, where they sell the season’s latest trends, popular brands and locally made items.  

814 16 Avenue SW, bambooballroom.ca 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by K A T E H E W K O ™ (@katehewko)

KATE HEWKO 

Calgary-based fashion entrepreneur, Kate Hewko, opened her concept store in 2016, which features her private label brand curated by Kate herself, along with tons of unique, one-of-a-kind pieces ranging from clothing to footwear to sunglasses. Kate Hewko’s work has been worn by celebs like Miley Cyrus and Cyndi Lauper, and featured in magazines such as Vogue Korea and Flare. Stop by her 17th Ave store to connect with her all-female team and try on Kate’s bold signature styles.  

#112, 908 17 Ave SW, katehewko.com 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by era style loft (@erastyleloft)

ERA STYLE LOFT  

Sisters, mothers and entrepreneur sisters, Julie Andreas and Lauren Evans, opened Era Style loft in 2011 in downtown Saskatoon, and since then have opened two more locations in Calgary, including their 17th Ave store. They focus on timeless and ethically sourced pieces made for the modern woman’s lifestyle. 

917 17 Ave SW, erastyleloft.com 

CLUCK N CLEAVER 

Chicken coinsures and sisters Nicole and Francine Gomez are the owners behind the popular fried chicken joint, Cluck N Cleaver, which boasts two Calgary locations including their Beltline location just off 17th Ave. Nicole previously landed a spot on Top Chef Canada and Beat Bobby Flay on the Food Network, and in 2021, they were featured on @doordash_ca for International Women’s Day! Check out what they had to say here!   

1511 14 St SW, cluckncleaver.com  

MY BODY COUTURE  

One-on-one private fitness studio, My Body Couture, is owned and operated by movement specialist Janis Isamin, whose credentials include AADP, Critical Alignment and Yoga Therapy™, Rainbow Kids Yoga, STOTT PILATES® II, TRX suspension training, Yamuna Body Rolling™ and Yin Yoga. In addition to this extensive list of achievements, she’s also trained with Gabor Mate as a compassionate inquiry practitioner, and has appeared in publications such as Reader’s Digest, Women’s Health, and Cosmopolitan. Since starting My Body Couture on 17th Ave, Janis has helped many people transform their bodies and manage weight loss and pain, as well as provide them with a truly personalized approach to improving their body.  

#210 908 17 Ave SW, mybodycouture.com 

HERC’S NUTRITION 

After several trips to the Herc’s location in Red Deer, entrepreneurial mom, Marissa Martin, decided it was time to bring this iconic fitness and nutrition brand to Calgary. Marissa now runs two Calgary locations — one on 16th Ave and one in Deerfoot City — alongside a team of strong women, eager to assist Calgarians in achieving healthier lifestyles. Stop by their 16th Ave location to pick up one of their famous protein shakes and connect with their team about all things health and fitness.   

858 16 Ave SW, hercs.com 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 17th Ave SW (@17thavesw)

STUDIO SAT NAM  

Janet McClelland discovered Kundalini yoga in 2010 in what she describes as a “voice that was impossible to ignore.” Her first time in a kundalini class was unlike anything she had ever experience and she completed her Kundalini yoga teacher training in 2012, which was followed by the opening of Studio Sat Nam in 2014. Classes at this 17th Ave studio are available both virtually and in person, and designed to leave you feeling empowered, focused and aware of your divine potential.  

819 17 Ave SW, studiosatnam.ca 

ONE ON ONE PERSONAL FITNESS 

Sandra Bueckert was just 16 years old when she discovered bodybuilding in a muscle and fitness magazine while standing in line at a grocery store. It was then that she was inspired to start her fitness journey, and at 23, she opened One-On-One Personal Fitness and began offering fitness instruction to clients. Now, more than 30 years later, Sandra is a leader in the health and fitness industry, and has been featured by CBC Radio, Breakfast Television, The Globe and Mail, Avenue Magazine, Impact Magazine, the Calgary Sun and more. She also offers her personalized fitness plans at One on One’s 17th Ave location.  

1516 17 Ave SW, oneononefitness.ca 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Steeling Home (@steelinghome)

STEELING HOME  

Jennifer Leblond is the owner of 17th Ave favourite, Steeling Home. Originally an artist run co-op which used to showcase local work, Steeling Home now offers a collection of locally made treasures, books, games, home decor, jewellery and more.  

1010 17 Ave SW, steelinghome.ca

BEADLES GEMSTONES, CRYSTALS, BEADS, & JEWERLY

Beadles, which is owned and operated by Sienna Kaczmar, has been on 17th Ave for more than 30 years! This 17th Ave mainstay sells custom jewelry, gemstone beads, and plenty of other one-of-a-kind items featuring rare gemstones and pendants sourced from all over the globe.  

1606 7 St SW, beadlesbeads.ca 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jelly Modern Doughnuts (@jellymodern)

JELLY MODERN DONUTS 

There’s nothing better than a delicious jelly doughnut, especially when it’s from Canada’s original doughnut bakery cafe, owned and operated by Rose Tripathy. Ranked as Calgary’s Best Doughnut Shop in Best of Calgary awards, these sweet treats are not to be missed. Be sure to check out their rotating monthly flavours like strawberry rhubarb and pumpkin tiramisu.  

100 1414 8 Street SW, jellymoderndoughnuts.com 

THRIFT COUTURE  

For a personalized and fun shopping experience, visit Gillian Skupa at Thrift Couture, a funky 17th Ave consignment shop that carries brands like Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, lululemon and more, all at lower-than-consignment prices. Gillian also offers FREE styling appointments if you’re looking to build up your wardrobe, you hate shopping, or you just want some help finding new and trendy pieces.  

1314 17 Ave SW, thriftcouture.ca 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sylvie Law (@sylvstyle)

SYLVSTYLE BOUTIQUE 

Sylvia Law’s 17th Ave boutique is filled with one-of-a-kind designer clothing and shoes. If you’re looking for eye-catching accessories or something flashy to wear on your next night out, SylvStyle Boutique is the place to go.  

#329, 333 17th Ave SW, @sylvstyle

 

THE EXTENSIONIST  

The Extensionist’s all-female team is led by founder Megan Ledarney, and offers exclusive services such as VoguePearl Extensions (also a female-owned brand) as well as solutions for mild to significant hair loss, and non-surgical, semi-permanent, or clip-on solutions for women who have fine, thinning and balding hair. Learn more about their team of Calgary female stylists at the link below.  

1455 17 Ave SW, theextensionist.ca 

Body By Chai

Body By Chai is Calgary’s first women of colour-owned lingerie boutique serving women and the LGBTQIA2S+ of all sizes. Opened by Chai Swinton in 2021, or the ‘bra whisperer’ as those who know her, this 17th Ave shop offers clients a safe and comfortable environment on 17th Ave to find lingerie that they feel beautiful and confident in, and a unique, one-on-one, appointment-based service Chai provides her more than 10 years of knowledge and expertise to all of her clients.

#7, 718 17 Ave SW (2nd Floor), bodybychai.com

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by GlamWigs (@glamwigsinc)

Glam Wigs

Mother-daughter duo, Renee Neil and Clarissa Amoore-Wynter, opened Glam Wigs on 17th Ave with the intention of providing Calgarians with the highest quality wigs possible. They both bring more than 12 years of experience in sourcing the best materials and technology to ensure their wigs are long-lasting and durable, and their customers feel their best.

718 17 Ave SW #12, glamwigsinc.com

Share

Share

Blogs you might also like

17th Ave SW, Calgary, 17th Days of Kindness, shop calgary, eat calgary, calgary events, calgary food

17th Days of Kindness | Local Gift Ideas

Picture the happiness ignited by a carefully chosen gift! Is there a friend in need of a smile? Perhaps someone dear is experiencing the highs ...
Read More →
17th Ave SW, Calgary, 17th Days of Kindness, shop calgary, eat calgary, calgary events, calgary food

YYC EXP Food & Drink Experience | 17th Ave

YYC EXP is back! This event is focused on showcasing the diverse and delicious restaurant scene in Calgary with 17 days of delectable multi-course set ...
Read More →

Indulge in March’s Featured Flavors | Hello, Mini Eggs!

These four spots are serving up some FUN flavours for the month of March. Hello, Mini Egg! They’re only here for a limited time, so ...
Read More →
a bunch of yellow flowers that are blooming

17th Days of Kindness | A Catalyst for Connection

In a world that’s faced its share of challenges, instilling kindness into our daily routines can make all the difference. Embracing our mission to foster ...
Read More →

Calgary’s Best Restaurants of 2024

It’s a celebration! Avenue Magazine Calgary has just revealed its picks for the Best Restaurants in Calgary, and the 17th Ave SW district shines brightly ...
Read More →

National Margarita Day

Today isn’t just any ordinary day—it’s National Margarita Day!  Your favourite spots on 17th Ave SW are rolling out irresistible deals that are simply too ...
Read More →