In honour of International Women’s Day, we want to acknowledge all of the amazing women who own businesses, or are a part of the essential staff of some of our favourite 17th Ave businesses! These women hustle everyday, and are an integral part of our 17th Ave community. Here are just a few of the amazing women who work and play on the Red Mile, and make it one of the best communities in the city.
The Extensionist
The Extensionist’s all-female team is led by CEO and creator of Vogue Pearl extensions, Megan Lund. You can learn about their talented team of stylists at their website!
1455 17th Ave SW, theextensionist.ca
Aloha Beauty Room
Aloha Beauty Room, located in the heart of 17th Ave, is owned by licensed facial therapist, certified nail technician and boss babe, Dasha. You can indulge in unique, European services unlike anything else you will find in Calgary at Aloha Beauty Room.
Unit 5, 1230a 17th Ave SW, alohabeautyroom.ca
27 Boutique
27 Boutique was opened in the summer of 2012 by owner Kelly Schneider, whose obsession with fashion and accessories led her to open her 17th Ave boutique, featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of brands and styles for every budget. Head to their social media pages for daily style-inspo from their team.
1510 17th Ave SW, 27boutique.com
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 16th Avenue SW, bambooballroom.ca
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.
#112, 908 17th Ave SW, katehewko.com
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 pieces made for the modern woman’s lifestyle.
917 17th Ave SW, erastyleloft.com
Salvedge
Krista Hopfauf opened Salvedge boutique in 2008, and now has two locations in Calgary, including her spot on 17th Ave, where she sells pre-loved designer pieces and high-end accessories. She’s also a big fan of supporting local artisans, so you can also expect to find unique, one-of-a-kind items made by local makers as well.
113 – 1013 17th Ave SW, salvedgefashion.com
State Baby
Sasha Warren opened up State Baby just six short weeks ago in late January after Sasha, who has two small kids of her own, found a gap in children’s clothing sized 2T and up. Her store is meant to be a place where families can shop for newborns all the way up to age twelve, and sometimes with matching sets for mama!
1230 17 Ave SW Unit 4, state-baby.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 on 17th Ave. Nicole previously landed a spot on Top Chef Canada, and they were also recently featured on @doordash_ca for International women’s day! Check out what they had to say here!
1511 14 St SW, cluckncleaver.com
Velour Clothing Exchange
For more than 4 years, Myra and Michelle Miller have been running this buy/sell/trade clothing store on 17th Ave with a team of sales associates comprised of all women! Amongst their many vintage and pre-loved items, you can also find pieces made by local Canadian artists and makers.
#200, 1022 17th Ave SW, velourclothingexchange.com
My Body Couture
Janis Isaman, Movement Specialist and owner of My Body Couture, created her business when she struggled to find solutions to get in shape despite daily exercise, and cure an injured knee. Since starting My Body Couture on 17th Ave, this single mother 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 17th Ave SW, mybodycouture.com
Herc’s Nutrition
Herc’s Nutrition’s 16th Ave location is owned by a single, entrepreneurial mom, alongside a team of strong women, eager to assist Calgarians in achieving healthier lifestyles. Stop by their Red Mile 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
Studio Sat Nam
Janet McClelland discovered Kundalini yoga in 2010 while going through some changes in her life and experiencing a desire to examine herself on a deeper level. After her first class, she knew in an instant that she wanted to become a Kundalini Yoga Teacher. Fast Forward to 2014, Janet had completed her Yoga Teacher training and opened Studio Sat Nam. Classes at this 17th Ave studio are designed to leave you feeling empowered, focused and aware of your divine potential.
819 17 Ave SW, studiosatnam.ca
One On One Personal Fitness
After picking up a body building magazine at just 16 years old, and asking herself “can women really look like this?” Sandra Bueckert, owner of One on One Personal Fitness lived and breathed to train. She opened One on One Personal Fitness in 1989 at just 23 years old, and since then has been offering her clients personalized fitness plans at her 17th Ave studio, as well as dominating the health and fitness industry.
1516 17 Ave SW, oneononefitness.ca
Steeling Home
Jennifer Leblond is the owner of 17th Ave favourite, Steeling Home. Originally an artist run co-op used to showcase local work, Steeling Home now offers a collection of locally made treasures, books, games, home decor, jewellery and more.
1010 17th Ave SW, steelinghome.ca
KB & CO
KB & CO originally opened in Edmonton in 2017, and after much success, brought their delicious and popular plant based menu to 17th Ave past this summer by Calgary franchise owner, Lindsay White.
926 16 Ave SW, kbandcompany.com
Beadles
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 jewellery, 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
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.
100 1414 8 Street SW, http://jellymoderndoughnuts.com
Thrift Couture
For a personalized and fun shopping experience, visit Gillian Skupa at Thrift Couture, whose 17th Ave consignment shop 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 17th Ave SW, thriftcouture.ca
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.com
Kit And Ace
The hard working, optimistic, friendly, caring and sweet women of Kit and Ace are always bright sunny faces on 17th Ave. They are welcoming, high energy and you can’t help but smile when spending time with them. From Shop Leads to Educators to their Junior Shop Director, thanks to the women of Kit and Ace for their amazing presence on 17th Ave.
800 16 Ave SW, kitandace.com
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