Memphis is making it easy to shop local and support women-owned businesses this holiday season with the return of the Women-Owned Passport. Kicking off October 1, this initiative brings together 17 women-owned shops that offer unique deals and fun incentives for Memphians to explore the city’s diverse local businesses. And the best part? You get the chance to win one of three grand prizes worth over $300 simply by visiting each store.
Why It Matters to Support Women-Owned Businesses
The Women-Owned Passport, first launched in 2023, was created to uplift and celebrate Memphis’s talented women entrepreneurs by raising awareness and driving traffic to their shops. In its debut year, 3,400 passports were handed out, creating a wave of excitement that saw groups of friends banding together for days of shopping fun. The success of last year’s event has brought it back for 2024, giving Memphians another opportunity to discover the array of women-led retail offerings across the city.
How the Passport Works
To join in the fun, participants can start collecting stamps in their passports beginning November. First, you’ll need to pick up your passport. Passports are available in stores starting October 1.
You can get a stamp in one of three ways. Pick one or do all three!
- Visit a shop and make a purchase. Each business will offer an additional gift or incentive with qualifying purchases starting November 1.
- Post on social media. Share a photo or post about a participating business, tag them, and show it to the business to earn your stamp.
- Leave a Google review. Show some love with a Google review about the business, then show it to the shop in person.
Once you’ve visited all 17 shops and collected every stamp, turn in your completed passport to the last business you visit to be entered into the drawing for the grand prizes. The last day to submit your passport is December 31, 2024, with the grand prize winners announced on January 13, 2025.
Meet the Businesses Behind the Passport
What the boss ladies have to say
Avenue Wrapping: Vanessa West, the owner of Avenue Wrapping, is enthusiastic about the Passport’s impact. “Being a part of a women-owned initiative was a highlight of our year last year,” she said. Vanessa fondly recalls the groups of women who visited her shop together, moved by their support for women-owned businesses like hers.
Boshi Botanicals: A zero-waste refill store owned by Becky Beloin, Boshi Botanicals is excited to participate for a second year. “We loved seeing our customers’ eyes light up when we told them about the Passport last year,” Becky shared. The event helped shine a spotlight on the store’s eco-friendly mission while encouraging new faces to visit.
Blue Suede Vintage: Tucked away yet full of character, Blue Suede Vintage found the Passport to be a great way to welcome new customers last year. “We’re excited to see what 2024 brings,” says owner Casey O’Rourke, who looks forward to more foot traffic and connections.
Everbloom Design: For Kristin Wolter, owner of Everbloom Design, the Women-Owned Passport initiative was all about bringing joy. “It was so great to see so many customers have fun with the passport last year,” Kristin said. “Some ladies made a whole day of it and visited all the shops.”
Planeta777: Co-owners Pamela Arcega and Sidney Ramirez feel grateful to be part of the initiative. They’re eager to connect with new customers and spread a sense of community throughout Memphis. “Cheers to a community for and by Women Business Owners!” they said.
Whitney Winkler Art: Artist and owner Whitney Winkler reflects on how the Passport initiative has brought women business owners closer. “Sometimes all you need to do is say, ‘hey, I need you,’ and beautiful things grow,” Whitney said.
Why You Should Get Involved
If you’re looking for something fun to do with friends or family this holiday season, why not make a day out of visiting all 17 shops? Not only will you be supporting incredible women-owned businesses, but you’ll also have the chance to explore different neighborhoods and celebrate what makes Memphis special.
So mark your calendar, pick up a passport, and start planning your adventure around Memphis! Together, let’s invest in and enjoy everything our local women-owned businesses have to offer.
