In the ATL Airport District, we root for women in leadership, for those forging their own paths and creating their own success. And we love any excuse to celebrate them! Since March is Women's History Month, we want to share some of our favorite female entrepreneurs right here in the District. Discover a diverse array of industries represented in the list below:
✈️ Traveling to the District soon? Take the free 24/7 ATL SkyTrain straight from Hartsfield-Jackson and check-in to one of our full-service hotels (30% cheaper than staying in downtown Atlanta, 100% worth the value).
ARTS & FASHION
Academy Theatre
🎭 Managing Director: Lorenne Fey
Since it's founding in 1956, the Academy Theatre has become the longest running professional theatre in Georgia, developing many notable alumni (like Atlanta native, Samuel L. Jackson). For the past 37 years, Lorenne Fey has served as Managing Director, producing hundreds of plays, fundraising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local working artists, and creating a space within the Hapeville community to truly make the city a "Home for the Arts." Fey has a background as a professional dancer in the Atlanta Ballet and Dallas Ballet, and from there shifted focus from performance into a leadership role, obtaining a Business degree from Shorter College. With such strong roots in performance, it was a natural transition continuing her work advocating for new and established artists in the theatre, film, and youth programs at Academy Theatre.
ATL Glassworks
🎨 Owner: Day Kennedy
Although she's the new kid in town, Day Kennedy has been running the successful ATL Glassworks, Atlanta's only stained glass retail store, since 2021. As a self-taught artist, Kennedy is inspired by the " magical qualities" of different types of glass. She creates and sells stunning (and sometimes sassy) custom designs and offers in-studio classes with all the supplies any beginner would need to start their own creative journey. Her shop just had a grand re-opening in its impressive new space in February 2026! Even more impressive is how her community rallied together to help fund the tricky move when her previous rental space in Kirkwood was unexpectedly sold to be demolished. We feel lucky to have her here in the District and hope we can get on the wait-list for her next class!
Atlanta Printmakers Studio
🖼 Founders: Stephanie Smith, Andrea Emmons and Kathy Garrou
Back in 2005, the original founders of Atlanta Printmakers Studio (APS) were inspired to fill a void left in the Atlanta artist community by a lack of resources, studio space, and expertise in the fine art of printmaking in the Southeast. Stephanie Smith, Andrea Emmons, and Kathy Garrou leveraged their training as artists and their connections within the industry to create APS, a non-profit that would host classes, workshops, public events, exhibitions and artist residencies, in order to create a sustainable living for artists and a gathering place for anyone curious about their own hidden talents. Much like running a business, printmaking is an inherently collaborative process, and in 2025, their beautiful space in downtown Hapeville was handed down from Kathy Garrou to Angela Nichols as the new Executive Director.
Fedora Designs
😎 Owner: Ilona Shender
CEO and designer, Ilona S, comes from a long line of artists and creators. Living among the bold fashion and energy of Harlem helped shape her own creative journey, and when the world shut down during the pandemic, Ilona took the opportunity to come to Atlanta and start her own business, Fedora Designs. Today, people come from all over to visit her showroom for ready-made hats, and to seek out a custom design fit to serve as a crown of their own. Those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience at their next event can hire the Hat Bar Edition to come out and let your guests design a fedora to bring home.
Happy Impulse Rebel Art & Queer Shop
🏳️🌈 Owner: Roberta Hall
Artist Roberta Hall and her partner, Cheryl, own and operate this curated online shop to celebrate the queer community through handmade pieces. Like many couples, these opposites attracted. Roberta is the chaotic, neuro-spicy artist, and Cheryl is the organized manager of said chaos. Their speciality is "Art with Attitude," healthy doses of madness and sanity crafted in their home studio in Hapeville. Happy Impulse produces apparel, prints, stickers and more, all with something to say, with unapologetic courage - and kindness. Their t-shirts are unisex fit, "reflecting our belief that gender is a social construct" and come in XS-3XL to accommodate any body type. Grab some merch from their online store or catch them at a pop-up to find out what makes them defiant by nature, and inclusive on purpose.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Beer Girl Growlers & Bottleshop
🍺 Owner: Alexia Ryan
Alexia Ryan isn't shy about being a woman in a male-dominated field. In fact, she put "girl" right there in the name. She's proud to use her business to help other women and minorities succeed in the collective cause of "smashing the patriarchy." Ryan's Beer Girl Growlers & Bottleshop is an independent storefront in Downtown Hapeville with a large selection of imported and local beers, wine, ciders, and more. Sip on a pint from their in-store tap while you browse the impressive selection, or take it outside and enjoy yourself on their back patio in Arts Alley. Purchase a refillable growler, a keg, or make a custom order for your next special occasion.
Buttermilk Biscuit
🥐 Owner: LeAnna Lynn
If catching a whiff of the heavenly aroma of fresh-baked buttery biscuits makes you feel all warm inside, then you already have a lot in common with LeAnna Lynn. Her Southern roots and love of a home-cooked breakfast inspired her to open Buttermilk Biscuit to offer a sense community, hospitality, and fun to the College Park area. Be sure to share Lynn's signature Biscuit Trio: blueberry lemon zest, garlic cheddar, and buttermilk, with the folks at your table before you dive into any one of the restaurant's incredible (non-biscuit) related dishes, like the Waffle Stacker Sammich or Slammin' Salmon 'n Grits.
Buttersweet Bakery
🍰 Owner: Charlita Varner
Pastry chef Charlita Varner knew she was destined for a life in the kitchen when she started baking desserts at the age of eight in her Easy Bake Oven. Now, she runs Buttersweet Bakery and specializes in creating beautiful cakes and pastries for life's biggest moments...or just an everyday treat! Stop by her shop to place a special order or sample one of her fresh bakes on display, including cupcakes, tartlettes, muffins, cookies and more. Chef Charlita even supplies desserts for next-door neighbor, Folk Art (more on them later)!
Drip-Thru Coffee
🚗 Owner: Christy Deen
With over 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Atlanta native Christy Deen wanted to find a way to bring high quality, locally grown coffee to her community in a convenient and affordable setting. Drawing inspiration from coffee stands in the Pacific Northwest and the irrefutable commuter culture of Atlanta, Deen created the double-sided drive thru windows at Drip-Thru. You can also bike thru or walk thru and have a seat at the adjacent garden patio with a friend (or a fur friend). So the next time you're craving a caffeine fix near the airport, you could go to Starbucks, or you could support a locally-owned business run by a woman who truly cares about you.
Folk Art
🍳 Owner: Rhoda Hill
According to owner Rhoda Hill, Folk Art strives to be "a place where anyone could relax and feel at home." Known and loved for their diner-style menu full of hot takes on Southern classics, eclectic local art that adorns the vintage-style dining room, plus the friendliest service staff in town, we would say she succeeded in her mission. With three Atlanta locations, each managed by Hill's partner, MC, their Hapeville hub quickly became a staple in the community, with their sweet potato donuts, crab cake benedict, and breakfast burgers keeping everyone very well fed. Special events often include live music on the front patio, LGBTQ+ Mixers, and monthly Bingo After Dark , featuring live music and comedy by local Drag Queens, Olive and Agatha!
Gocha’s Tapas Bar & Gocha's Breakfast Bar
🥞 Owner: Gocha Hawkins
Celebrity chef Gocha Hawkins has been dubbed a "culinary maven," and the proof is in the kitchens and dining rooms of her stylish, ultra friendly, and inclusive restaurants. The menus at both Gocha's Breakfast Bar and Gocha's Tapas Bar in South Fulton are jam-packed with incredible and inventive dishes, many of which are vegetarian and pescatarian-friendly. Try the char-grilled octopus, Ahi tuna nachos, or lobster and waffle to see what we mean. As a strong advocate for her community, Hawkins established the Gocha Illumination Foundation, a "nonprofit charity dedicated to bringing hope, healing, and support to Atlanta kids and families in African American urban communities...through outreach, food assistance, and emergency relief."
Hapeville Pizza Company
🍕 Owner: Joy Woods
Three staples of Atlanta culture: Hartsfield-Jackson, lemon pepper chicken, and BBQ are all highlighted on the menu at Hapeville Pizza Company, owned by Joy Woods. These creative pizzas have names like The Terminal, The Aviator, and there's even a Baggage Claim combo. Whether you're headed towards arrivals or departures, this is one stop you need to make. They also have large oven-baked wings made fresh to order, available in almost 20 different sauce options! Customers can't get enough of the lemon pepper chicken pizza and many remark on the thoughtful, energetic, and welcoming presence the owner and staff bring to this locally loved joint.
JPresso
☕ Owner: Christine Ahn
Christine Ahn is a true Hapeville native. She inherited an entrepreneurial spirit from her parents, who also owned their first business in the same shopping center where JPresso serves hand-crafted coffee and brunch items (her younger sister, Joanna, also runs the nearby Hapeville favorite, Sombreros Mexican Cantina)! JPresso is meant to be a home away from home where guests can relax in a comfortable environment in their eclectic dining room or cute outdoor patio. Ahn loves being a female business owner because she says she can really feel the full support of her community. In turn, she connects deeply with customers and shares her kindness, passion, and attention to detail with her staff and everyone who's lucky through to walk through her door.
Kiss My Gritz
🥓 Owner: Nikita Franklin-York
If you're looking for brunch with something extra, head to Fairburn to eat at Kiss My Gritz. Owner and operator Nikita Franklin-York works alongside her husband/Executive Chef, Rasul York, to create a fresh spin on Southern breakfast staples. Nikita enjoys running the front-of-house experience for their guests, and the married couple supports the eatery by divvying up their innate skillsets. Ditch your diet and come try their Atlanta beignets, grilled lamb chops "sunny side up," oxtail gritz, and save room for their speciality dessert: non-traditional bread pudding. The food is amazing, but the experience is even better. Come in for a meal and get treated like family.
Nouveau Bar & Grill
🎓 Owner: Ebony Austin
Ebony Austin not only leads her restaurant with strength, resilience, and joy, she is also a leader in her community. As a business owner, she constantly finds ways to give back to those in need, whether it's through giveaways, supporting those with housing needs, or scholarship assistance. In fact, the signature Stone Ground Grits at Nouveau are not only available cooked to order in her restaurants, bags are also sold online and at various Food Lion and Publix grocery stores in Atlanta, with full proceeds going toward scholarship funding for students of HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities). Open for lunch, brunch, and dinner and with multiple events like Friday night R&B Karaoke or rooftop Mimosa Jam Sundays, you can come out any day of the week for a good meal, good vibes, and who knows how many good causes you'll be a part of along the way.
T’s Brunch Bar
🍹 Owner: Teneshia Murray Butler
Whether you're looking for a Lit Brunch experience with a live DJ, or a mid-day happy hour complete with craft cocktails (or mocktails) and delicious entrees, you can find both at T's Brunch Bar in College Park, just 5 minutes from the airport. Owner Teneshia Murray Butler operates several locations of her iconic brunch restaurants, and has even expanded into burgers and events. We love her here in the District not only for her oxtail omelettes, cinnamon roll pancakes, or our favorite, "The MARTA" breakfast with waffles, catfish, grits and jumbo shrimp, but we also admire her for the ways she inspires other women to reach their full potential. Through her Boss Friends Network, she offers faith-based coaching and mentorship for fellow entrepreneurs, sharing resources and uplifting content for real results.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Kula Bowls by Icey Chicks
🥥 Owner: Angie Franklin
What started as a mobile food truck and party cart gained so much popularity that Angie Franklin was able to open an official Kula Bowls by Icey Chicks brick and mortar location in downtown Hapeville (located inside the historic Chapman Drugs building). The initial idea came from Franklin's daughter, and now she's happy to be able to offer healthy options to her community five days a week. While they are still available for events and catering, having a homebase has been such a joyful experience for Franklin. Their açai bowls are incredibly customizable and can make you feel like you're on a tropical vacation from the first bite. With tons of fruits, seeds, nuts, and protein powder mix-ins available, this isn't just a little treat, it's a bowl jam-packed with ingredients that will keep you fueled all day...and coming back for more tomorrow.
LatJohns Pilates
🧘♀️ Owner: Latonia Johnson
Latonia Johnson of LatJohns Pilates was not always a fitness guru. In fact, it was her own struggles with severe and chronic pain that eventually led her on a journey of "Whole Body Health," not just short-term solutions, but a new way to live with intentionality. Once she discovered the benefits of Pilates in her recovery, she was on a mission to share her breakthrough with others. Johnson strives to meet every member exactly where they are and deliver a positive movement experience to all. At LatJohns, it's not just about the aesthetics of getting in shape (although, yes that is another upside to the practice). Instead, it's a place where anyone can come for physical and mental wellbeing. Join in studio to try a Reformer class, yoga flows for all levels (including some heated classes), or schedule your first virtual class for free!
The Wellness Spot
🧖♀️ Owner: Valaurie Lee
A true native to College Park, Valaurie Lee used to dream of owning her own business when she was a student at Woodward Academy. Today, after earning several degrees in higher education, Lee runs a successful consulting firm and has held positions at major companies like IBM and Oracle. In 2021, she finally combined her corporate expertise with her passion for health and fitness to realize her childhood dream and create The Wellness Spot, which was quickly voted "Atlanta's Best Day Spa" in 2024. Not only do they offer indulgent spa experiences, like full body massages, facials, or waxing services, but they also host yoga, strength, and Pilates classes. The upscale aesthetics are warm and inviting and the entire space is available to rent out for special occasions. They often host community events for people to connect, create, and practice wellness together.
WNBA Atlanta Dream
🏀 Owner: Renee Montgomery
Renee Montgomery is an athletic legend who has broken records and won championships in the WNBA. In 2020, her profile grew as an activist when she announced that she would not be playing that season due to concerns of racism during the COVID-19 pandemic. After retiring from the league, she made history by being the first player in the WNBA to become a co-owner and executive, helming her former team, the Atlanta Dream. She's also an on-air sports analyst, host of the Mongomery & Co podcast, and founder of a non-profit organization, the Renee Montgomery Foundation, which help underserved youth with educational, financial, and social justice initiatives. Her artist wife, Sirena Grace, helps run and produce her many ventures, and was even the one to encourage Montgomery to invest in ownership of the Dream. The couple and their son, Angel, can often be spotted in the stands of the Gateway Center Arena during home games.
It's pretty clear who runs things here in the ATL Airport District, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Whether you live in Atlanta or are just here for travel, we hope you stop by our women-owned businesses to find out what the Southside is all about.
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