These Women Mean Business
March is Women’s History Month and Rhode Island has certainly had its share of female pioneers. They have made their mark on higher ed (founding both Johnson & Wales and RISD), the arts (do yourself a favor and Google Sissieretta Jones), and on our map (thanks for founding Portsmouth, Anne Hutchinson).
In the modern era, there are plenty of incredible women who are running businesses, families and pretty much the whole world. Here are a few of Providence’s successful female entrepreneurs.
Ellen Slattery – Owner of Gracie’s Ventures
Ellen’s eye for detail and commitment to extraordinary service has been a hallmark of her culinary career. She opened her first restaurant, Gracie’s, in 1998 and it quickly became a favorite of locals, visitors and food journalists. That same dedication to every delicious detail propelled her next venture, Ellie’s, to success. Downtown denizens flock there to enjoy everything from colorful macarons to wholesome sandwiches.
Kristin Stone – Providence River Boat Company
Captain Tom McGinn may be at the helm on the water, but Kristin Stone is equally charting the course of the Providence River Boat Company. Throughout the years, her responsibilities have steadily increased to include Operations Manager, Customer Service Manager, Marketing Director, Finance Manager, HR Manager and Queen of Getting Things Done. With her business acumen, the company has flourished and expanded to now include the Providence Kayak Co. (a partnership among Kristin, Tom, and Matthew Haynes of La Gondola).
Jen Simpson – Whole You Beauty
Just call Jen Simpson “the Bride Whisperer.” This Providence-based hair and makeup stylist has more than 15 years of experience and is a one-stop-shop for brides, specializing in on-site bridal hair and makeup, as well as in-studio hair, skin and reiki. With a lengthy list of regular clients, Jen is in high demand for expert customized coloring, as well as cutting, hair extensions, skin care and more. Don’t miss her signature yoga, meditation and reiki nights, which she does to remind all her busy, alpha-female clients of the importance of recharging and balancing.
Trailblazing Women in Rhode Island History
Spend a Day at Women-Owned Businesses in Providence
Author
Kristen Adamo
Kristen Adamo is the president and CEO of GoProvidence. She professes to have one of the city's best jobs, as she is frequently in great restaurants, attending fantastic events, and conversing with the city's many creative characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Women’s History Month?
Women’s History Month is celebrated in March in the United States.
- Were any Rhode Island colleges founded by women?
Yes. Both Johnson & Wales University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) were founded by women.
- Who founded Portsmouth, Rhode Island?
Anne Hutchinson was among the founders of Portsmouth in 1638 after being banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for her religious views.
- Who was Sissieretta Jones?
Sissieretta Jones, known as “the Black Patti,” was a celebrated 19th-century concert singer who lived in Rhode Island and performed at venues like Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall.
- Who owns Gracie’s in Providence?
Gracie’s is owned by Ellen Slattery, who opened the restaurant in 1998.
- What are some women-owned businesses in Providence?
Women-owned businesses in Providence include Gracie’s, Whole You Beauty, and the Providence River Boat Company, along with many others featured in our guide to women-owned businesses.
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