Women-Owned Businesses in Long Beach
- March celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting women-owned businesses in Long Beach.
- Check out nine standout businesses, including vintage shops, dance studios, and cafes that empower women and foster community.
- Each business provides a unique service, from event planning to kid-friendly activities, making them local gems.
- Supporting these women-owned businesses in Long Beach boosts the local economy and recognizes their contributions to the community.
March is Women’s History Month, and I’m calling out the women-owned businesses that make Long Beach the coastal powerhouse it is. These spots go way beyond retail—vintage shops with real purpose, delis that held us together during COVID, a sports bar that turns up the volume for women’s games, dance studios building real confidence, toy stores with actual imagination, tea parties for kids who deserve the fuss, cafes with legit brunch game, minimalist closets that just work, and event planners who connect the right people.
Here’s the full rundown on nine verified standouts, complete with addresses, hours, and exactly why they’re worth your time—plus my personal obsessions that’ll have you hooked too.
1. The Mom-Up Shop (Downtown) – Vintage Clothing & Home Goods with Purpose
At 60 E. 4th Street, Long Beach, CA 90802, Julie Schwarz curates vintage clothing and home decor—perfect denim jackets, flowy tops, plus brass lamps, woven baskets, and ceramic vases that give any space instant character. Case in point: I scored the most gorgeous rose-hued antique water glasses here that make every dinner feel special. Every dollar goes straight to Project WomanGood, helping women rebuild after abuse. She also runs Secondhand Sunday pop-ups with guest vendors. Hours: Wed-Sun 12-6 PM (call to confirm events). It’s shopping that actually changes lives.
2. Anneise (East Village) – Your Effortless Closet Upgrade + Gift Goldmine
Kimberly Latham runs 440 E 1st St, Long Beach, CA 90802, a boutique built for mixing-and-matching: soft knits, structured vegan bags, gold hoops, and wide-frame sunglasses that look expensive but aren’t. I can always find the perfect affordable gift for my besties here—thoughtful earrings under $30 or a chic scarf that screams “you get me.” Next door (same space) is Saffria Sage Soap with small-batch lavender bars and body oils. Started in 2012, it’s East Village’s best-kept style secret. Hours: Thu-Sun 12-6 PM.
3. Pixie Toys (Bixby Knolls) – Toys That Actually Matter
Heather Rasmussen’s 3914 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807 stocks the good stuff—magnetic tiles, wooden puzzles, games that accidentally teach math, and plushies with better backstories than most kids’ shows. Perfect for birthdays or just because. They do storytimes too. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 11 AM-5 PM. Park nearby, browse 20 minutes, leave with something a kid will actually love.
4. Gravity Dance Company (Bixby Knolls) – Dance Classes That Build You Up
Shiquita “Ms. Q” Sargent, founder of Gravity Dance Company in Long Beach, has built a dynamic studio known for its high-level training, strong community, and standout performance credits. Located at 3391 Long Beach Blvd, Gravity offers a full range of classes designed to develop both technical skill and artistic expression. Classes run Monday through Friday from 4–9 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM–4 PM, with options for all experience levels. New students can explore the studio with a first class free, and drop-ins are available for $20. More details, including the full schedule, can be found at gravitydanceco.com.
5. Alder & Sage (Retro Row) – All-Day Cafe That Delivers
Kerstin Kansteiner (also of Art du Vin wine bar) runs 366 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90804—think pour-over coffee that tastes like it should cost more, pastries that flake properly, and dinner options like truffle risotto or grilled octopus that beat most Retro Row spots. The outdoor patio is fabulous for sunny-day brunch—fresh air, great plates, no reservations needed. Hours: Tue-Sun 8 AM-9 PM (kitchen closes 8 PM). Go early for brunch, stay late for wine. Lines form on weekends—join them.
6. Dream Come True Tea & Party Room (Bixby Knolls) – Kids’ Parties Done Right
Elena Effler’s 4350 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807 Dream Come True Tea & Party Room is a unique event space specializing in whimsical themed parties at their location or yours, from birthdays and baby showers to bridal showers and everything in between. They also offer play dates, craft workshops and events, makeovers, and full event planning services, so you can hand them the vision and let them run with it.
7. Watch Me! Sports Bar (East LB) – Women’s Sports, No Mute Button
Jax Diener and Emme Eddy opened California’s first women’s sports bar at 6527 E Pacific Coast Hwy (former Playa Amor space). WNBA, Angel City FC, NCAA women’s basketball—sound always on. It’s super chill and perfect for hanging with friends over a beer, watching the game without the bro energy. Craft beers, loaded nachos, athlete meetups. Hours: Wed-Mon 4 PM-12 AM (kitchen till 10 PM). Game nights get loud. Beers $8-12. Sports fans, this is home now.
8. Olives Gourmet Grocer (Belmont Heights) – The Deli That Saved 2020
Erin O’Hagan and Laurie Semon’s 3510 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803 started as a NYC-style deli but became a neighborhood lifeline during COVID—fresh produce when Ralphs couldn’t restock, plus hot sandwiches, catering trays, and amazing desserts. It’s my regular go-to, and The 45 is my absolute favorite—sliced turkey with apricot jam that I crave like nobody’s business. Hours: Daily 8 AM-8 PM (562-433-7700). Grab dinner, stock your fridge, thank them for keeping us fed.
9. The Connection Strategist (Long Beach-wide) – Events That Actually Rock
AnaLexicis Bridewell plans cultural experiences and networking events for women who mean business—brand launches, professional mixers, summits. She’s an amazing curator of people and places, putting 200% into every event, pop-up, and market she hosts. Everyone ends up raving about what an incredible time they had. Long Beach-based, serving LA County. Contact: theconnectionstrategist.com or IG @theconnectionstrategist. Need an event that delivers real connections? She’s your person.
There’s your nine-stop women-owned empire—retail, food, entertainment, kids, dance, events, groceries. Hit these addresses, tag the owners, fill their tip jars and inboxes. Which one are you visiting first? Tell me below.
FAQs
March celebrates women’s contributions (which should be celebrated all year long!), and these LBC spots show real entrepreneurial grit—from vintage shops funding abuse recovery to sports bars amplifying women’s games. Supporting them keeps money local and lifts up the women reshaping our city.
Yes—I’ve fact-checked every one. Single women owners like Kimberly Latham (Anneise) and Shiquita Sargent (Gravity Dance), or verified women pairs like Jax & Emme (Watch Me!) and Erin & Laurie (Olives). No ambiguities here.
Most do—gravitydanceco.com, dreamcometruepartyroom.com, olivesgourmetgrocer.com, theconnectionstrategist.com, plus active IG like @theconnectionstrategist and @dreamcometrueparties_. Call ahead for hours/pop-ups.
Absolutely at Pixie Toys (storytimes), Dream Come True (parties), and Olives (sandwiches kids devour). Gravity has youth classes. Others skew adult but welcome families—Alder & Sage patio is stroller-accessible.
AnaLexicis via theconnectionstrategist.com or IG. Dream Come True at dreamcometruepartyroom.com (562-991-5437)—packages from $35/child for birthdays/showers at their spot or mobile.
