Perhaps you missed one of the articles this year that highlighted the collective power of women shaping the local business ecosystem.
As this year winds down and we gather in gratitude, I wanted to reflect on these women-led businesses not only for the services they provide but also for the sense of belonging they create. This article is less about highlights and more about honoring the connective tissue that holds our local community together.
One of the great privileges of my work this year was telling stories of women and events that quietly or boldly shape our business community. The diversity among them emphasizes care, purpose, passion, presence and connection in the services they offer.
Businesses That Brought Us Together
Hosted by Women Who Are Up to Something, the Women’s Evolution Retreat was organized by Jennifer Young, entrepreneur and founder of Inner Strength workshops. The retreat created a space for women to pause, reflect and grow, while Jennifer also offers customized retreats that meet women where they are personally and professionally at.
Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce hosted the Women in Leadership Summit through its Women in Business committee: “Rooted & Rising, Women Growing Through Every Season” brought together keynote speakers, meaningful venues and relevant conversations. The event supported women in business, nonprofits and individuals eager to learn, connect and strengthen leadership skills. Kayla Traber was so inspired, “…after attending last year’s event, I signed up on the committee that year.”
These organizations are open to the public and demonstrate the power of connection by offering leadership development, topics of interest and a shared sense of community.
I often recommend exploring what your local Chamber of Commerce supports and presents. Both San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley chambers provide business recognition while keeping us informed about local programs, events and civic issues. This awareness helps us make better choices and decisions within our community. Open to all.
Women In the Field of Wellness & Self-Care
I enjoyed sharing the wide range of business types owned by women this year. Ramona Montgomery of Montgomery’s Barbershop works in a traditionally male-based industry. Highly trained in her field, she reminds us of the value of understanding the difference between a barber and a hairstylist, and why a local barbershop experience still matters.
Ilsa Greatorex-Duncan of Firespark Wellness introduced the field of regenerative health. Her work emphasizes that healing our bodies does not always require dependence on medication alone and that evidence-based research can empower individuals to participate in their own wellness.
Another intriguing wellness approach was Brainspotting. Erin Burton, LCSW, explained how eye movement approaches and methods support trauma resolution, emotion regulation, and mind-body healing. For many, this modality offers a meaningful alternative to more familiar therapeutic methods.
Chrissy Davis, founder of Unwound, demonstrated how crystal bowls and breathwork create a sound bath experience that relaxes the body, resets the nervous system, and reconnects us to our core selves. From my own personal experience, it was awesome.
But There is More… Leaving Our Legacy
We were reminded not to leave our legacy decisions to strangers. I shared a personal story about a friend whose limited planning resulted in her home being held in probate while she lives in a care facility, following a stroke.
Pamela Morgan, LDA, and a paralegal helped to clarify why getting our affairs in order matters. While this topic may feel uncomfortable, the stress of not preparing can be far greater. We are fortunate to have trusted professionals in our community who can guide us. But before closing this article, there were articles about our taste buds.
Spices, Spanky’s & Wylder Space
Food has a way of bringing people together. Barbara Johansen, owner and creator of Barbara J’s Organic Spice Shop, shared how culinary exploration can begin right in our kitchen. Her spices transform everyday meals into flavorful experiences—“…it’s like traveling around the globe.”
Spanky’s remains a long-standing Valley institution. Owner Ashley Parry brings consistency to the classic American breakfast and lunch; those comfort foods, as she continues to welcome the generations of loyal customers.
Wylder Space Catering stood out this year at a local Chamber event. We learned where her ingredients come from. Molly Bravo, owner, says, “…I use real food as a medium for connection between farmers and the community.” Clearly, these women are passionate about how the quality of their food tastes.
To Our Locally Owned Businesses
Thank you to all the women and businesses I interviewed this year.
Each shared a philosophy rooted in care, intention and gratitude for our community. Let us honor them by remembering and supporting their work.
As this year comes to a close, I welcome 2026 and the next wave of business stories. I remain committed to highlighting locally owned businesses and the collective forces that continue to inspire and inform through their goods and services.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Janet Janssen is a Life in Business and Public Speaker. Learn more about the Speaker Programs and Leadership Icebreaker workshops at janetjanssen.com.
