8 Female-Owned Businesses in Newport Beach
March 1 marked the start of Women’s History Month, a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. And in honor of the ladies who continue to shape and contribute to our thriving seaside community, we’re raising our proverbial glasses and making a toast!
The list below highlights just a few of the many women-owned businesses in Newport Beach you can support this month—from charming boutiques to top-notch restaurants, fitness studios and more! Here’s to breaking barriers, smashing glass ceilings and inspiring future generations. Cheers to Women’s History Month!
Owner: Sara Ledzema
Sara Lezama, the owner of Rye Goods in Newport Beach, is a true artist when it comes to baking. Her passion for baking started at a young age, and she’s now dedicated her life to perfecting the art of sourdough. Her bakery began in a garage in 2016 and has now found a cozy and permanent home in Lido Marina Village. Lezama takes pride in using only the finest organic ingredients and traditional techniques to create her loaves and pastries, which are all made from scratch with love. She is committed to sustainability and has become a leader in the Newport Beach community, bringing people together over a shared love of good food.
Owner: Talia Hancock O’Neill
Located in Newport Beach’s Fashion Island, TALIA is a locally-owned boutique that features a chic collection of affordable luxury items. The female force behind this brand is Talia Hancock O’Neill, who conceptualized the idea while completing her last semester as a Business Major at Chapman University. TALIA began as a wholesale brand sold to other retailers; however, in 2017, Fashion Island granted her a chance to set up a 600-square-foot store adjacent to See’s Candies. Since then, her celebrity-approved clothing has become a must-have for fashion-savvy shoppers.
Owner: Helene Henderson
A staple for a farm-fresh meal in Newport Beach, Malibu Farm is a breezy bayside restaurant that sits in the heart of Lido Marina Village. Owner Helene Henderson got her start doing cooking classes and farm dinners out of her backyard, which eventually led her to open the first Malibu Farm location on the Malibu Pier. “Although we have grown like wild weeds, we are still a locally owned small business,” she says. The restaurant’s food is simply prepared, and the ingredients are carefully selected from local farms, making Malibu Farm a must-visit for a farm-to-table meal.
Co-owner: Sadie Marta
cute and colorful in every way, Mokes can be seen zooming the streets around town, and we have Sadie Marta, the Co-owner of Newport Beach Moke, to thank! Marta was born and raised in Orange County and is married to her elementary school sweetheart, Chad. While traveling on vacation, the couple rented a Moke and instantly fell in love with these cute little cars. “After we returned home, I couldn’t stop thinking about them; they just made us smile!” says Marta. It quickly dawned on her that Newport Beach needed its own Mokes! Today, Marta manages her business, Newport Beach Moke, which offers a fashionable ride to anyone who wants to cruise the streets in style.
Owners: Nancy Brown, Dawn Klohs, Denise Schaefer and Apryl Schaefer
A’MAREE’S originally opened in the 1970s in a small retail space and has since moved to a stunning waterfront location, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private dock. Nancy Brown founded the shop, and soon after, her daughters Dawn Klohs, Denise Schaefer and Apryl Schaefer joined her, officially making it a family business. For decades, A’MAREE’S has been a favorite retail destination, stocking high-fashion brands like Céline and Balenciaga. Stop by and show these ladies some love this month—you’re sure to find a handbag, dress or new pair of pumps you never knew you needed!
Owner: Timree Gold
Timree Gold, an artist and fifth-generation Orange County girl, is famous for her vibrant and approachable style, infused with playful splashes of color. Despite never having taken a formal art class, Gold pursued her passion while studying at Chico State and developed her own unique painting technique, the Timree Technique. Her distinctive style is accessible and enjoyable for all, and in her personal Newport Beach studio, she hosts one-on-one lessons and paint parties for those looking to hone their skills or try something new.
Owner: Michelle Mundy
Michelle Mundy grew up as an athlete in Newport Beach, playing every sport under the sun. After graduating high school, her confidence dropped as she struggled with weight gain. After a long wellness journey that eventually got her back to her happy and healthy self, Mundy decided to help other women with their health and fitness journeys. Today, she runs her own fitness studio in Newport Beach, Happy & Sweaty, and is a certified personal trainer, offering everything from personal training and group fitness classes to nutrition guidance.
Owner: Sussanna Davidson
Tucked in Lido Marina Village, French Buckets is a charming flower stand founded by seasoned florist Sussanna Davidson who’s been in the industry for 20 years. Davidson has styled arrangements for all sorts of events, from small weddings and dinner gatherings to grand parties. French Buckets was born out of her educational background in fine art, and she brings her curated eye and creative spirit to every setting. Stop by to shop her beautiful floral arrangements, which include seasonal bouquets, forever wreaths and more.
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
