Business Spotlight: Doner Box

Meet Vaness Vu, co-owner of Doner Box in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Vaness started her business with her sister-in-law, Mai Dzip, in 2019 to bring authentic German-style kebabs to Seattle. When Vaness moved to the U.S. from the Czech Republic, she couldn't find doner kebabs anywhere. So, she decided to bring them over herself.  Learn...
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Business Spotlight: Creamy Cone Cafe

Meet Ashanti Mayfield, the owner of Creamy Cone Cafe in Rainier Beach in Seattle. When Creamy Cone Cafe opened its doors in June 2021, it brought family fun and locally-made ice cream to the heart of Ashanti's neighborhood. She was inspired to open an ice cream shop because she saw her community’s need for more fun local spots that anybody...
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Business Spotlight: The Barber Collective

Meet Georgette Watje, the owner of The Barber Collective in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood and a firm believer that hair is genderless and a form of self expression.⁠ Georgette started The Barber Collective in 2020 after being a social worker for 12 years. She's always loved the experience of going to the barbershop, but as a more...
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Business Spotlight: Aluel Cellars

Meet Samuel Hilbert, co-owner of Aluel Cellars in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. Samuel and his partner, Alex Oh, started their winery and tasting room in 2016 out of their love and passion for wine. Alex and Samuel live by the standard that they only make wines they love to drink and are inspired by traditional, French-style...
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Business Spotlight: Pimienta Bistro

Meet Blanca Rodriguez, the owner of Latin fusion restaurant Pimienta Bistro in Federal Way, Washington. Chef Blanca grew up in Guadalajara in a family of restauranteurs who loved to entertain and had a passion for food. She took the experiences from her family and the culinary experience she garnered to open Pimienta Bistro in 2010. The...
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Business Spotlight: Cafe Flora

Meet Nat Stratton-Clarke, the owner of Seattle's Cafe Flora in Madison Valley, Flora Bakehouse in Beacon Hill, and Floret in the SeaTac Airport. Since its opening in 1991, Cafe Flora has been a pioneering vegetarian restaurant at the forefront of Seattle’s local, organic, and sustainable foods movements. In 2008, then general manager Nat...
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Business Spotlight: Shikorina Pastries

Meet Hana Yohannes — baker extraordinaire, Pastry Project alumna, and owner of Shikorina Pastries in Seattle's Central District. At Shikorina Pastries, Hana focuses on using organic ingredients and prioritizes working with other small businesses to make the best use of the delicious and fresh ingredients grown locally. Hana was also a part of...
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Business Spotlight: Friday Afternoon Tea

Meet Friday Elliott — Hufflepuff, synesthete, and owner of the geeky-themed tea shop Friday Afternoon Tea in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood. Friday has had a lifelong love affair with tea and opened Friday Afternoon Tea in 2010. She also has synesthesia — a unique ability that allows her to taste words and ideas, which is especially...
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Business Spotlight: Hella Happy

Meet Shannon Koyano — stand-up comedian, podcaster, mom, and owner of her gift shop Hella Happy! in Madison Valley in Seattle. Shannon's socially-conscious, eco-conscious, and unique gift boutique is on a mission to make people, well, hella happy since opening in 2019. You'll find a little something for everyone at Hella Happy! —...
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