York County is lucky to have several women-owned businesses for you to support not only during International Women’s Day, but all year long. These businesses enrich our community and make York a truly wonderful place to visit and live. Check back often as we are always updating this list with new additions.  

Sunrise Soap Co. – Since opening in 2005, Sunrise Soap Co. has garnered a cult-like following that stretches beyond York County. What started out as a hobby for owner Chris Clarke has grown into a celebrated York-based company with three brick and mortar locations as well as on the shelves of Whole Foods stores across Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington D.C.

Refillism – Elizabeth Bower first formed Refillism with the aim of creating a shopping experience with quality, natural, eco-friendly, zero waste, refillable, and reusable products. The company is a refill and eco-friendly store. Refill a bottle you bring or fill a new bottle with eco-friendly household and beauty products. Shop online or in-store for unique, earth-loving reusable and zero waste everyday essentials. 

Crostwater Distilled Spirits – Vicki Close first took an interest in distilling after a trip to Virginia in 2011. There, she and her husband did a tasting and tour of a small distillery and joked they would someday distill vodka in honor of her Russian heritage. Seven years later, in 2018, Vicki opened Crostwater Distillery in northern York County. Now she makes some of the best vodka, rum, gin, and whiskey around. Each bottle of vodka tells the story of how her parents came to the U.S. from Russia.

Watchmaker’s Daughter – Karen Reiss Staub not only designs gorgeous jewelry, but she also carries on a family tradition dating back three generations. The original Reiss Jewelers sign from 1945 can still be seen at her location on N. Beaver St. in the city of York.

Nature's Platter – Founder Marie Fisher, was born and raised in the mountains of Pennsylvania, always surrounded by the simplicity and beauty of nature. She started her career as an Engineer for Harley Davidson Motor Company, but always had a passion for entertaining. In 2018, she finally began creating her masterful custom charcuterie boards out of reclaimed wood from the same beautiful woodlands she enjoyed as a child. Today, you can visit her showroom and several other retail locations to purchase one of her sustainably handmade, unique works of art. 

Keystone Kidspace – Co-founders Jennifer Tansey and Jessica Brubaker have spent many years serving the York community through volunteer work and in their professional lives. They combined their knowledge and love for York to open a premier STEAM-based makers-space for kids to stretch their creativity.  

Grace Manor Bed & Breakfast – Grace Manor Bed & Breakfast, located in the WeCo district of York City, is owned and operated by Joanne Wilmore. The gorgeous B&B boasts finely appointed furnishings reflecting diverse travel destinations and cultures including France, Mexico, Asia, Switzerland, and the African Diaspora, all hand-picked by Joanne. Grace Manor is the only Black-owned and operated Bed and Breakfast in south central PA, one of five in the state, and one of a mere 4% in the nation. Grace Manor is named after Wilmore's maternal grandmother and the photo on her logo that adorns the sign of her business is her maternal great grandmother Ethel.

Alpacas of York – Sheri Hunt Smith has a deep passion for alpacas. She fell in love with them while touring a different alpaca farm, and the rest was history. Located at Shear Heaven Farm, another wonderful woman-owned company, Alpacas of York is a thriving small business. Sheri's goal is to keep it small and local to ensure high quality products. 

Shear Heaven Farm – Shear Heaven Farm offers farm tours, alpaca walks, and great opportunities for field trips. Owner Carey DuRand started off with three alpacas in 2017, but the farm has since grown to be home to at least 40. They also have sheep and chickens! Carey and her family love to educate visitors about the farm as much as they can. 

Locally Seasoned – Owner and Founder Liza Naylor first found her inspiration to create delicious pantry items while working full-time at a local butcher shop during the pandemic. From there, in January 2021, she began making one-of-a-kind chutneys in a rented kitchen. With a focus on foods that inspire our taste buds and our minds, Locally Seasoned has experienced immense growth since then. You can shop her products online and at many local retailers. 

Candi J. Duda Stained Glass and Garden Art – Candi has been creating stained-glass artwork for nearly twenty years. Her shop has been a Red Lion staple since 2014 and is the perfect place to pick up items for your garden and home or take a fun class.

Collage Shop – Collage Shop, a York staple since 1983, is an exquisite place for boutique shopping. Whitney Morgan, a York native, became the owner in 2009 after studying fine art and living abroad. She remains deeply involved in the community as a member of the Domestic Violence Committee for Access York, a board member at Covenant House York, and on the retail advisory board for Vera Bradley. Stop by the shop to visit Whitney and Jude, the rescue pup!

Old Republic Distillery - Denise Mathias has co-owned Old Republic Distillery with her brother, Bill, since 2013. After graduating college with a degree in business, Denise wanted to start a unique business in York County. Bill was always interested in all things craft beverages from wine to beer. Once Pennsylvania made limited distillery licenses available, they saw their opportunity. They were among the first to apply for the license and were the first distillery to open in York County. Nine years later, they are still going strong with locations in West Manchester Town Center and Ephrata, and their bottles on shelves in PA Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores across the state.