As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible women-owned businesses that help make our downtown vibrant and thriving. These inspiring entrepreneurs bring passion, creativity, and dedication to our community, and we’re proud to have them as part of our downtown family!

Bayou Booksellers & Gift Shoppe

Leann Miller, co-owner of Bayou Booksellers & Gift Shoppe, has embraced her role as a community builder, transforming the beloved bookstore into a warm and welcoming gathering space. With a heart for connection and a passion for intentional gifting, she’s creating a place where nostalgia, creativity, and conversation come to life.

When asked what femininity means to her, Leann said “It means leaving a mark. It’s giving kindness and giving people a place. Women leave their mark.”

Read more about Leann and Bayou Booksellers in the blog post “All Are Welcome Here”.

Downtown Yoga

Britni Serou and Brenna Barzenick, the owners of Downtown Yoga, are celebrating ten years of creating a welcoming space where yoga is accessible to all bodies and abilities. Through their shared commitment to community, inclusivity, and wellness, they’ve built a studio that offers both physical and mental benefits, helping people unwind, breathe, and connect with their bodies.

When asked what femininity means to them, Britni said “It’s all the qualities of nature… It’s soft, cool, reflective, in-touch, grounded. That is femininity. Versus masculinity which is bright, hard, loud, energetic… How do I tap into those parts of myself that we ALL have?”

Brenna said, "It is being absolutely true to myself and not having to dissolve myself in any roles, any expectations, any ideals of what a woman should be.”

Read more about Britni and Brenna’s journey with Downtown Yoga at their blog post “Be in the Present Moment”.

eNg Designs & Construction

Erika Hemphill founded eNg Designs & Construction in 2017, turning her passion for home design into a thriving business that builds custom homes and specializes in high-end renovations. With her husband Garland by her side, Erika has grown the company into a leader in the industry, revitalizing spaces and empowering others through her entrepreneurial journey.

When asked what femininity means to her, Erika said “I want us to walk in our purpose… You can do things that you are scared of. We’ve been told for a long time that we can’t.”

Read more about Erika and eNg Designs & Construction at the blog post “Elevating Your Space”.

Hammond Branch Library

Candess Robinson, the branch manager of the Hammond Branch of the Tangipahoa Parish Library System, is dedicated to making the library a vital community hub by offering essential resources, educational programs, and personalized support. With a passion for childhood literacy and community service, Candess strives to make the library a welcoming space for everyone, from young children to elderly patrons.

When asked what femininity means to her, Candess said “It is our strengths and our weaknesses, our boldness and our humility, it’s our joys and our struggles... It’s the confidence of a woman who knows her worth.”

Read more about Candess and what the Hammond Branch Library offers at the blog post “A Vital Resource”.

Leading Home Care

The dedicated team at Leading Home Care’s Hammond office, led by Angel Beard and supported by compassionate staff, provides in-home care for individuals with disabilities and the elderly, ensuring they receive high-quality support in the comfort of their own homes. With a focus on building relationships and offering personalized care, the team goes beyond the basics to offer companionship, resources, and a strong support system for both clients and their families.

When asked what femininity means to the amazing group of women at Leading Home Care, they all blurted out at once “strength, resilience, warriors, willpower, compassion”.

Read more about Angel and her Leading Home Care team at the blog “Embracing Differences”.

Milk & Honey: A Beauty Bar

Angelle Mays founded Milk & Honey: The Beauty Bar as a space where everyone—regardless of gender, background, or journey—can feel at home, nurtured, and empowered. Now expanding with The Unveiled Bride and a personal renovation of her shop, she continues to champion authenticity, beauty, and self-expression through her artistry and vision.

When asked what femininity means to her, Angelle said “I think we live in an era of hyper masculinity and hyper femininity to the point that its toxic. I feel like I’ve had to learn how to balance the two for myself… Milk & Honey was a big undoing for me to be able to cultivate a space that was beautiful to bring the feminine and also honor the masculine part of myself, as well.”

Read more about Angelle and Milk & Honey at the blog post “The World Needs More Color”.

Painting with a Twist

Marilyn Kennedy, the new owner of Painting with a Twist in Hammond, blends her love for art with a passion for community, creating a space where everyone can enjoy the creative process. From whimsical paintings to new hands-on experiences like Pop In & Paint, she’s dedicated to making art accessible, joyful, and a little more fun for all.

When asked what femininity means to her, Marilyn said “Femininity means the softness of our voice, our touch. The gentleness that women can give to people. It’s nurturing.”

You can read more about Marilyn’s personal and business journey at the blog post “Always the Artist”. You can also read more about Marilyn’s ribbon cutting by the Tangi Chamber here.

Sei Bella Salon

Nicole Trentacosta, owner of Sei Bella Salon, turned her passion for beauty into a thriving business with the support of family and friends, opening her doors in 2011. From booth renting to salon ownership, Nicole’s journey has been about creating a welcoming space where every client feels confident and beautiful, with a nod to her Italian heritage and the charm of Hammond.

When asked what femininity means to her, Nicole said “The softness and the gentle parts, but also being strong. You can just be everything.”

You can read more about Nicole and Sei Bella Salon at the blog post “You Are Beautiful”.

Sonic

Lori Moresi, Director of Marketing for the Hammond Sonic locations, is deeply committed to connecting her restaurants with the community through meaningful outreach and partnerships. From organizing fundraisers for local schools and libraries to hosting adoption events with animal shelters, Lori’s passion for giving back ensures that Sonic remains a positive force in Tangipahoa Parish.

When asked what femininity means to her, Lori said “It means to take care of people. I’m a nurturer. I want to take care of people, I want to help. I think anyone can have a feminine side, even men. A feminine side is love.”

You can read more about Lori and her journey with Sonic at the blog post “Corporate Brand, Community Heart”.

Underrated Salon

Raelynn Sanders, the 25-year-old owner of Underrated Salon, has built a successful business that blends her passion for creativity, empowerment, and entrepreneurship. From starting her journey at just 18 to now mentoring other young women, Raelynn is proving that hard work and dedication can turn dreams into a thriving, multifaceted business.

When asked what femininity means to her, Raelynn said “I love a challenge, I never turn down a challenge. I feel like for us as women, there’s nothing we can’t do. We are very powerful individuals. Whatever race we are, we are very powerful in whatever we do. Whatever we’re doing, we always have a purpose.”

You can read more about Raelynn and Underrated Salon at the blog post “Don’t Overlook Me”.

W Salon

Christina Watts, owner of W Salon, has been a trusted figure in downtown Hammond since opening her salon in 2005, overcoming the challenges of Hurricane Katrina to establish a thriving, community-oriented business. Celebrating nearly 20 years of success, she continues to offer personalized, high-quality hair services while supporting local dog rescues and staying deeply committed to Hammond’s growth and spirit.

When asked what femininity means to her, Christina said “Femininity means finding your voice, knowing that you have a voice, using your voice. It is hard to be a woman in your family, in society, in business. It’s finding that voice, owning it, using it, but still being able to be vulnerable and compassionate and kind.”

You can read more about more about Christina and W Salon at the blog post “We’re Not Going Anywhere”.

This is just a glimpse of the incredible women-owned businesses that make our downtown so special! If there's someone we missed and you'd love to hear their story, send us an email—we’d love to feature them in a future post.

A List of Women Owned Businesses in Downtown Hammond

Aisthetikos MedSpa
Alexa Mesa Realtor
Amber Raphael Realtor
Angelia F. Huszar Attorney At Law
Anntoine Marketing + Design
April Bonck Realtor
Attorney Erica Williams
Avery Taylor Realtor
B Duke Law Firm
BATTER
Bayou Booksellers
Benny’s Place
BK Salon Studio
Bleu RX Solutions
Carol's Flowers
Chickie Collective
Christian Depaula Realtor
Crystal DeSouge Realtor
Downtown Yoga
The DRIPBaR Hammond
eNg Designs & Construction
Flourish Counseling
Hannah McAlary Realtor
Hollander Counseling
Jade Salon
Jeannie Crayton Realtor
Johnson's Kitchen
Katelyn Warner Realtor
Kelli Jenkins Realtor
Law Office of Bridget Russell Hebert, LLC
Lemoine Academy of Dance
Luma Coffee
Mandi Franks Braiwick Realtor
Milk & Honey: The Beauty Bar
Mindy Delaney Realtor
Modified by Callie
Monica Cunningham Realtor
Ollie's Hair Studio
Painting with a Twist
Patricia Latino-Lamonte Realtor
PJ's Coffee Downtown
Precious Prints
Rhayne Finstad Realtor
Romano Promo
ruby
Salon Nuo-Vo
Sei Bella Salon
Simply Real Estate
Sôlt Provisions
Sonic
Studio L Salon
Susan's General Store
Sydney Starkey Realtor
TC Gorman Realtor
The Creative Studio
The Rind Cheese and Sandwich Shop
Tiffany Pierce Realtor
Tristan Cason Realtor
Tru Cafe
Underrated
Vogue Beauty Salon and Barber
Yellow Bird Cafe
The Proper Great Room

Highlighting Women Owned Businesses in Downtown Hammond