My Favorite Santa Cruz Mountains Businesses Run by Women That You Should Absolutely Support
March is Women’s History Month.
Instead of throwing stats at you (though yes, women start businesses at twice the rate of men yet often get far less support), I want to do something more useful:
Introduce you to some of the incredible women running businesses right here in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
These are the spots I keep coming back to, not just in March, but all year long, because they’re part of the rhythm of mountain life. From morning coffee to wellness rituals, small shops, and creative spaces, women are shaping the heartbeat of this community.
Coffee & Food
Location: Ben Lomond, CA
What they do: Bakery and café serving seasonal pastries and bread
What makes it special: This bakery feels like stepping into someone’s kitchen. The owner curates every pastry with care, supporting local farms and keeping flavors tied to the seasons. It’s part of the downtown heartbeat of Ben Lomond.
Why I love it: The morning sunlight hitting the case, the smell of fresh bread, and knowing half the people in line are friends from town, it just feels like home.
What to order / try: Galettes, almond croissants, the weekly special tart
How to support: Stop by for breakfast, follow them on Instagram, tell your friends, or grab a loaf to share with neighbors
Location: Aptos, CA
What they do: Contemporary American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
What makes it special: Founded by Jessica Koslow, Mentone brings national-level culinary creativity to the coast while staying rooted in the community. She sources locally, hires locally, and keeps her kitchen approachable and warm.
Why I love it: The food is remarkable, but it’s the hospitality and the way you feel welcomed, even as a first-time visitor, that draws me back.
What to order / try: Seasonal tasting menu, house-made pastas, wood-fired desserts
How to support: Dine in, follow on social media, share their events, or buy gift cards for friends
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
What they do: Classic bakery and brunch spot
What makes it special: Generations of locals swear by The Buttery for its consistent quality and homey atmosphere. It’s run by women who care about community connection, supporting local schools and causes quietly but steadily.
Why I love it: Weekend brunch here is part of our family ritual, warm scones, good coffee, and conversations with neighbors.
What to order / try: Quiche, morning buns, seasonal pies
How to support: Grab a pastry, attend a fundraiser, or post a review to help them reach more locals
Retail & Shopping
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
What they sell: Curated home goods, plants, and gifts
What makes it special: Everything is hand-selected with care. The store doubles as a little community hub where people linger, ask questions, and discover something new every visit.
Why I love it: The owner’s eye for color, texture, and quality makes every visit feel like treasure hunting with a friend.
What to buy: Signature candles, seasonal plants, small-batch artisanal gifts
How to support: Shop locally, follow their workshops, share your finds, or send a friend as a gift
Services & Wellness
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
What they offer: Yoga, wellness classes, community events
What makes it special: Women-founded and deeply rooted in the neighborhood, this studio prioritizes connection and accessibility. Classes feel personal, welcoming, and grounded.
Why I love it: It’s not just the stretches or the mindfulness, it’s the way the instructors know your name, check in, and create a space where you feel at home.
What to book / try: Morning flow classes, community workshops
How to support: Sign up for classes, leave a review, bring a friend, attend seasonal events
Home & Lifestyle
Location: Felton, CA
What they offer: Bakery, coffee, and small gift items
What makes it special: Beyond food, it functions as a community hub, people meet here, chat, and leave feeling part of the mountains’ rhythm.
Why I love it: It’s the kind of place where you linger after coffee, watch kids play outside, and bump into friends you haven’t seen in a while.
What to buy: Fresh bread, pastries, locally sourced gifts
How to support: Grab a coffee, tell a friend, participate in community events they host
Know More Women-Owned Businesses in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
I want to keep celebrating the women building incredible things in these mountains. If you know a woman-owned business that should be on my radar, let me know.
Share with me:
📍 Instagram: Tag me or DM me recommendations @heysarahwagner
📍 In the comments: Drop your favorite women-owned businesses below
Want more local business recommendations?
📍 Download my complete Santa Cruz Mountains Local Guide
📍 Thinking about moving to the area? Click here to get in contact. Let’s talk about neighborhoods with thriving women-led business communities.