March marks Women’s History Month, recognizing the powerful impact and trailblazing achievements women have made in our world.

Here is a look at five women-led businesses in Knoxville that are making their own stamp on the city’s history.

Mis Amores: A Romance Bookshop Cafe

Anaika “Anya” Anderson opened Mis Amores in 2025, a cafe and reading space for romance novel lovers. Mis Amores is Knoxville’s first Black-owned coffee shop.

Located at 5331 Central Ave. Pike in North Knoxville, the cafe promotes an inclusive environment through programming and community resources. The cafe’s pink decor creates an inviting atmosphere for casual socializing, whether with friends or new acquaintances.

“Throughout my time working there, our main mission had been to uplift unheard voices in representation across media platforms, starting with literature,” Chantel Maravilla, a senior majoring in psychology, said. “There’s so much love and care that must happen to create a full community, but I truly think Mis Amores has the future to create a safe space for people.”

For anyone looking for a space to connect with their shared love of books and community, Mis Amores is a wonderful place to visit.

Pink Cactus

Jenna Salata, CEO and head of marketing and event coordination, along with Harold Goldston, CEO, and DeShaun Richardson, head manager, opened The Pink Cactus in 2025 in South Knoxville at 1147 Sevier Ave.

A passion for karaoke among three friends led to the creation of an unforgettable spot. The Pink Cactus, named in part for the pink house it’s inside, is known for its unique atmosphere compared to other karaoke bars in the city. The venue features private karaoke rooms, Latin-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails and is accessible for all ages before 9 p.m.

The intimate singing spaces and affordable menu have become a main attraction for visitors. Private rooms are available for $30 per hour, creating a welcoming environment for both shy singers and seasoned performers.

This month, The Pink Cactus is offering community and college-catered events, ideal for enjoying a night out with friends.

“Many of the karaoke places in Knoxville are 21-plus, but this gives me a chance to be with friends in a more intimate setting without age restrictions,” Audrey Thompson, a sophomore majoring in public relations, said.

Mother Bar

Last year, Jade and Dylan Pacifico opened Mother Bar in the heart of Knoxville at 15 Emory Place. Mother Bar celebrates all things fun and feminine, offering a plant-inspired atmosphere for friends to gather, sip and enjoy pop-culture themed drinks.

The venue is a standout amongst locations in Knoxville. Want a cute Instagram post? Mother Bar will give you plenty of areas to get the perfect shot. This is the place to be if you want a “sip and shop” kind of day.

For students looking for a girls’ night out, offer this as your next “must-go” location in Knoxville.

Girls Gotta Eat Good

Jessica Carr-Watson, co-founder of Knox AAPI Business Association, owns Girls Gotta Eat Good, a bakery offering authentic Asian sweets. Known for its ube-infused treats and other specialty desserts, the Filipina-owned location is Knoxville’s first Asian bakery.

Operating on a pop-up schedule found on the website, the bakery gives students and locals a chance to enjoy unique flavors. It’s perfect for anyone who loves Starbucks’ ube and coconut-inspired drinks and wants to try the real thing. Girls Gotta Eat Good now also offers delivery, making it even easier to enjoy their treats.

“As a Filipino American, it’s incredibly hard to find any kind of cuisine that comes from the Philippines. I remember seeing GGEG and being elated that it not only served an authentic ube flavor but was started and run by a Filipino woman,” Maravilla said. “My favorite has always been the ube crumble cookie. It has the wonderful flavor with ube, and it has this wonderful chew.”

Hummingbird Apothecary

Shanna Snowden owns Hummingbird Apothecary, with locations at 3726 Sevier Heights Road in North Knoxville and 3716 Walker Blvd. in South Knoxville. The shop provides an intentional, curated selection of natural wellness products and self-care essentials.

Guests can view and try out the selection that is meant to better them. Rather than a business just selling a product, they are providing a personal long-term investment through their merchandise. Hummingbird Apothecary has become a unique environment for Knoxville residents to visit and spend some quality time with themselves or friends.

If in need of self-care or some light retail therapy, Hummingbird Apothecary is a local experience to relax in between classes or errands.

Supporting these five local, women-owned businesses is a great way to celebrate Women’s History Month. Whether you want to grab a coffee, read a book or focus on wellness, coming to any of these vendors provides an experience, not just a product.