{"id":14579,"date":"2025-03-03T09:46:08","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T14:46:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/?post_type=what-to-do&#038;p=14579"},"modified":"2025-03-03T09:50:54","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T14:50:54","slug":"women-entrepreneurs-7-businesses-to-discover-downtown","status":"publish","type":"what-to-do","link":"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/en\/what-to-do\/women-entrepreneurs-7-businesses-to-discover-downtown\/","title":{"rendered":"Women Entrepreneurs: 7 Businesses to Discover Downtown"},"content":{"rendered":"\n    <section class=\"wysiwyg || relative section slate\">\n        <div class=\"circle-big || absolute top-10 -left-[50px] || md:top-20 md:-left-[100px] xl:-left-[150px]\"><\/div>\n        \n<span class=\"absolute top-0 left-0\" ><\/span>        <div class=\"wrapper || relative flex justify-center \">\n            <div class=\"wysiwyg-container || w-full \">\n                <p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"282\">On March 8, <strong>International Women\u2019s Day<\/strong> is the perfect time to celebrate the entrepreneurs who bring downtown Montreal to life. From cozy caf\u00e9s to indie bookstores, wellness studios, and thriving boutiques, these passionate women are shaping the city with creativity and vision.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"284\" data-end=\"415\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Discover <strong data-start=\"293\" data-end=\"343\">7 must-visit businesses led by inspiring women<\/strong>, where every stop is a testament to talent, dedication, and innovation.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"726\" data-end=\"752\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tunnelespressobar.ca\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tunnel Espresso<\/a><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"367\">Behind Tunnel Espresso is Elsa Ouagmi, a coffee enthusiast who found her calling in Australia before making a name for herself in Montreal\u2019s specialty coffee scene. Taking over Tunnel Espresso, she transformed it into a downtown staple, with several strategically placed locations in <strong>busy tunnels<\/strong> and<strong> urban hubs<\/strong>\u2014including one at the<strong data-start=\"324\" data-end=\"364\"> Time Out Market<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"369\" data-end=\"464\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Her goal? To serve <strong>top-quality coffee<\/strong> while fostering a true sense of community among regulars.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"1259\"><em>1253 Avenue McGill College<\/em><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"1259\"><em>705 Rue Saint-Catherine Ouest<\/em><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"1259\"><em>1500 Avenue McGill College<\/em><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"1259\"><em>1100 Boulevard Robert Bourassa<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14580\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14580\" style=\"width: 1080px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14580\" src=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TunnelEspresso.jpg\" alt=\"Elsa Ouagmi devant le comptoir de Tunnel Espresso au Time Out Market, portant un costume en forme de carton de lait.\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TunnelEspresso.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TunnelEspresso-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TunnelEspresso-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TunnelEspresso-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TunnelEspresso-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TunnelEspresso-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TunnelEspresso-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TunnelEspresso-350x350.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14580\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">@tunnelespresso<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1261\" data-end=\"1289\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kaizen.mangacafe?igsh=MTl3YWczOTRzM29qMQ%3D%3D&amp;utm_source=qr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kaizen Manga Caf\u00e9<\/a><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1290\" data-end=\"1631\">Founded by Sara Neji, Kaizen Manga Caf\u00e9 was born from her love of <strong>Japanese culture<\/strong> and her desire to create a space where fans could come together. This one-of-a-kind caf\u00e9 blends<strong> manga reading<\/strong> with a <strong>cozy atmosphere<\/strong>, offering a place to enjoy a great coffee while diving into the latest releases.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1290\" data-end=\"1631\"><em>1433c Rue Bishop<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14566\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14566\" style=\"width: 1080px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14566 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaizen-Manga-Cafe-Final.jpg\" alt=\"Sara Neji raising her glass, captured on video in the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Kaizen Manga Caf\u00e9.\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaizen-Manga-Cafe-Final.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaizen-Manga-Cafe-Final-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaizen-Manga-Cafe-Final-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaizen-Manga-Cafe-Final-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaizen-Manga-Cafe-Final-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaizen-Manga-Cafe-Final-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaizen-Manga-Cafe-Final-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaizen-Manga-Cafe-Final-350x350.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14566\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">@kaizen.mangacafe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1633\" data-end=\"1651\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mandys.ca\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mandy\u2019s<\/a><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"240\">Behind Montreal\u2019s iconic salad bar Mandy\u2019s are sisters Mandy and Rebecca Wolfe, who have redefined fast, fresh, and flavorful dining. Mandy\u2019s is all about <strong>vibrant, generous salads<\/strong> served in a bright and beautifully designed space.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"242\" data-end=\"469\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">What started as a tiny salad counter in a clothing boutique has grown into a thriving business with multiple locations\u2014<strong data-start=\"361\" data-end=\"409\">including two right in the heart of downtown<\/strong>\u2014firmly establishing its place in Montreal\u2019s culinary scene.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1652\" data-end=\"2108\"><em>2067 Rue Crescent<\/em><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1652\" data-end=\"2108\"><em>1241 Rue du Square Phillips<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14556\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14556\" style=\"width: 1080px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14556 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Mandys.jpg\" alt=\"The founders of Mandy\u2019s, smiling and embracing in front of their iconic sign, surrounded by a chic and inviting decor.\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Mandys.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Mandys-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Mandys-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Mandys-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Mandys-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Mandys-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Mandys-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Mandys-350x350.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14556\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">@mandysalads<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2110\" data-end=\"2138\"><a href=\"https:\/\/marcheauxfleursmtl.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">March\u00e9 aux Fleurs MTL<\/a><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"285\">Since the age of 17, Lioudmila Zoueva has mastered the art of floral design with passion. As the owner of March\u00e9 aux Fleurs MTL, she brings her expertise to Montrealers, offering <strong>vibrant bouquets<\/strong>,<strong> fresh flowers<\/strong>, and a <strong>personal touch<\/strong>\u2014where every arrangement tells a story.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"443\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Behind her counter, she balances creativity and hard work, always driven by her love for the craft and the desire to brighten her customers&#8217; everyday lives.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2139\" data-end=\"2622\"><em>459 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14568\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14568\" style=\"width: 1080px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14568 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/MarcheFleurs-Final.jpg\" alt=\"Lioudmila Zoueva smiling in front of the March\u00e9 aux Fleurs logo, illuminated by natural light.\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/MarcheFleurs-Final.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/MarcheFleurs-Final-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/MarcheFleurs-Final-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/MarcheFleurs-Final-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/MarcheFleurs-Final-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/MarcheFleurs-Final-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/MarcheFleurs-Final-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/MarcheFleurs-Final-350x350.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14568\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">@marcheauxfleursmt<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2624\" data-end=\"2649\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.argobookshop.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Librairie Argo<\/a><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"333\">Founded in 1966, Argo Bookshop found new life in 2017 when Adele-Elise Prevost and Moti Lieberman took over this Montreal institution. A true <strong>book lover<\/strong> and <strong>community builder<\/strong>, Adele-Elise has transformed this <strong>independent bookstore<\/strong> into a vibrant space where<strong> literary events<\/strong> and gatherings bring people together.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"335\" data-end=\"448\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Her goal? To create a place where the love of books is shared and passed on\u2014far from the anonymity of big chains.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2650\" data-end=\"3162\"><em>1841-A Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14564\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14564\" style=\"width: 1080px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14564 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/@vanessagrillone-Final.jpg\" alt=\"Argo Bookshop\u2019s storefront featuring its historic sign and a window filled with books.\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/@vanessagrillone-Final.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/@vanessagrillone-Final-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/@vanessagrillone-Final-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/@vanessagrillone-Final-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/@vanessagrillone-Final-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/@vanessagrillone-Final-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/@vanessagrillone-Final-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/@vanessagrillone-Final-350x350.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14564\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">@vanessagrillone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3164\" data-end=\"3184\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oceanbou.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ocean Bou<\/a><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"300\">The story of Ocean Bou began with a spark\u2014Bouchra Kamil fell in love with the designs of Marcia Thrasyvoulou, a Cypriot designer. This chance encounter led to a transcontinental collaboration, bringing to life a boutique where <strong data-start=\"239\" data-end=\"297\">Mediterranean elegance <\/strong>meets <strong data-start=\"239\" data-end=\"297\">Montreal\u2019s vibrant energy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"302\" data-end=\"414\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Together, they create <strong>swimwear<\/strong> and <strong>apparel<\/strong> designed to make every woman feel effortlessly confident and refined.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3185\" data-end=\"3627\"><em>1444 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Suite 200<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14570\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14570\" style=\"width: 1080px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14570 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OceaneBou-Final.jpg\" alt=\"Elegant boutique showcasing refined swimwear displayed on a golden rack.\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OceaneBou-Final.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OceaneBou-Final-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OceaneBou-Final-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OceaneBou-Final-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OceaneBou-Final-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OceaneBou-Final-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OceaneBou-Final-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/OceaneBou-Final-350x350.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14570\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">@oceanbouresortwear<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3629\" data-end=\"3655\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtlpilates.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mtl Pilates Lab<\/a><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3656\" data-end=\"4119\">After a life-changing cycling accident, V\u00e9ronique Lefort discovered Pilates as a path to recovery\u2014and never looked back. As the founder of MTL Pilates Lab, she created a <strong>studio<\/strong> where every movement is designed to <strong>improve posture<\/strong>, <strong>build strength<\/strong>, and <strong>reconnect<\/strong> with the body. Since 2017, she has been guiding Montrealers on their <strong>wellness journey<\/strong>, proving that passion can truly become a mission.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3656\" data-end=\"4119\"><em>1440 Rue Peel<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14572\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14572\" style=\"width: 1080px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14572 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PilatesLabFinal.jpg\" alt=\"V\u00e9ronique Lefort practicing Pilates in a bright studio equipped with specialized machines.\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PilatesLabFinal.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PilatesLabFinal-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PilatesLabFinal-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PilatesLabFinal-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PilatesLabFinal-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PilatesLabFinal-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PilatesLabFinal-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PilatesLabFinal-350x350.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14572\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">@mtlpilateslab<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n            <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":14578,"template":"","what-to-do-category":[29],"what-to-do-type":[67,68,69,70],"class_list":["post-14579","what-to-do","type-what-to-do","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","what-to-do-category-shop","what-to-do-type-student","what-to-do-type-visitor","what-to-do-type-worker","what-to-do-type-resident-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/what-to-do\/14579","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/what-to-do"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/what-to-do"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14578"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"what-to-do-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/what-to-do-category?post=14579"},{"taxonomy":"what-to-do-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/what-to-do-type?post=14579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}