Celebrating Women’s Voices and Flavors in Cleveland

CLEVELAND — Picture this: A hundred folks wandering around Cleveland. All of them rooting for women-owned businesses. Each entrepreneur sharing a tasty slice of their international heritage.

International Women’s Day: A Celebration of Resilience

March 8 marks International Women’s Day, celebrating women’s achievements worldwide. Born from the labor movement in the early 20th century, it highlights the fight for equality and women’s rights. Yet, challenges remain. Women still earn about 15% less than men and face underrepresentation.

Heritage on Display at Cleveland’s Bazaar

Enter Mariel Bernarte, owner of Makihalo. Her journey began in 2018, when moving from California left her feeling out of place. “Starting my business was a way to connect and share Filipino flavors,” she said. Her brand, Makihalo, means “mix it up” in Filipino. It fuses traditional Filipino flavors with local products. Imagine a yogurt topper inspired by ‘polvorón,’ a Filipino pressed cookie.

The recent International Women’s Bazaar hosted by the Young Latino Network was her stage. “They actively included different ethnicities and heritages,” Bernarte noted. There, she met organizers who admired her passion for diversity.

Supporting Female Entrepreneurs from Afar

The event, orchestrated by YLN Operations Manager Michell Hernández Bello, aimed to uplift female immigrants. “Small businesses create great impact,” Bello stated. Support goes beyond transactions—it’s empowerment.

Lucia Gutierrez, owner of Echeri, was another star at the bazaar. Her crafts and rituals hail from the Purépecha community of Michoacán, México. “We use herbs for ‘limpias’ or energetic cleansings,” Gutierrez explained. To introduce folks here to these rituals, she crafted special kits. Her business also highlights rebozos, beaded jewelry, and indigenous medicines.

Breaking Barriers and Building Communities

Women of color are on the rise in entrepreneurship, yet the struggle for supportive spaces is real. “We have more than one label,” Gutierrez said. “We have qualities and abilities to share.” She emphasized the importance of these platforms in fostering recognition.

International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month are all about honoring such resilience. Bernarte expressed the significance of stepping out of established lanes. “Starting a business is tough, but it reveals our strength,” she said.

Conclusion: Uniting Through Culture and Commerce

In northeast Ohio, nonprofit efforts strive to empower female entrepreneurs globally. These initiatives resonate deeply with the community, proving that diversity enriches everyone involved. Who knows where these little booths of flavor and culture will pop up next? Keep an eye out!

Want a taste of diversity? Don’t miss festivals celebrating women-owned businesses near you. Let’s support these trailblazing women making waves in their communities!