Iowa City sees success in opening female-led businesses, with 4 new openings coming this month

Four woman-owned businesses have opened in Iowa City's downtown business district this summer.

'By deliberately targeting female entrepreneurs, we've been able to open a portal for a pent-up segment of the retail market that is finally finding its way through and its impact is strengthening the larger retail cluster downtown,” Downtown District Executive Director Nancy Bird said in the news release.

The organization began working in March to attract more female business owners, Bird said.

Jan Finlayson relocated her interior design business, Luxe Interiors, from the Iowa River Landing to its new home at 281 N. Linn St. in the Northside Commons building.

Finlayson is partnering with Amanda Burrell, who also moved her wedding and event business, White Ivy Events, into the same building.

Lauren Melton Tucker reopened her marriage counseling and mediation business, Peacewise Therapy, from the Northgate area to the Pedestrian Mall, at 103 E. College St.

The former University Camera location at 4 S. Dubuque St. will be home to the Shop Iowa City, a home decor business expanding from its first location in Kalona and co-owned by Kay Boyer, Kate Dreyer and Jessica Meyer.

Bird said businesses interested in retail opportunities in the Iowa City Downtown District can visit downtowniowacity.com for more details.

l Comments: (319) 368-8514; molly.hunter@thegazette.com