We’re ending this March’s National Women’s History Month 2023 as strong as the women that got us here. The women in Detroit are empowering and caring! Women chefs in Detroit and bakery owners exemplify the care involved in food creation. Women both nationally and internationally over the course of history have had stories to tell. By continuing to share these stories unapologetically, we help amplify and unify the voices of diverse women.
Women in Detroit are fierce and fashionable entrepreneurs and local business owners inspiring nonprofit organizers, chefs, bakers, musicians, visual artists, innovators, and much more. They uplift the younger generation of girls, especially black girls growing up in the city of Detroit.
Detroitisit rounded up a brief list of women business owners, highlighting women chefs in Detroit and bakers to cap off this Women’s History Month in Detroit and beyond to leave us with a sense of empowerment, so that we surround ourselves with people like us that are making a difference, simply by following that sweet inner knowing.
BON BON BON
CHOCOLATE FACTORY VIEWS, PHOTO @BONBONBONCHOCOLATE ON INSTAGRAM
Bon Bon Bon makes bon bons in the heart of Detroit. In the local factory, internationally trained artisans (known on their street as “The Babes Babes Babes”) use a classic French technique but have mastered the art of mixing in Detroit’s creativity. Expect bursting off-the-wall flavors like Hot Cheetoh and Coffee & Donuts. Each bite and box are local and fresh since they source their chocolate responsibly. Every single Bon is hand piped and hand packaged into recyclable, locally sourced boxes. Click HERE to view the website.
Location: 11360 Joseph Campau St, Hamtramck, MI
CHEFS MARIYA & GARRETT RUSSEL PHOTO @MARIYARUSSEL_ ON INSTAGRAM
CHEF MARIYA RUSSELL
You know what they say, “when one door closes, another opens.” Chef Mariya Russel’s journey inspired us to follow our hearts this Women’s History Month 2023 and beyond. In 2020, this prized chef became the first black woman to lead a Michelin-Star kitchen in Chicago but moved on to new opportunities. Chef and her husband, Garrett Russell (formerly a sous chef at Kikko’s sister bar and restaurant Kumiko) popped up in Detroit and metro Detroit in January and most recently offered multi-course dinners at Frame this March. Don’t be surprised to see this dynamic duo cooking up the best flavors in & around town!
CHEF PILAR OMEGA
DETROIT NATIVE, PILAR OMEGA ON NEXT LEVEL FOX, PHOTO @CHEFPILAROMEGA ON INSTAGRAM
Women chefs in Detroit have not only created local buzz, but also national recognition. Take it from Detroit native, Pilar Omega. You may recognize her name and face from Season 2 of this year’s 2023 Next Level Chef. Chef Pilar Omega is no stranger to star recognition, though. The 2023 participant catered award shows like Emmys and Oscars as well as NFL events, among others. She’s the CEO and chef of Soul Fusion, her own food delivery service. Happy National Women’s History Month to this tremendous cook and a go-getter, and mom! You can follow Chef Pilar Omega on Instagram HERE.
SISTER PIE ON PI DAY WITH MI GOV., GRETCHEN WHITMER, PHOTO @SISTERPIEDETROIT ON INSTAGRAM
SISTER PIE
Are you a true Detroiter if you haven’t encountered the delicious sweets and staff at Sister Pie? This women-owned business is all about the business of serving signature pieces and other locally-made sweets. Find pies made daily that burst with seasonal Michigan flavors as well as cookies, breakfast, and lunch. This vibrant corner bakery is located in Detroit’s West Village. Currently, they offer Salted Maple, The Banana Pete, and Malted Lime pies. Visit them in person, order online HERE, or take a class!
Location: 8066 Kercheval, Detroit, MI
GOOD CAKES AND BAKES
CO-OWNER AND PASTRY CHEF, APRIL, PHOTO @GOODCAKES_ANDBAKES ON INSTAGRAM
Women chefs and bakers working together is double the power. Add some beautifully crafted cakes to the mix and you have a recipe for success! Successful women in Detroit are serving their own talents and hard work. This next Detroit business has even been featured in the New York Times. Stop by and visit April Anderson and Michelle Anderson, who are the owners of the renowned, Good Cakes and Bakes. Celebrate a special event or simply extend the greatness of National Women’s History Month in Detroit with April Anderson’s tasty pastry chef expertise. Why not pre-order a delicious breakfast? Order original treats for yourself and/or for others online HERE.
Location: 19363 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI
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