Did you know that one-third of the businesses at The Village at Totem Lake in Kirkland are female-founded? This statistic highlights the powerful impact of female entrepreneurs and the diverse industries they represent from fashion and retail to health and wellness to global cuisine.

Starting a business isn’t easy – it requires passion, determination, grit, and a strong support network. Here we showcase a few of The Village’s female-founded businesses and explore their inspiring journeys.

Spotlight: Beauty, Health and Wellness

Zhiqin Zhang, owner of Yuan Spa, acknowledges the challenges women face in business. Yet she shares her journey has been both rewarding and enriching, “We need self-care now more than ever!  I am proud of the role we have played in our guests' health and wellness journeys.”  

Spotlight: Retail and Fashion

Megan Tamte, founder of Evereve, embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship with a focus on connection. She shares, “My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay curious, keep moving forward, and lead with heart. Building something meaningful takes courage, discipline, and a deep commitment to your purpose—but the journey is worth it.” Megan emphasizes the value of community support stating, “True success comes from leaning into what makes us uniquely gifted while creating space for others to do the same.”

Spotlight: “Sweet” Success + Innovation

Kim Malek co-founded Salt & Straw with a vision to create neighborhood gathering spaces. What started as an ice cream cart has grown into a beloved brand known for small-batch, artisanal ice cream and strong community ties. "Salt & Straw started as a way to create a place where people could come together and enjoy something special. It’s about connecting people through the simple joy of ice cream," says Kim. The company crafts unique flavors with the best ingredients, champions artisans, supports important causes, and invests in its team, all while fostering connection and joy.

Meanwhile, Megan Wagstaff, left the world of banking and finance to follow her passion for “macarons and mischief” to open Lady Yum. Her journey wasn’t easy but shares, “I had to learn to ask for help and get out of my head to take the first step, learn to be vulnerable and put myself out there. Once I started doing that, everything fell into place.” Lady Yum just celebrated 10 years and now has six locations including one at The Village at Totem Lake.

Spotlight: Fine Jewelry

Kat Wickersham co-founded RiON Jewelry, a bespoke jewelry company offering a curated collection of global designers and luxury piercing services. Driven by her own struggle with allergic reactions to traditional jewelry, Kat envisioned a brand where beauty and comfort coexist. RiON’s life-lasting, reaction-free Jewelry ensures that no one has to compromise on style or quality while also celebrating personal expression.

Spotlight: Global Cuisine

Fon Spaulding, founder of Kati Vegan Thai, believes that food, much like life, only needs the right ingredients and timing to shine. Growing up in the coastal town of Bang Phra, Fon spent afternoons with her mother and grandmother in the kitchen, learning the delicate balance of Thai flavors passed down through generations. Her grandmother's guiding philosophy, “make it easy,” emphasized cooking with fresh and local ingredients, maintaining tradition, and avoiding unnecessary shortcuts. This approach is central to Kati Vegan Thai and how they’ve become a local favorite for vegan cuisine.

Spotlight: Lead With Purpose

Christie Johnson, founder of Purpose Boutique, believes “how you shop can change a life” which serves as the store’s guiding principle. The business started with a dream that fashion and styling customers can serve the greater good. Turns out, it can. A portion of every sale is donated to fight human trafficking locally and globally. To date, Purpose Boutique has donated over $400,000 with the help of its loyal shoppers.

These incredible women are just a few examples of the inspiring entrepreneurs leading the way at The Village at Totem Lake. Other female founded businesses at The Village include Urban Tread founded by Susan Wei, Hanoon cofounded by Racha Haroun, and All The Best Pet Care cofounded by Susan Moss. Next time you’re in the neighborhood, check out these female-founded businesses – who knows, you may find your new favorite or rediscover an old one.