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Women-owned businesses have been thriving on Long Island. To honor Women’s History Month, Greater Long Island took a closer look at just a few of the many remarkable female entrepreneurs and business leaders who make huge impacts in their communities and beyond, every day. Scroll down for more.
Meet: Latasha Trent, 44, Bellport
Owner of Cupcakes Galore in Bellport
Cupcakes Galore, located at 117 South Country Road in Bellport, is run by Latasha Trent, who specializes in jumbo-filled cupcakes with gourmet toppings. Latasha’s passion for baking is evident in every delectable treat she creates, and she also offers pies, cheesecake slices, custom cakes, and pound cakes.
How it started:
She started the company in 2018 as Cake Jar Shoppe before switching the name. She was inspired to create her own cupcake bakery after taking cake decorating classes at AC Moore. After posting pictures of her work on Facebook, she quickly went viral and became a hit among dessert lovers.
Meet: Gillian Woods, 25, Patchogue
Owner of G Made Beauty in Patchogue
G Made Beauty, located at 250a Sunrise Highway in Patchogue, is run by licensed esthetician Gillian Woods, who specializes in customized facials using only natural, organic, and plant-based products. She has created a relaxing environment that has a calming effect on the mind, body, and skin, and she empowers her clients to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.
How it started:
Woods struggled for a while with acne. It took a toll on her, both physically and emotionally. She got her license esthetician from the New York Institute of Beauty, restored her skin and knew what she wanted to do next: help others. That led her to open her own shop in Patchogue last year.
Meet: Rachel Williams, 34, Huntington
Owner of Amity Harbor Sports, Long Island Hockey Co.
Amity Harbor Sports, located at 149 Merrick Rd in Amityville, is a family-owned business run by Rachel Williams and her husband Mike Bennett. They specialize in both individual and group hockey and baseball equipment, as well as custom apparel. The company also operates the Rinx Pro Shop in Hauppauge.
Despite the global pandemic, Rachel and Mike managed to make it through and even started a new clothing line called Long Island Hockey Co.
How it started:
Amity Harbor Sports was opened in 1980 by Bennett’s parents. After they retired three years ago, Williams and her husband took over the family business — on top of running their own clothing line.
To do so, she decided to leave her job in corporate America where she worked in marketing. She said it was the best decision of her life.
“If I’m working this hard for a corporation, why wouldn’t I want to work this hard for our family and local community,” Williams said. “I love working in our community, and interacting with all our customers.”
She’s helped raise over $85,000 for local charities through her company’s custom apparel fundraisers.
Inside of Amity Harbor Sports (courtesy)
Meet Curinne Polizzi, 46, Babylon
Ivory & Main is a bridal gown boutique located at 53 Main St #4 in Sayville, founded by Curinne Polizzi. The store provides a unique experience for bridal dress shopping, particularly for plus-size women. Ivory & Main’s selection of bridal gowns for curvy body types has made the store an instant sensation.
How it started:
Being a plus-size woman herself, Curinne realized how hard it is to find clothes that fit, let alone a
wedding gown. She knew that bridal dress shopping should be a joyful experience for everyone, so she decided to create a space where plus-size women could feel comfortable while shopping. She opened in Sayville in 2018.
Photos of Ivor & Main in Sayville (courtesy)
Meet: Sherri Liepper, 59, Roslyn
Owner of Liepper & Sons in Syosset
Liepper & Sons, located at 271 Robbins Lane in Syosset, is owned by Sherri Liepper. The company supplies the finest restaurants and chefs in New York City with locally sourced, high-quality seafood. With the recent expansion of its delivery service, Liepper & Sons is now bringing its top-quality products right to customers’ homes.
How it started:
Liepper was raised in the fish business. She learned the ropes through her father, who worked tirelessly, often putting in 24-hour days and coming home smelling like fish. She followed in his footsteps, opening her business in 2011. It’s been off to the races ever since.
Meet: Melissa Blake, 38, Holbrook
LI Petals, owned by Melissa Blake, specializes in beautiful flower walls with backdrop rentals located on Long Island. Melissa’s passion for flowers shines through in every design, and LI Petals has quickly become a sought-after vendor in the event industry.
How it started:
Blake has always loved flowers. And after her wedding, she went for it. She launched her own company in 2021. Since then, she has done over 1,000 arrangements.
