Run the World (Girls): Nodding to Beyoncé, 14 Bayshore Drive businesses owned by women

Diana Biederman, Naples Daily News
·3 min read

Bayshore Drive is home to a slew of fun things to eat, see and do.

Bollywood dance classes and curry for carryout at one destination? Even though this middle-aged reporter loved hip-hop aerobics in the '90s but has moves like Elaine Benes instead of Jagger, it’s the most fun I've had in years.

Where else can you do yoga at a brewery or try a session from a French mother-and-daughter duo?

You won’t find any chains on Bayshore Drive or as Rebecca Maddox said, "Someone's 18th restaurant."

Catherine Ehrenberger at her art gallery, Things I Like by Catherine, on Bayshore Drive in Naples.
Catherine Ehrenberger at her art gallery, Things I Like by Catherine, on Bayshore Drive in Naples.

Instead, it’s a hub of thriving independent businesses, many owned and co-owned by women. Most are listed here. Of note, many are closed on Mondays, so call ahead.

To buy

A model poses in a Sunnyland Swim bikini.
A model poses in a Sunnyland Swim bikini.

  • Art from Things I Like by Catherine (3954 Bayshore Drive; 239-778-4665; thingsilikebyc.com)

  • Adventure gear to rent or buy from Naples Outfitters, co-owned and operated by Ashley Howe. The store also offers eco-tours to book. (3570 Bayshore Drive; 239-262-6149; naplesoutfitters.com)

  • A. Jaron Fine Jewelry (3784 Bayshore Drive, 239-293-2932, ajaron.com)

  • Salon services at Hair4You, owned by Denise Rivers-Forges. (3224 Bayshore Drive; 239-919-3139; hair4youstudios.com)

  • Swimwear, activewear and accessories are made from sustainable, eco-friendly materials at Sunnyland Swim, co-owned by Gladys Velez and Sam Misener. (3570 Bayshore Drive; 239-234-5148; sunnylandswim.com)

Bayshore Drive: Meet the fabulous women making it Naples' coolest neighborhood

Finding bliss: Naples Botanical Garden, anchor of Bayshore Drive

To eat and drink

Jessica Hernandez crafts vegan coconut ice cream from scratch.
Jessica Hernandez crafts vegan coconut ice cream from scratch.

  • Bean to Cup: The cool coffee shop owned by Melody Teague. (3248 Bayshore Drive; 239-316-7819)

  • Celebration Park: The food truck park from Rebecca Maddox. (2880 Becca Avenue; 239-316-7253; celebrationparknaples.com)

  • Fernweh Ice Cream: Co-owned by retired chemistry teacher Jessica Fernandez and her husband Job Fernandez, a chef. (2740 Bayshore Drive; 239-304-8922)

  • I Love Curry: Meredith Gavin owns this popular spot where her husband Digambar Sahu is chef and manager. Low-impact Bollywood dance classes are planned for a June debut. See you there. (2740 Bayshore Drive; 239-331-4200; ilovecurry124.com)

  • The Med: Co-owned by Mary Brandt of Hotel Escalante/Veranda-E fame with business partner Tommy Francavilla. (3929 Bayshore Drive, 239-307-4755; themednaples.com)

  • The Real Macaw: Owned by Siobhan Cleveland. (3275 Bayshore Drive, Naples; 239-732-1188; therealmacaw.com)

  • Rebecca’s Wine Bar: Owned by Rebecca Maddox. (2955 Bayshore Drive; 239-799-1801; rebeccasnaples.com)

Caviar ($28), charcuterie & cheese ($54) at Rebecca's Wine Bar.
Caviar ($28), charcuterie & cheese ($54) at Rebecca's Wine Bar.

To experience

  • Electric Motion Golf Carts are a fun way to explore the neighborhood. They're colorful and co-owned by Shannon and Issac Reed, who acquired the business in March 2022. It's a one-stop shop for colorful carts to rent and buy. (3945 Bayshore Drive; 239-793-7368; electricmotion-golfcarts.com)

  • Humble Hut: Owned by mother-daughter duo Nathalie and Natacha Garbani, the studio space offers yoga, wellness treatments and casual French food in a very Zen setting. (2740 Bayshore Drive; 239-785-3313; napleshumblehut.com)

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Check out Naples Bayshore Drive's women-owned businesses