The Maven District – Salt Lake City’s Women-Inspired Gem

Women’s History Month often highlights the achievements of women from the past, which is important given the wealth of inspiring stories to tell. However, Women’s History Month also presents an opportunity to celebrate women who are making history today. In Salt Lake City, Utah, you can find some of these remarkable women in the Maven District.

Located along the 900 South corridor just south of downtown Salt Lake City, the Maven District blends shopping, dining, wellness, and residential spaces into a compact, pedestrian-friendly area. Visitors can easily explore the district on foot, navigating between independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and art-filled streets. Though there are numerous places to shop and eat, what truly sets the district apart is its dedicated encouragement and emphasis on women-owned businesses.

Don’t Get in the Way of Women on a Mission

As Maven District co-founder Tess Arneeson says, “We really believe that women’s entrepreneurship is a great pathway to financial freedom and to owning your own life.” Tessa’s career began at her father’s company where she worked for 10 years before she struck out on her own in marketing and film. Her ability to see the potential in a space and her desire to build something meaningful ultimately led her to the opportunity to create the Maven District.

That opportunity came in a Pilates studio. Recognizing Tessa’s creative drive and potential, the owner asked her if she wanted to buy the studio. For weeks, Tessa couldn’t stop thinking about the opportunity. “Finally, one night I told my husband I wanted to buy the studio, and he said, ‘Let’s look at the numbers.'”

With her supportive husband on her team, Tessa bought the studio and named it Maven STRONG. She managed the Pilates studio for four years, observing how a genuine sense of community naturally developed. Members shared recommendations about physical therapy, local shops, and places to get their brows done. This sparked an idea for her: what if that informal network could become something official? That inspiration led to the creation of the Maven District.

As fate would have it, a former CEO of a Fortune 500 company, Rocky Donati, moved to Salt Lake City from California in search of nature. She began taking classes at Tessa’s studio, and the two women became friends and later business partners. Rocky serves as the co-founder of Maven District. Each of these dynamic women brings a unique set of gifts to the project, and together they built something much bigger than initially expected.

 A Community of Collaboration

Many entrepreneurs face major obstacles, especially when it comes to finding affordable commercial space and building financial equity. The Maven District tackles these issues by motivating business owners to become active members of the community. With shared ownership models and flexible leasing, the district gives women entrepreneurs a chance to set up shop and contribute directly to the area’s development. Currently, women own or operate 90% of the businesses in the district.

The sense of collaboration among business owners enhances the Maven District. Rather than competing with each other, entrepreneurs work together to promote one another’s products and services. For new business owners, the spirit of community provides inspriation and mentorship.

Creative Spaces and Lifestyle Businesses

The Maven District showcases a diverse mix of passions and industries. Guests can discover unique fashion boutiques, designers crafting handmade jewelry, bakeries, coffee shops, and specialty stores. Many businesses focus on local production and artisanal quality, providing products not available at larger chains.

Coworking areas and studios bring in freelancers, designers, and entrepreneurs, offering a collaborative alternative to traditional offices. These venues foster networking and sharing ideas, enhancing the district’s spirit of entrepreneurship.

Bold public art and vibrant murals give the area its character, reflecting the creativity of local businesses.

A must-visit, the Lovebound Library features romance-focused books ranging from fantasy to historical to LGBTQIA+ romance. When hunger strikes, step into Tandoori Taqueria. Founded by Ripple Desai, this vibrant restaurant offers a delicious fusion of Mexican and Indian cuisine. And to take care of that sweet tooth, Normal Ice Cream stands ready to serve with unique flavor choices including cardamom, Lucky Charms milk and cookie butter.

Wellness also remains central to the district’s vibe, with fitness studios, beauty services, and holistic health providers shaping a lifestyle-oriented environment. Inspiringly, Maven STRONG markets itself as “More than a place to sweat. It’s a place to unlease your biggest, baddest, most inspired self!”

Embrace that while you’re exploring this treasured community and always remember the definition of Maven: trailblazer, misfit, those who dare to be first and stand alone!

 

 

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