Women-Owned Businesses Revitalize New Kensington

When Leah Delaney opened AngelWing Yoga and Wellness five years ago, she wanted to show her daughters what feminine success looks like. Today, her studio is part of a remarkable transformation happening in New Kensington, where women entrepreneurs are proving that unity creates unstoppable momentum.

About 16 women-owned businesses now fill the downtown area, creating an energetic ecosystem of mutual support. The proximity of these shops has sparked something special: genuine camaraderie where owners actively help each other succeed.

"Women enjoy working together more and working toward a same goal," said Michelle Thom, operations manager at Olde Town Overhaul. They plan events together, share resources, and celebrate each other's wins.

Jessica Salerno felt this support immediately when she opened Saging Space, her holistic wellness shop, last November. After six years of working from home, the community welcomed her with open arms. "Genuinely, women business connections have been my biggest gratitude," Salerno said.

The numbers tell an encouraging story. While women own 32% of Pennsylvania's small businesses (just below the 36% national average), their impact in New Kensington punches well above that figure. These businesses are becoming community anchors, driving the city's economic revitalization.

Hailey Sabot's Wildflower Bakery exemplifies this growth. Her menu expanded from 50 items to 120, and she's opened a conjoined bistro to meet demand. Meanwhile, Delaney's studio evolved from simple yoga classes to comprehensive wellness offerings including weight training, pilates, and fitness boot camps.

The Ripple Effect

This surge of women-led businesses reflects a broader shift in American entrepreneurship. The 1988 Women's Business Ownership Act finally gave women the legal and financial tools to build businesses on equal footing. Now, communities across Westmoreland County are experiencing renewed energy, with women-owned businesses steadily increasing.

Anne Flynn Schlicht, director of the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship at Chatham University, notes that women often choose essential service industries like healthcare and childcare. "There is a lot more control of your own destiny," she said about the empowerment of business ownership.

The New Kensington story shows what happens when women support women in business: everyone rises together, and entire communities benefit from their collective strength.