March 27, 2026Get to Know 5 Women-Owned Businesses in Lancaster City
5 women-owned businesses that call Lancaster City home
A culture of welcome, a passion for small business, and a myriad of global flavors—these are just a few of the things that make our small city so special. As Lancaster continues to grow and flourish, engaged locals and curious visitors can connect with a unique collection of diverse business owners as they explore the city, many of whom are not originally from the area.
These five female business owners are among those who have gathered ideas and experiences from living and traveling across the world. As we near the end of Women’s History Month, we are celebrating the ways their stories have intersected here and contributed to the vibrancy of our local community.
Meet Heidi Hongvanthong, owner of Mezcla Ice Cream
Every spring, the cheerful blue façade of Mezcla Ice Cream brightens up Lancaster’s Historic Southeast with fresh ingredients and unexpected flavors curated by Heidi Hongvanthong and her husband Ole.
For Heidi, the name ‘Mezcla’ embodies all things she loves about Lancaster. “Mezcla means blend in Spanish, a name inspired by variety of our food scene and the way different cultures, flavors, and stories come together,” she shared. “Lancaster is home for me, and this community has helped me put down roots.”
Heidi believes Lancaster values discovering and supporting hidden gems, and although she admits it can be daunting to be surrounded by so many formidable women business owners, she has found invaluable support from those around her.
“Libby Ethridge from Wild Rice Co has kindly prepared food for me during demanding schedules, Shelby Wormley from WE & Company intentionally carves out time for us to connect beyond work, and Megan Tranquillo from Typothecary Letterpress generously shares her talent and resources to help me grow,” she shared.
Naming other female-owned businesses from the food industry as inspiration—including La Cocina Mexicana, La Cocina Restaurant, Empanada Gourmet, Garcia Mini Market, Aura Little Café, and Silantra—it’s clear Heidi’s innovative spirit is in good company.
Meet Justina Latura, owner of Vine Bar
Another Lancaster-transplant-turned-entrepreneur, Justina Latura has created a slice of Italy in the heart of Lancaster City, drawing on her love of culture and community. “Our relationship with Italian winemakers has made this a destination for an immersive experience, where you can learn about the wonderful world of Italian wine in a relaxed and unintimidating setting,” she explained.
As for taking the leap on opening a business just a few years ago, Justina cites Lancaster’s fiercely loyal community.
“I have lived in and traveled to such a variety of places, and after living in Lancaster for nearly 15 years, I am still in awe of all of the small businesses,” she said. “It was literally the small business community of Lancaster that gave me the confidence that I could build something here too.”
Drawing inspiration from local mentors like Anne Kirby from The Candy Factory and her former boss Trish Haverstick at Lemon Street Market, Justina is grateful to set an example for her two young daughters as well as her staff. “I always say I couldn’t have done this anywhere else. The city really wants you here and wants ideas to thrive here.”
Meet Kendra Frazier, owner of Unique Lancaster Experiences
Kendra Frazier’s big idea for her business came from uncovering the diverse BIPOC and immigrant-owned businesses as a Lancaster transplant herself. “I started my international food tour as a side hustle for myself while also wanting to make an impact,” she said. “As my tours have grown, my number one goal has always been that tourgoers have a fun time and leave inspired by the stories they hear.”
Now with more than 15 tour experiences running throughout the county, Unique Lancaster Experiences highlights all the best the community has to offer. “There are no experiences without the small businesses, so it’s a testament to the worthiness of their stories to share. This is a place where entrepreneurship is rewarded,” Kendra shared.
She believes another story worth sharing is your own, especially as a female entrepreneur—referencing Anne Kirby of The Candy Factory, Emily Gonzalez of GEM’s Catering, Abigail Sturdivant of People & Things, and Soraya Aguilar of Seasons among those whose stories she is impacted by. “Women do exceptional things, and I think it’s important to share what you’ve learned and inspire courage.”
Meet Soraya Aguilar, owner of Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom
Soraya Aguilar, whose olive oil and vinegar taproom is a stop on several of Unique Lancaster Experience tours, echoes a mutual respect for Kendra. For Soraya, her story of becoming a business owner is one of defying odds while honoring her roots. “I was born and raised in the southwest of Spain, surrounded by olive trees,” she shared. “My family has a strong history of producing extra virgin olive oil, but it was a hard decision to go into agriculture because, where I come from, it’s not seen as a women’s job. Being able to run Seasons with my sister, who manages our production and operations in Spain—it was not just about honoring where we come from, but also about redefining what is possible for future generations.”
Soraya’s deep understanding and respect for high quality products is at the heart of Seasons, where her top priority is giving customers confidence in the products they are consuming. Her interactive tasting room makes the downtown shop a true destination for the senses.
Lancaster City is Seasons’ third location, and Lancaster holds a special place in Soraya’s heart. “There is a balance between tradition and innovation here—the strong agricultural heritage with the evolution of the food scene,” she explained. “I see a connection between the small businesses and the local farmers here in Lancaster that feels like home.”
Meet Sanya Yeh, owner of Norbu
‘Home’ is the feeling Sanya Yeh wants her customers to feel when they come into Norbu—sharing the flavors and the culture of her husband Tenzin’s homeland of Bhutan with the local community she grew up in. “I was born in New York, raised in Lancaster, and then moved back to Lancaster again from New York in 2016,” she shared. “When I came back, I saw how it was evolving, and I wanted to offer something that wasn’t available at the time.”
With a mix of both Bhutanese and Nepali cuisine on the menu, Norbu is built on authentic, straightforward flavors made with a lot of love. “As a woman business owner, I try to lead Norbu with care, stay strong through challenges, and make everyone feel welcome when they come through the doors,” she said.
Sanya also enjoys having so many inspirational women-owned businesses close to the restaurant. “Edd’s and Flo’s on Queen Street is my go-to one for baked goods, Rebecca at SeoulMates Korean Kitchen makes awesome kimchi in Central Market, and I like to take my kids to PotteryWorks around the corner.”
Support these women-owned business as well as the other unique shops, restaurants, and experiences you will find in Lancaster City all year long.
