Today, March 8, is International Women’s Day, and March is Women’s History Month. Third Street South has been a place for the keen influence of strong, accomplished, entrepreneurial and trailblazing women for decades. Peg Bradley, Doris Reynolds, and Mamie Tooke (of the Bank of Naples) began what is now a given on Third Street South. There are such women in every aspect of commerce on Third Street South, from real estate to restaurants to retail to services like the Olde Naples Animal Wellness Center, which Dr. Anne Lozynski founded and has built into an excellent clinic.
Marissa Collections is the matriarch of the Third Street South high-end retail universe. Founded by and still embodying the vision of Marissa Hartington, the business has grown enormously since its 1975 inauguration while maintaining it high couture national reputation and top service. In its iconic pink and white building at the intersection of Third Street South and Broad Avenue South, Marissa’s has chic and sophisticated of-the-moment couture, shoes, accessories, and a portion of the store which is in effect a jewelry store for many top designers including Verdura, Bulgari, and Sylvia Furmanovich, among others. All helping women and men embrace their own curated look and lifestyle.
National companies founded and privately owned by a strong woman include Eileen Fisher, Gretchen Scott, and Sara Campbell. These businesses are all U.S.-based with philanthropic philosophies and always catering to the successful, multi-tasking, modern woman. Charlotte Kellogg, in Palm Beach, Newport and Naples, has silks and extraordinary evening jackets made from Indian saris. C.Orrico joins as a South Florida company representing Lilly Pulitzer styles, which perfectly suit a Third Street South day or evening. Purple Poppy is a newer entrant whose young proprietor is among the next generation of Third Street South entrepreneurs.
Pierre & Harry, with a unique relationship with a pearl farm in China, was founded by a mother and daughter team after they were helpful to a Chinese traveler. They sell their own designs as well as other carefully chosen pieces, but the common denominator is very good pearls from the farm of the traveler they helped. Unique Boutique’s jewelry, purses and other accessories are well chosen and attractive. At Cleopatra’s Barge, interesting jewelry can be found, as it has been for more than 50 years.
The energetic and smart owner of Old Naples Surf Shop, Sharda Spahr, fills the store with active outdoors sports equipment and clothing and the shop has been a mecca for decades.
Patina Collection, filled with interior decorations and other interesting items, is a tribute to the well-travelled eye of owner and decorator Karen Abell, who spends time at her home in Tuscany, and travels throughout Europe searching for items she loves. Karen and her team work closely with clients to create houses that are both beautiful and livable.
Top-flight restaurants and wines are very much the province of women’s leadership on Third Street South. Ingrid Aielli co-owns Sea Salt and Barbatella with her husband, chef Fabrizio Aielli, and is the force that has made their restaurants the best-known, desirable ones that they are. Ingrid, as does a strong woman, runs a thriving business while giving back generously to the community. For many decades, Sukie Honeycutt’s name has been known for her expertise in wine and her strong long-term partnership with Tony Ridgway. You’ll often find her at Tony’s Off Third, advising guests on which vintage to select for an event, or welcoming diners to Ridgway Bar & Grill. Dr. Anne Lozynski is the sole owner and veterinarian at her own Olde Naples Animal Wellness Center, a comprehensive and compassionate veterinary practice on 14th Avenue South off Third Street South.
Women are the founders, fronts and backbones of so many businesses. Third Street South is proud to be the home and chosen location for so many successful, innovative, passionate women in business.
