Women in the Rockford region run a diverse array of businesses

Posted By: Chelsea
April 5, 2022 @ 6:00 am
B Local, Business, Rockford, Saluting Women Owned Businesses in the Stateline, Top Stories

B103 Rockford in partnership with Northwest Bank and the Rock River Current highlighted women-owned businesses in March with our series Saluting Women Owned Businesses in the Stateline. (Staff and provided photos)

By Kevin Haas and Chelsea Meyer
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — During the month of March, the Rock River Current partnered with B103 and Northwest Bank to salute businesses owned and operated by women in the Rockford region.

We highlighted dozens of businesses ranging from health and fitness, to fashion, media and marketing, landscaping, cleaning, home design, food and more.

Today we’re giving another look at the diverse array of industries where women in the Rockford region call the shots. Here’s a quick look back at some of our features from Saluting Women Owned Businesses in the Stateline. You can see all our features here.

Zina Horton | Zammuto’s

Zina Horton launched Sweet Ambrosia Desserts and Catering in 1990 while working full time at another local restaurant. Then, in 2007, she took over Zammuto’s at 725 Kent St. from the original owner, Joe Zammuto. The family’s granita recipe has lived on in Horton’s hands, and the west Rockford restaurant is still popular today.

Jennifer Furst | Furst Staffing

FurstStaffing, a certified woman-owned business, has helped businesses find new talent and individuals start new careers since 1971. It is located at 120 W. State St., Suite 100, in Rockford, and was founded by Darlene Furst, mother to current company president Jennifer Furst.

Beth Branyan | Mary’s By Design

Mary’s By Design, 308 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, is a family owned furniture and home decor store now on its third generation of family workers.

Fabbie Williams | Fab Dance & Fitness Academy

Fabbie Williams of Rockford — Fabbie Williams is the owner of Fab Dance & Fitness Academy in Rockford. (Photo provided)

Fabbie Williams opened Fab Dance & Fitness Academy, 115 N. Wyman St., in downtown Rockford, in November 2021. The studio has fitnesses classes and teaches dance to children ages 3 and older.

You Gotta Try This: Baddie Boot Camp at Fab Dance & Fitness Academy

Debbie Walter | Lawn Care by Walter

Lawn Care by Walter is a total site management company that has been in business for more than 36 years. They handle everything from fertilization and tree care to mosquito abatement, landscaping and hardscaping, snow removal and other services.

Erin Bedows | Perfectly Seasoned Catering

Perfectly Seasoned Catering, which opened in Roscoe in September 2019, is a full-service catering business handling everything from small business lunches to full-scale weddings. Its staff prepares everything from appetizers all the way to deserts while also staffing the event.

Christine LaMantia | Roxy Carmichael Boutique

Roxy Carmichael, 310 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, sells unique clothing, fashion accessories and gift items for women of all budgets.

Christine LaMantia took over the business in 2018 after purchasing it from the previous owners, who retired.

Janene Stephenson | JS Social Cafe

Janene Stephenson is the owner of JS Social Cafe and Stephenson’s Courier Services. (Photo provided)

Janene Stephenson is an event planner and decorating whose business JS Social Cafe, 607 W. State St., Rockford, Studio B, offers an array of services and pop-up shops to help entrepreneurs succeed.

Sabrena Ferguson | Meta Beauty Collective

Sabrena Ferguson of Meta Beauty — Sabrena Ferguson is the owner of Meta Beauty Collective in Rockford. (Photo provided by Sabrena Ferguson)

Meta Beauty Collective, 2209 E. State St., Rockford, is a salon that aims to empower its workers and clients with services that can make every person feel beautiful.

It prides itself on being a welcoming safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community.