Femme Forward – Lancaster, PA

Christina Maldonado is a perfect fit to match the rich history of Lancaster’s Central Market; she has transformed her career by taking the plunge into the world of food and hasn’t looked back since. Nine years later, Christina is a beloved vendor in the market. She not only creates delicious food from the heart, she…

TFB Hospitality is a company with many wonderful women working behind the scenes, it is only fitting to start a series on the women of TFB with the amazing Stacey Jinks. Throughout her career, Stacey has had a hand in recipe development and baking around the area for businesses including Luca, South County Brewing company…

With a background serving the community through Americorps and an extensive career in social services, Melissa has spent years dedicating her time to helping people. In 2021, she took the leap of faith and started her own business. The Urban Farmhouse (TUF) has been gaining popularity in the area, and highlights Melissa’s entrepreneurial spirit and…

Jordan Evangelista is not just your average Airbnb host, she has put in the work behind the scenes to cultivate her business from the ground up. Luxury on Lemon’s story is one that all small business owners can relate to. Jordan co-owns another small business, HQ Water Solutions, with her husband, Stephen. The couple has…

Many people, myself included, have fond childhood memories of learning to cook or bake with the female figures in their lives. For Kristen, memories like these with her grandmother were the foundation and fuel of her passion for baking. Kristen has had many experiences within the culinary industry, and she now curates freshly baked goods…

Rachel Adams is the founder / owner of one of Lancaster city’s most beloved cafes, Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie. She admires the diversity of Lancaster, as well as the versatility of the food she curates. Rachel herself reflects that versatility, as a woman operating a successful business for almost two decades within the male dominated…

Emily Gonzalez started her business, GEM’s catering, serving authentic comfort foods of her childhood, all prepared in her own kitchen. Since her start in 2018, Emily has single-handedly grown her business from the bottom up and was able to cater more than 200 events in 2023. With the support of her family, especially her children…

Heidi Castillo, CEO of two companies including Mezcla Ice Cream, became a third-generation entrepreneur, influenced by her grandmother and mother. Hosting a unique Mexican-inspired menu, Mezcla’s storefront pays homage to PhotOlé Photography, her second business. A female entrepreneur advocating for community support for businesses, Castillo aims to promote asset building, planning to launch a book…