March 19, 2024
By Sam Schmitke, External Relations intern
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Port of Seattle is highlighting five female SEA Airport business owners making your travel experience more interesting and more delicious. Keep reading to learn about their inspiring stories, what they love about what they do, and their advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to make their own path.
Emily Allport
Owner and Founder
Lowrider Cookie Company
Find a sweet treat for any craving at Lowrider Cookie Company! Try one of the six signature flavors available year-round: brown butter triple chocolate chunk, salted toffee pecan, cookies and cream, s’mores, lemon crinkle, and birthday cake. Or sink your teeth into one of three new flavors showcased each month!
1. What do you love about your job?
I love that every day is different and that I get to build a company that serves our staff and customers.
2. What advice do you have for women interested in owning their own business?
Start small and test out your concept. By starting small, you can see how the market responds to your idea or product without a lot of risk. If it ends up being profitable then you can grow it with more confidence and put more money in your pocket.
- Visit Lowrider Cookie Company’s kiosk near A1
- Read about Lowrider Cookie Company’s sweet opening at SEA
Katherine Lam
CEO and President
Bambuza Hospitality Group
Lam operates Bambuza Vietnamese Kitchen, Ninth and Pike, and Embarque Whiskey Grill at SEA. Stop by for some freshly prepared Vietnamese food made from cherished family recipes at Bambuza; dig into short rib melts, paninis, pasta, salad, or Pacific Salmon Chowder at Embarque; or enjoy locally-sourced comfort food at Ninth and Pike.
1. What do you love about your job?
I always love planning and making things happen, but nothing is more rewarding than watching my employees succeed. I love hearing when our team members are able to obtain their U.S. Citizenship, buy their first home, or put their children or grandchildren through college. Those are the moments that push me to do more.
2. What advice do you have for women interested in owning their own business?
Don't try to be perfect. We hold ourselves to such unreasonable standards. There is no perfect business plan, no perfect operation. Believe in yourself — truly believe you can do it — and learn from your mistakes. As long as you have tomorrow, you have the opportunity to try again.
- Visit Bambuza Vietnamese Kitchen and Embarque Whiskey Grill on the N Concourse, and Ninth and Pike on the C Concourse
- Read about Bambuza’s recipe for success at SEA
Kristi Holmes
Owner
The Confectionery
The Confectionery provides delectable sweets for the kid in you! Treat yourself or someone you love to a sweet selection of gummies, sour candy, licorice, taffy, chocolate, truffles, and gifts.
1. What do you love about your job?
I am proud that The Confectionery has become a beloved Seattle destination in University Village, and I love sharing my passion for candy with travelers at SEA. I enjoy discovering new types of candy; my product lines are carefully chosen, and quality is never compromised. Our store is a visual delight, and everything tastes as good as it looks. The thing I love the most about owning a candy store,(other than candy) has been getting to know my customers and watching them and their families grow over the years. The children I helped when I first started as a candy girl are now bringing their kids in the store. My son grew up in the store and now I am bringing my grandson into work with me. Several SEA travelers have stopped in the kiosk to tell me they grew up coming into the store. It has been fun to see our kiosk capture the attention and curiosity of those discovering it for the first time. We recently had SEA travelers visit us at our store because they love the kiosk!
2. What advice do you have for women interested in owning their own business?
Tomorrow is a new day! If something didn’t go well, look at what you learned from it and move on. If something went well, look at what you learned from it and apply it moving forward. I would also encourage you to get to know other small business owners. You can learn so much from them. Have fun — 32 years will fly by before you know it.
- Visit The Confectionery’s kiosk near A1
Jennifer Longley
CEO and Owner
Planewear
What better time to find the perfect aviation-themed item than at the airport? At Planewear peruse pillbox hats, airplane buckle belts and bags, or other nostalgic merchandise that remind you of the good old days of flying.
1. What do you love about your job?
What I love about my job is that working hard and following your dream is incredibly rewarding. Despite the ups and downs, be grateful for what you achieved along the way.
2. What advice do you have for women interested in owning their own business?
Be prepared to take on the challenges of a leadership role knowing as the owner there are sacrifices. Accept that you will be working pretty much 24/7 but try to make that conscious effort to find a work/life balance.
- Stay tuned! Planewear is currently not open but moving to the Central Terminal at the end of March
- Read about the SEA small businesses bringing local and global flair
- Check out Planewear in the SEA small business spotlight
Stephanie Hara
Co-Owner
Show Pony
Show Pony is a great option for finding your next souvenir or gift. At this locally-owned boutique choose from hand-selected jewelry, accessories, clothing, and gifts made by independent small designers.
1. What do you love about your job?
I love people and helping them feel and look their best! It's very fun to curate your own store and discover new designers. I also love that we support many women-owned businesses as well as small, independent, locally-owned businesses.
2. What advice do you have for women interested in owning their own business?
Just go for it! Surround yourself with a good team. Tell family and friends to support you in your endeavor and how they can help. There will be lots of ups and downs along the way, as well as lots of learning, which only makes you a stronger business owner. Keep in mind that one of the biggest challenges is finding a work/life balance so do your best to set aside time. Remember to recharge when needed to avoid having burnout.
- Visit Show Pony near Gate N13
- Check out Show Pony’s selection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories
