March 8, 2019
March 18, 2022 Editors Note: The introductory paragraph of this blog post was updated to provide a general, non-time-specific opening.
The Port is actively cultivating more gender balance by increasing the number of women-owned businesses at the airport. In honor of International Women’s Day (IWD), get to know a few of our women-owned restaurants and retailers at SEA.
The first IWD was celebrated in 1911 with the support of over a million people. Evolving over the last century, IWD today belongs collectively to everyone, everywhere and is not country, group, or organization specific.
This year’s campaign theme is #BalanceforBetter, which really resonates for us at Sea-Tac Airport. Intended to inspire a more gender-balanced world, this theme reminds us that balance is not a women’s issue, it’s a business issue.
We are actively cultivating more gender balance by increasing the number of women-owned businesses at the airport. To celebrate women’s achievement, we want you to get to know a few of our women-owned restaurants and retailers at Sea-Tac Airport.
Jennifer Longley, Planewear
“As a business owner and entrepreneur, I’m honored to be spotlighted for Sea-Tac Airport’s International Women’s Day. When I was first approached by the airport dining and retail team to be part of their introductory kiosk program I was excited, but hesitant. I didn’t think I would have the courage to do something I had no previous experience in. I then remembered what a fellow entrepreneur once said, just say yes and learn how to do it later. So, I said yes.
As a former flight attendant with a passion for aviation, I was confident that I knew my customer base and could develop a product line that would succeed in an airport environment. Today, the Planewear store is an aviation lifestyle experience that is truly one of a kind.
We’re looking forward to opening our first signature store in 2020 and continuing to expand our fun and authentic product offering for the aviation enthusiast. One of my personal favorites that you’ll find at Planewear are upcycled Plane Tags, made from retired airplanes. They are a great way to own a piece of aviation history. Stop by Planewear on the B Concourse!”
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Sandy Sun, Manchu Wok
“Being a woman is not always a hard thing. I firmly believe that women are not only incredible, but that we are equals to men. However, being a minority business owner in a male-dominated world can be and is difficult. I am extremely blessed to have learned the ropes of entrepreneurship and business operations from working side by side with my father, Lo-Yu Sun.
Witnessing the inequities he faced as a Chinese American caused me to employ a different mindset to running a business. Being a woman and minority business owner at Sea-Tac Airport is like winning the grand prize! The ability to work alongside peers who range from CEOs of large companies, or other small business owners like myself, is humbling and inspiring. Being part of the Sea-Tac Airport family is an incredible experience.
At Manchu Wok, located in the A Gates, we serve fast and fresh Chinese cuisine that pays homage to Cantonese, Szechwan, Hunan, and Mandarin-style cooking. My favorite menu item is our Honey Garlic Chicken, because just like me, it is a little Eastern and Western, all at the same time.”
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LeeAnn Subelbia, The Stonehouse Café
“I began my career at Sea-Tac Airport almost 40 years ago, originally with HMSHost. I learned about restaurant operations within an airport environment and how to curate a positive dining experience for passengers, eventually working my way up into management. Ultimately, when I decided to start my own business here 16 years ago, I felt very excited for the challenge. As a woman business owner of color at Sea-Tac Airport, I can give back to my community and mentor other women in business and entrepreneurship.
Coming from very modest means to achieving the success of our family-run business, I illustrated for my children that if you work hard, anything is possible. The airport is always evolving as one of the most diverse surroundings to call your place of business. And I love it!
We’d love you to stop by The Stonehouse Café at the beginning of the D Concourse! As a family business, we add flavor to Sea-Tac with homestyle cooking that holds nostalgia for South Seattle’s past. Everything on my menu is great, but our Bloody Mary cocktails are a delicious, savory way to start your travels.”
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#BalanceforBetter
As a global hub, Sea-Tac Airport is committed to be welcoming and inclusive for residents, business owners and operators, employees, and travelers from around our country and the world. By celebrating International Women’s Day, we acknowledge the diversity of the many cultures represented in our community, airport dining and retail program, and by the airlines at Sea-Tac Airport that serve 91 non-stop domestic and 28 international destinations.
This is an opportunity for Sea-Tac to better reflect the communities we serve, including gender balance amongst our restaurants and retailers. If you’re traveling today, and into the future, stop by one of our 13 women-owned businesses to support the entrepreneurs that help our economies and communities to thrive.
Women-Owned Businesses at Sea-Tac Airport
Download the Sea-Tac App for an interactive map and directions to these locations.
- Chalo
- Dilettante Mocha Café
- Dish D’Lish
- Diva Espresso
- Dufry Duty Free
- Fireworks
- Glassybaby
- Lady Yum
- Planewear
- Manchu Wok
- Seattle Chocolate
- Seattle Hats
- The Stonehouse Café
And learn about the Port's Diversity in Contracting program to help women- and minority-owned businesses contract with the Port.
