Rooted In Her: Stories of Female Creators

Melinda Shaw’s Hangry Bear Creamery brings joy to our community — one scoop at a time. Using a 14% ice cream mix made in Pennsylvania, Melinda and her team add flavors, colors, and mix-ins before freezing the batch into the perfect, creamy texture. The hands-on creativity of ice cream making is what fuels her passion, and through their ice cream studio, guests can experience that same joy by creating their own unique flavors.

As a woman in business, Melinda is grateful for the women who paved the way, making it less taboo and more celebrated to be a female entrepreneur. Balancing business ownership with motherhood brings challenges, but the support of her family and community helps her thrive. You can support Hangry Bear Creamery by visiting their studio in Kennett Square, booking a session, or ordering their ice cream online — and of course, by sharing your sweet experiences with others.

Hangry Bear Creamery builds community by bringing people together through the joy of ice cream, offering a creative and collaborative experience in their studio. With plans to expand their reach through an ice cream truck this spring, they’re dedicated to spreading happiness and keeping their community a little less hangry.

Ava Russo discovered pottery during her sophomore year of college and fell in love with the transformative process of shaping clay. Inspired by nature, fellow artists, and evolving trends, Ava’s work balances function and beauty. She primarily throws on the wheel, where the rhythm of throwing clay allows for spontaneity and precision.

For Ava, the support of women in business and art is crucial. She values the community that comes from lifting each other up — sharing advice, celebrating successes, and providing encouragement. Beyond the studio, Ava remains eager to collaborate and inspire others, making her work an ever-evolving journey of creativity. Ultimately, she hopes her work resonates with others, sparking a sense of wonder and encouraging them on their own creative journey.

Flax of Life was founded by Sharon, inspired by her love of handmade art and a desire to create comforting, practical products. After rediscovering sewing following the loss of her childhood friend Jammi, she turned her creativity into a thriving wellness business.

Sharon’s journey as a woman in the creative business world reflects a balance of resilience, creativity, and dedication to family. She’s grateful for the women who’ve supported her and hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions fearlessly.

Customers can support Flax of Life by shopping at Rooted, flaxoflife.com or her Etsy shop. Spreading the word and sharing her products also helps this. Flax of Life provides comfort and natural relief, with products that help ease pain and stress. Through partnerships with Rooted and her online presence, Sharon’s work fosters a community that values creativity, wellness, and care.

Jen from Champagne on a Wednesday began her journey as an artisan about 10 years ago, alongside her friend Alexis. With young kids and demanding family schedules, they wanted a creative outlet with flexibility — and through local classes, YouTube videos, and trial and error, their jewelry business was born.

Jen finds her greatest inspiration in gemstones. She loves sourcing unique shapes and sizes at gem shows, leaving her loose stones out on her desk until inspiration strikes and the perfect design comes to life.

As a woman entrepreneur and creator, Jen thrives in a community largely made up of talented, supportive women. "I love being a woman," she says, and being surrounded by so many female creators makes the experience even more special. At artisan markets and events, the vendors are often 90% women, creating a space filled with creativity, encouragement, and genuine connection. The friendships and collaborations formed over the years have become a source of strength and inspiration, offering a safe space to be real and vulnerable — celebrating successes and lifting each other up through challenges.