Arriving in the Maven district, the writing’s already on the wall that this isn’t your typical neighbourhood. Splashed across a 15ft-high mural, like a feminist manifesto writ large against a hot pink background, are the immortal words: “Maven: trailblazer misfit. Those who dare to be first and stand alone”. On the side of a nearby building is yet more vibrant street art, this time a painting of a group of women lifting each other up. I’ve officially arrived at Maven, Utah’s first sister-hood where 85 per cent of the businesses are female-owned.
Starting life in 2010 as a solo Pilates studio, the past few years have seen this pioneering district blossom into a buzzy network of around 100 women-owned companies. Much of the action is condensed into a single block at 9th and 9th near downtown Salt Lake City,but a quick glimpse around reveals that Maven is a rapidly expanding tribe, with building work almost complete on a second complex just across the road.
Meeting me in front of a cookie shop, the smell of freshly baked biscuits wafting from its doors, is Rocky Donati, chief marketing officer and Maven co-owner. We head around the corner to the Juice Shop, where the health-conscious menu includes fancy toasts and protein smoothies served to a hipster clientele. Established by first-time business owner Meera Patel, who returned to Salt Lake City following a successful marketing career in New York, it’s a prime example of how Maven is tempting high-flyers back to the city like homing pigeons.
High street honeys: Street art channels female empowerment
(Jackelin Slack/jackelinslack.com)
It’s all about creating an ecosystem where women can thrive through mentorship and community support, Donati tells me as we wander through the female-powered Maven haven. It’s a vision that’s clearly attracted a diverse range of businesses to the block, from an art studio offering painting and pottery classes, to a swish co-working space and a wellness hub that runs the gauntlet from strength training to zen mindfulness.
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Why this hotbed of progressive activity has sprung forth right in the heart of conservative Salt Lake City is up for debate. From education to employment, Utah scrapes in near the bottom of national surveys regarding women’s equality, so it’s perhaps a take-charge response to the everyday…
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