Purrista Cat Café - Dena Rupp, Owner

Purrista Cat Café is Erie’s newest coffee shop (opened in February 2022), created by cat lover, coffee enthusiast and Erie native Dena Rupp. Ever since encountering her first pet café during her travels, Dena has been committed to bringing a cat café to her hometown.  Purrista Cat Café offers a relaxing social environment in Downtown Erie, serving fine espressos, specialty coffees, teas and pastries while also providing the opportunity for guests to interact with adoptable cats in a clean, stress-free environment. “For me, a female entrepreneur is someone who chooses to go out of her comfort zone, takes risks, and is not afraid to share her experiences, positive or negative, with others. She also supports and lifts up her fellow female friends.”

A Compassionate Hart Massage Therapy –Heather Hart, Owner/LMT

Owning her own business was always in the back of Heather Hart’s mind while she was working at medical facilities and spas around Erie.  In 2010, she opened A Compassionate Hart Massage Therapy.  Promoted as “Erie's premiere massage therapy and bodywork studio”, A Compassionate Hart is located in (appropriately) the “heart” of Downtown Erie and features three massage rooms with five employees focusing on managing stress to pain relief.  Heather plans to expand her business even more within the next year.  “I think the advantage of being a women business owner is all the community support and help you get from others. I know a lot of people say women have a hard time getting along, but I have found that to be the opposite of the truth among entrepreneurs. “

Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro – Karen Thomas, Owner

Starting a restaurant like Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro was a lifelong dream for sisters Karen Thomas and Adrienne Paul.  After spending fifteen years in the corporate and private sector of the hospitality field, their dream came to life and Pineapple Eddie opened its doors in July 2011.  Since then, it has established itself as one of Erie’s finest local restaurants.  The restaurant’s Haitian and American South inspired menu features items such as shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, griyo (cubed fried pork shoulder), jerk chicken and homemade desserts. “You want to be committed to building a solid foundation and then ‘brick up’ because the trends, distractions and haters are coming.  Even at your weakest moments your ‘bricks’ stand and resist weakness and remind you of your commitment.”  

Erie Food Tours – Kelly Karns, Owner

Erie Food Tours is a fun way to experience Erie County’s history and culture, all while sampling delicious local food and drinks.  Since its creation in 2015, Karns and her team take patrons on guided food tours, sharing Erie’s history at local landmarks and historic buildings, while visitors enjoy samples of local cuisine!  Erie Food Tours run May through October in Downtown Erie and the nearby town of North East. “Getting the right people ‘on the bus’ - on your team - is essential to your success.  I have an amazing group of tour guides (all female!) who have carried Erie Food Tours throughout each season and we’re only getting better!  I also collaborate with phenomenal restaurants who give us their best food, drinks, and service at every tour visit.”