The future is female… and so are many of Pequeña Italia’s entrepreneurs!
This Women’s History Month, support the women-owned businesses that have shaped the neighborhood’s food, beauty and arts scenes.
Comida
Start your support of these women-owned businesses by satisfying your sweet tooth at Extraordinary Desserts. Karen Krasne, owner and executive pastry chef of Extraordinary Desserts, has redefined the art of pastry with her bold flavors and stunning presentations. A best-selling cookbook author and a James Beard House-featured chef, she has been recognized by Forbes as one of the top ten pastry chefs in the country. Drawing inspiration from her global travels and extensive training with French masters, Krasne infuses her desserts with fresh fruits, edible flowers, gold leaf, and Valrhona chocolate, creating confections as exquisite as they are delicious. Her passion and innovation continue to make Extraordinary Desserts a destination for your next sweet treat craving.
Frost Me Bakery and Café has become a beloved bakery and coffee house in the Piazza della Famiglia in Little Italy, but its journey to success was anything but easy. Owner Audrey Hermes steadily built the brand until an opportunity to compete on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars changed everything. After winning the championship and bringing the title back to San Diego, she turned her dream into reality by opening her first full-service bakery in 2018. Today, you can visit Frost Me Bakery and Café for a selection of freshly made pastries, desserts, and light bites, along with an array of expertly crafted brews and lattes.
Wrapping up the food scene is the Pequeña Italia Mercato, which has been recognized as one of the top farmers markets in the country. The success of this vibrant market is credited to mother-daughter duo Catt Fields White and Brijet Myers, whose deep passion for farming, artisanal foods, and community led them to take on its operational management. Over the years, they have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the Mercato thrives and continues to evolve with its growing popularity.
Beauty
Theory Hair Studio in Little Italy represents 18 years of expertise, innovation, and dedication to beauty. Owned and operated by Uyen Tran, the studio goes beyond hair services, specializing in color, lash, and hair extensions with top brands like L’Oréal Professionnel and Oribe. As a female business owner, Tran has cultivated a space where artistry meets empowerment, helping clients enhance their natural beauty with personalized care. Her leadership and commitment to excellence make Theory Hair Studio a standout example of women shaping the beauty industry.
Art
Originally from Philadelphia, contemporary fine artist Stefanie Bales came to San Diego to follow her passion for the arts. After earning a BFA and a master’s degree, her experience working with students with neuropsychological disorders sparked an interest in visually exploring human consciousness—an influence that can be seen in her latest works. Now a full-time artist, Stefanie is deeply involved in the local arts community. Her art gallery in Little Italy, Stefanie Bales Fine Art, showcases her captivating pieces, offering a glimpse into her unique artistic vision.
– For more information on the happenings of Little Italy, please visit us at LittleItalySD.com or follow us on Instagram @LittleItalySD, X @LittleItalySD and Facebook @LittleItalySD.
CAPTION: (L-R) Catt Fields White and Brijet Myers. (Photo courtesy of Little Italy Mercato)
