Experience Cortland Hosts 3rd Annual She Shines to Celebrate Women in Tourism

Cortland, N.Y. – Experience Cortland is excited to host the 3rd Annual She Shines, a celebration of the talented women entrepreneurs who help shape Cortland County’s tourism and small business community. The event will take place Sunday, March 22, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Homer Hops Brewing in Homer.

She Shines brings together women makers, artists, and wellness professionals for an afternoon of shopping, creativity, and connection. Visitors can browse handcrafted goods, enjoy interactive experiences, and discover the many women-owned and women-led businesses contributing to Cortland County’s vibrant visitor economy.

The event aligns with Experience Cortland’s participation in the Brave Women FLX campaign, a regional tourism initiative celebrating historic trailblazers and today’s innovative women business owners across the Finger Lakes.

Attendees can enjoy a mix of interactive experiences, shopping, and self-care throughout the afternoon. Visitors can unwind with on-site acupressure and chair treatments from Waterfalls Spa, create a custom herbal tea blend with Nipotina Herb Farm, make foaming soap at the Cold Brook Farm soap station hosted by Cinch Art Space, design an organic planter with Maslin’s Guarden, craft a custom mantra mirror with Molly Reagan of Good Neighbor Art, or build a spring bouquet with Floristry. Guests can also meet the ladies from The Wellness Studio to explore wellness-inspired offerings.

Guests can also browse books from All My Friends Books, pick up scratch-made baked goods from Corl’s Cooking, shop resin-cast floral jewelry from Juni Dee Jewelry, explore creative handmade goods from Pottery Works Cortland, sample local honey and shop beeswax candles from Kara Sees Bees, and view original paintings by Emily Gibbons. Throughout the afternoon, Homer Hops Brewing will offer food and craft beverages, making it easy for visitors to relax, shop, and enjoy all that She Shines has to offer.

“She Shines is about recognizing the incredible creativity and entrepreneurship of women in our community,” said Michelle Enright, Executive Director of Experience Cortland. “From artists and makers to wellness professionals and retailers, these women help create the unique experiences that make Cortland County such a welcoming place to visit.”

In addition to celebrating women entrepreneurs, She Shines will also raise funds for the Grace Brown House, a supportive housing residence in Cortland that provides assistance and shelter to survivors of domestic violence and their families. Visitors can support the cause by purchasing She Shines tote bags or participating in raffle opportunities, with proceeds benefiting the organization.

She Shines is open to all, and attendees are encouraged to bring friends and family, or come solo, to explore the event and meet the inspiring women behind Cortland County’s growing creative and hospitality industries.

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