Deep Ellum Blog

Community Spotlight: Women-Owned Businesses in Deep Ellum

March 19, 2021 | Deep Ellum Team

As part of Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to recognize and celebrate a handful of the women-owned businesses in Deep Ellum that continue to shape and define the neighborhood! 

Miley Holmes & Caroline Perini are the co-owners of Easy Slider. Their slider food trucks were famous in the metroplex when they decided to make the leap to open their first brick and mortar in the heart of Deep Ellum! Since then, their tots, sliders, and huge patio have become staples of Main Street. 

“We had our first ever food truck service at Double Wide in 2011. Kim Finch gave us that opportunity, basically sight unseen. We ended up serving there every Thursday night for our first couple of years in business, and Deep Ellum folks were the first to eat at Easy Slider, talk about Easy Slider and book Easy Slider. Opening our first brick-and-mortar there was a no-brainer; it felt like coming home. Being a business owner in Deep Ellum is a unique opportunity in itself, and we are so grateful to be a part of it. Other female owners in the neighborhood are a constant inspiration to us. There is a very solid sense of support amongst all of us, which was particularly meaningful during 2020. “ – Miley Holmes & Caroline Perini

Tameka Davis and Myer Johnson brought Vogue Hair to Deep Ellum to be a part of a historic district as well as to be surrounded by other entrepreneurs and small business owners. Since opening their brick-and-mortar in 2019, Vogue Hair has been bringing their specialized concept and vision to the neighborhood with style!

“We chose to open Vogue Hair’s flagship location in Deep Ellum because of the culture in the area. Everyone is so friendly and we receive lots of support from our neighboring businesses. The other female business owners in the area are so friendly and offer their support if needed, which is awesome! Also, our customers love the central location as well as the opportunity to visit the surrounding retail locations and restaurants in the area.” – Tameka Davis & Myer Johnson

LaDonna Stein has brought together a collaboration of over 30 female-owned businesses to Deep Ellum through her business, Dallas Pin Up. Since 2011, Dallas Pin Up has offered unique retail through vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories as well as services like makeup, hairstyling, and photography. 

“Dallas Pin Up is comprised of over 30 local female owned businesses, including local designers, the Unruly Dame hair salon, photography by Jill Rasco, and my makeup artist studio. We’ve always been a part of Deep Ellum since we were young adults so it was a natural fit for our vibe and client base to put down roots in the neighborhood in 2011. We’ve always identified with the weirdos! Dallas Pin Up actively supports the LGBTQ community as well as all of our rockabilly, goth, and geek friends! We just want everyone to come in and have a good time dressing up and feeling fabulous.” – LaDonna Stein

Tracy Miller helped lead a fine dining renaissance in Dallas when she opened LOCAL in Deep Ellum inside of the historic Boyd Hotel space. For nearly 20 years, LOCAL has been a home away from home for those who love eating well and the company of good friends. 

“I walked into the Boyd Hotel in 1998 and knew this was where I wanted to plant the seed for my restaurant.  I immediately resonated with the soul and spirit of the building and knew I would personally always be inspired.  You can’t build this type of history and spirit.  It’s timeless.  Everything fell into place after that.” – Tracy Miller 

We are incredibly grateful for all the female business owners in Deep Ellum who have contributed to the success of the neighborhood since 1873!