Women embark on new businesses

For many women in Kitittas County, 2021 presented itself as an ideal time to either start a business on their own or be part of a start-up venture.

The following is a recap of some of the women who took the step to open the doors to a business in 2021

Gianna Sengsavang, Seng Tong Thai Cuisine, 1713 S. Canyon Road

Quotable: “I have a passion for cooking that I learned at a very young age. My grandfather was an excellent teacher. When I put together a dish for our customers, it’s like cooking for family.”

Gianna Sengsavang and her husband, Pino, of Seng Tong Thai Cuisine

Kirsten Van Swearingen, Laconia Market & Café, Snoqualmie Pass

Quotable: “We have two main groups we plan to serve, locals and people coming over the pass in travel or transit,” co-founder Kirsten Van Swearingen said. “There is a restaurant for dine in and a coffee shop that gets pretty busy. But there’s really not any options for healthy grab-and-go food.

“We’re really excited that the café side of our business will serve items like breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, salads, soups and really healthy options people can take with them. On the grocery side, we know there is no grocery options up at the pass, so now people have a store if they are up here for the day for recreation or an extended stay.”

Liz Stone, Pearl Street Books and Gifts, 421 N. Pearl St.

Quotable: “My husband and I started looking around for areas that we wanted to live. We looked at Wenatchee, then the book store here came available. I’ve always wanted to run a book store and we fell in love with the area.”

Liz Stone of Pearl Street Books

Dolores Wheeler, Brewster’s Coffee House & Cafe, 407 N. Water St., Suite 101

Quotable: “I like good wine, so we offer Gard Vintners red,. Everything we have here is locally purchased. We serve all Kittitas County local. We have local craft beers. Our vegetables, breads, muffins are all fresh. It’s all from here in the valley.”

Emmie Nguyen of Young T and Tea Emmie Nguyen, Young T and Tea, 117 E. Fourth Ave.

Quotable: “A lot of people in town didn’t know what bubble tea is. Students already know, so we’ve been introducing bubble tea to the rest of the community, People seem to like trying something different.”

Jill Johnson. Julep Southern Kitchen and Cocktail Bar, 429 N. Main St.

Quotable: “We want people to enjoy the atmosphere and feel like they’re out of Ellensburg for a few hours. We like to provide a new experience. I have family all over the south. My husband and I have been here 10 years and managed bars all over town. This is my first restaurant and we’re really excited.”

Jill Johnson with her husband, Kyle, of Julep Southern Kitchen & Cocktail Bar.