Women’s History Month inspires us to reflect on the historical and famous women who have created change. But during such a monumental month, we sometimes forget it is just as important to recognize the local women who shape and strengthen our community with their passion and drive. The various women-owned businesses in Westfield exemplify the ability of local women to create meaningful change.

Small Town Play Café

Tucked along North Ave., away from the bustle and motion of downtown, Small Town Play Café feels like a small pocket of calm for families looking to slow down. Founded by Kim Coe, a mother of two young boys, the business grew out of her own experience navigating children’s play spaces. “Most children’s entertainment venues are designed entirely for kids, without much thought for the parents,” Coe explained. “I knew there had to be a better way.”

That idea became Small Town Play Café, a thoughtfully designed space that blends an enriching play environment for children ages six months to six years with a cozy café atmosphere for caregivers. While kids explore, adults can enjoy specialty coffee, tea and fresh food in a setting that feels more like a neighborhood coffee shop than a traditional indoor playground. “The goal was to create a space where families could genuinely enjoy spending time,” Coe said, “not just a place to take kids to burn energy.”

Westfield’s strong sense of community made it the perfect home. “Westfield is a town where families value gathering spaces and supporting local businesses,” Coe noted. Since opening, the café has become a place where connections form among both children and parents.

And perhaps the biggest surprise: you don’t need a toddler to stop by. “You can come just for coffee,” Coe emphasized — whether it’s to meet a friend, try a seasonal latte, or simply enjoy a calm, welcoming place to sit.

GTHR Pilates

Any Westfield resident knows that there is a plethora of workout spots in the area: HOTWORX, Rumble, Orange Theory…the list is extensive. But the hidden gem, GTHR Pilates, lies behind an apartment building on Central Ave. Owner Sarah Himmelbaum founded the studio in 2025 when she was in need of a restorative workout after her experience with complicated pregnancies.

“I just couldn’t find a studio that felt like me,” said Himmelbaum. “For a practice that requires so much intention and for you to be so focused on mind and body, none of the spaces that I found ever felt like that.”

While Himmelbaum dreamed up the studio from her own experiences, it is clear from the moment you walk in the door that GTHR Pilates has become a space of support and restoration for so many. After a morning pilates class ended, many did not rush out to their cars; instead, a number of women stayed to sit, shop and chat. Looking out the window of Himmelbaum’s office, there was a sight of women conversing, caffeinating and — above all — connecting.

“The one thing I love the most about [the community] is that the women in this town are so health-focused, and they’re always looking for something to challenge them,” said Himmelbaum.

Like the women who have found community at GTHR, Himmelbaum was looking for a challenge when she first dreamed up her studio.

“Being a woman in business shouldn’t matter, but somehow it still does,” Himmelbaum added. “You have to kind of bark a little louder.”

While Himmelbaum’s vision has certainly come to fruition, she continues to experience obstacles, as many business owners do. “Every day is a learning experience, which is super fun for me, because I’m in my 40s, and I think it’s proof that you can constantly be in a state of learning and challenge yourself,” Himmelbaum said. 

Driven by her passion for pilates and her appreciation for community, Himmelbaum has created a studio that reflects those same values, and exemplifies exactly what it means to be a woman in business.

Bridget’s Irish Cottage 

Lying in the heart of downtown on East Broad St., Bridget’s Irish Cottage has been a part of the Westfield community for nearly 13 years. While Bridget Lawn’s storefront may not have the most foot traffic, we would argue that it is downtown Westfield’s most meaningful. Lawn’s purpose in creating Bridget’s Irish Cottage was to bring over her beloved cultural jewelry, clothes and food from Ireland and share her heritage with the Westfield community. 

Originally established in Martinsville, NJ in 1987, Bridget’s Irish Cottage was inspired by Lawn wanting to hear Irish music again. Lawn used to have to visit Canada to find Irish food, but Bridget’s Irish Cottage has become a way for her to not only have more direct access to her culture, but also share what she loves about Ireland with so many. 

Lawn’s years of experience as a business owner have allowed her to grow “tremendously” both professionally and personally. “I would recommend it for anybody, but you will work hard, and when you have a business, it’s 7 days a week. It’s really 24 hours,” she added.
Lawn’s Irish storefront is an example of a vision becoming a reality. She used her rich background and love for her culture to create a pillar of the Westfield community that makes everyone feel a little more Irish.