Angelica's favorite Female Owned businesses on Cookman Ave
My favorite thing about Asbury Park is the power of women, especially in the storefronts. You look around Cookman Avenue and they own the block. Check out these five places that I can’t walk by without stopping in and saying, “Hiii” to my besties and leaving with a bag of glorious goodies.
A Cup of Literature, by Aubrey Chesna and Julia Cangelosi, just recently opened in January. This young and happening lifestyle cafe serves everything from delectable coffees inspired by classic books, a curated selection of books, to fitness classes. The community of women here that Chesna and Cangelosi already built is strong with many staying to chat, work on their computers and read after a hard hitting pilates class. Visit them at 704 Cookman Ave or @acol.cafe on Instagram!
Boho House, by Melissa Nikosey, is a lifestyle accessories and home decor store featuring collective-female artist made goods. All of Nikosey’s merchandise is either handmade by a woman or a woman owns the company. Her beautiful community space hosts craft events like candle paintings, block printing, and charm making workshops throughout the year. Like the name, this store is full of Bohemian vibes and whimsical beachy things for your home. Find your next eye-catching piece at 623 Cookman Ave or @bohohouseco on Instagram!
Destination Asbury, by the mom and daughter duo Tracey and Megan Boyle, is a trendy, affordable, and funky fashion boutique. Open from Wednesday-Monday, this disco-ball-filled and cowboy hat decorating space has your next gift for your bestie– that is if they only accept good vibes and prosecco. Boyle’s welcoming spot is home to a charm bar, dog fashion shows, and collaborations with Blue Dot: Social and Community Wellness. Finally buy the beaded purse in the window at 644 Cookman Ave or @shop__destinationasbury on Instagram!
Freedom Rocks, by the Angels, Danielle Angel and Michael Angel, welcomes passersby into their magical storefront with larger than life mushrooms and colorful displays of crystals and enticing candles. Angel is an aura photographer and is often hosting events from seasonal crafting to intuitive therapy. Her playful store also has a full apothecary tea bar and tarot card vending machine. Find yourself 550 Cookman Ave Store #106 or @freedomrocksco on Instagram!
Rebel Supply Co., by Casey McDonald, is an expressive sustainable, new and consignment shop that smells so good you just want to buy everything in it so the smells come with you. From hilarious t-shirts by Off The Rails Screen Printing, hip stickers to cover your water bottle and laptop, to on-the-nose gifts that will have the receiver asking, “Where did you get this?”, McDonald does it all and very well. The neighborhood gem is also a box office for House of Independence. Discover something rebellious at 550 Cookman Ave #107 or @rebelsupplyap on Instagram!
Spread some love to the wonderful women of Cookman Ave, and shout out to all of the women that I did not mention. You all run the city. We love you!