The city of Huntsville is home to many creatives, and with March being Women’s History Month, what better time than now to put the spotlight on some amazing women. So much can be learned about the unique stories of each of these ladies' contributions to our growing metro. From Nepal to Italy to the Island of Silhouette, may this article provide a glimpse into the worlds these women come from.
Suzana
Yala Avenue
Suzana Richardson of Yala Avenue transports the beauty of Nepal to Huntsville in her gorgeous storefront, found in Downtown Huntsville, Clinton Row Market. Established in February 2022, this exquisite shop boasts jewelry and home décor items that have been handcrafted by Nepolese artisans and designed in Huntsville by Suzana herself. Even more so, the jewelry itself is handmade utilizing traditional techniques, making the pieces one of a kind and extraordinary. Visiting patrons can discover her stunning Lotka paper that one will find perfectly on display, as well as incorporated in other local artists’ creations. An amazing fact about Suzana herself is that she bears the name Chitrakar, which means artist in Nepali. And as displayed so lovingly in her store, one can learn that Yala is the indigenous name for the historic fine art and craft-based city of Patan in Nepal.
Frida
Silhouette
Frida Morel of Silhouette brings a European and vintage aesthetic to her eclectic boutique located in the Clinton Row Market in Downtown Huntsville. Brought to life in August 2019, her bright and colorful store houses quality style clothing that is inspired by wardrobes from the Aubrey Hepburn and Frank Sinatra era. There are also offerings of antiques and home items, all meant to be lasting and to never go out of style. And all of what Frida brings in what she has deemed her “happy place” expands from Paris, Australia, Spain, and London. Frida’s ode to where she was born, on the island Silhouette, is beautifully shared on a display piece that is made for all to see and remind shoppers that it is not just a name, it is her birthplace.
Mojana
Mojana Soaps
Jel Mojana of Mojana Soaps captures the attention immediately with her bright and vibrant pink shop, spotted front and center in the Clinton Row Market in Downtown Huntsville. Started back in August 2021, this adorable and cheerful family-owned storefront beautifully displays handmade and hand-painted soaps and candles that encapsulate joy. From fun cupcake shapes that will trick the eyes to magnificent marble patterns that are incredibly detailed- these creations are guaranteed to capture the senses. The soaps are all carefully made to be vegan, dye-free and organic so that any one person can purchase and utilize them without worries of skin irritation. With her recent expansion of her store, she plans to offer special classes for all to enjoy. Jel built herself out of poverty and makes certain to give back to communities like The Cancer Association, The Heart Association, and Shower Up Huntsville.
Rossina
Matices De Colores
Rossina Boyer of Matices De Colores Arts showcases Peruvian culture in the most artful way in her lovely studio space on the third floor of Lowe Mill. Launched in 2021 and recently relocated, her delightful studio houses vibrant art pieces and prints, handmade bags, and a variety of items that are all beautifully unique. Especially wonderful is that Rossina offers a variety of painting workshops for both adults and children alike, making sure that others can learn the joy of art through her eyes in the most fun way possible. She can also be found as a vendor at art festivals, like Panoply, where she happily showcases her art. The passion Rossina has for her creations is tangible, and she is known to play with and escape into her colors.
Photo Credit: Amanda Odle with Wandering View Photography
Alka
Nitro Tales
Alka Chain of Nitro Tales brings a New York meets Mediterranean Coast vibe to the Shops of Providence with an elegant coffee and cocktail bar designed to take you from day to night. Established in November 2024 and known as Alabama’s first cocktails on tap venue, it’s the perfect spot for any craving, any time, and all age groups. From handcrafted coffee and specialty teas to elevated cocktails, creative zero-proof options, delicious bites, and globally inspired flavors-Alka makes sure there’s truly something for everyone. Guests can even customize their drink with adaptogens for a balanced wellness touch. This elevated space, with its minimalistic luxury and community-driven atmosphere, can most certainly feel like an escape without ever leaving Huntsville.
Vania
Shop MOSS
Vania Barbieri-Morris of Shop MOSS displays the charm and allure of Italy with her gorgeous storefront located in the Providence area. With its beginnings in 2018 and a storefront established in August 2025, a step inside displays lovely home décor, purposefully chosen clothing, high-quality jewelry and most notably the most stunning charm bar the eye has seen. Every detail is delicately placed, from the faux Italian tiles found in both the entrance of the store and changing room to the sculptor studio look of the charm bar. And while it exudes a very feminine theme, the store itself is still a nod to her boys as the name itself means Mother of SonS. Noteworthy about her brick and mortar is that her husband hand-made everything that can be seen, making it all that much more special. Vania is all about intentionality in bringing the community together with events, and her charm bar especially allows self-expression and symbolism in the most elegant way.
The Rocket City is home to extraordinary women with incredible tales. Each one is different from the other and offers a unique perspective that can most certainly enrich one’s lives. May these women’s stories inspire those in the community around them.
