THREE WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES OPEN IN DAYTON

DAYTON, Ind. (WLFI) —  Three different women have opened up three, thriving businesses in the town of Dayton. Local Motive Meals, the Red Bird Cafe and Melinda's House of Hair all provide a unique touch to the community.  

"The future of Dayton is female," said Local Motive Meals Owner Theresa Warner.

For La-Trisha Brown the Red Bird Cafe created a way to fuel her passion, cooking.  

"My passion has always been to make people happy," said Brown. "And food makes people happy."

Brown catered for years, however her real dream was to own a restaurant. That dream finally became a reality when her daughter, who lives across the country in Rhode Island, encouraged Brown to do so.

"She told me mom you need to open a restaurant, you're a really good cook," said Brown.

Since she's opened, dozens of people have come in for not only good food, but for good company.

"It gives me a feeling of empowerment," said Brown. "In the past it was very hard for women to own a successful business and to gain the respect that women deserve."

Right next to Red Bird Cafe is Melinda's House of Hair.

"If you have to work, you should love what you do," said Melinda Carson.

Carson owns Melinda's House of Hair. She's put blood, sweat and tears into moving and renovating her "House of Hair" and she's ready for business.

"I'm excited to be part of the three girls in town and to leave footprints behind for other young girls," said Carson. 

Just up the road from Melinda's House of Hair and the Red Bird Cafe, you'll find Teresa Warner's Local Motive Meals.

Similar to a subscription food service, customers can buy and heat frozen to fabulous meals in just one hour, and the food is locally sourced. The meat is straight from her other business, Sheepdog Farms. 

Warner said being female owned and operated comes with great responsibility.

"The little girls that drive by on their bikes, they see something here, they see that it's female owned," said Warner. "And they can think that could be me, I could do that."

So as the three owners continue serve, cut and chop - they hope their success can inspire the next generation.

"It's our job to show them, you can do anything," said Warner. "You know what, you can do anything. Adjust your tiara and go get it." 

-by Alexis Moberger from WLFI