Uncategorized March 8, 2021

Woman Owned Businesses on Whidbey

Happy International Women’s Day!

International Women’s Day is a global day meant to celebrate the achievements of women across the world and call to action greater gender equality. This year we wanted to celebrate the day by highlighting just a few phenomenal women-owned businesses on Whidbey Island, starting with our own brokerage owner – Kristen Stavros!

Windermere Whidbey |  32785 WA-20 #4, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Women Owned Business, Kristen Stavros, Windermere Real Estate, Whidbey Island, National Womans day

Kristen Stavros is the Co-Owner of Windermere Real Estate Whidbey Island. After spending years as an agent and then managing broker, Kristen stepped into the new role as owner in 2019. Since then she has been the spearhead visionary for the Windermere Whidbey brokerage as well as inspiring change and diversity among all of Windermere. 

CreAda’s Hair and Wig Salon | 910 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Windermere Whidbey Island

Ada Moseley is the owner and head stylist for CreAda’s Hair and Wig Salon. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she is a stylist that provides the highest level of hair care and knowledge to her clients.

Bayshore Chiropractic | 840 SE Bayshore Dr # 101, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Windermere Real estate

Dr. Dawn is a much-loved and respected chiropractor on Whidbey Island. With over 20 years of experience and genuine compassion for her clients; she provides outstanding quality service that is hard to find elsewhere.  

Frida’s | 721 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Windermere Real estate, Whidbey Island, Woman

Naomi Gamboa Schneider is the owner and operator of Frida’s Arts & Craft store. She has a deep passion for creativity and talks readily about how her store, which features all kinds of great paper and art supplies, is the realization of a long-held dream.

Seaside Salon and Spa | 5 Front St NW, Coupeville, WA 98239

Windermere Blog, Aaron Wiley

Aaron Wiley’s Seaside Spa and Salon is known for being a place of deep relaxation and joy. With a number of stylists, nail techs, massage therapists, and estheticians; Seaside Spa and Salon’s repertoire of services is sure to impress.

Orlando’s Bar + Southern BBQ | 656 SE Bayshore Dr. Ste 1, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Orlandos, oak harbor, Washington

Ms. Jackie had nothing more than two cast iron pots, a tent, and a vision when she started the now-beloved Orlando’s Bar and Southern BBQ. Whether you’re looking for the best-grilled catfish on the island or just a friendly upbeat atmosphere, Orlando’s is an establishment you do not want to miss.

3 Sisters Market | 779 N Holbrook Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239

3 sisters Market, real estate, Whidbey island

It is honestly hard to imagine Whidbey Island without the multi-generational 3 Sister’s Farm. In 2013, Roshel and her sisters added to their legacy when they opened 3 Sister’s Market which is dedicated to offering customers the best selection of products from the most local sources. 

Little Town Cottage | 851 SE Pioneer Way, Suite #102 Oak Harbor, WA, 98277

Little Town Cottage, Oak Harbor, Washington, Whidbey Island

Maria Rodriguez is the founder and visionary of the incredible soap shop, Little Town Cottages. With a dream to build a business she can pass down to her children, Maria started her store in 2018 by selling home decor, gift ideas, and body products. The community fell in love with her creative soap creations, and she now has expanded her store.

Collections Boutique | 24 Front St NE, Coupeville, WA 98239

Jennifer, whidbey island, Woman Owned Businesses

Jennifer Bachmann is the owner and operator of Coupeville Front Street’s Collections Boutique. This quaint store, situated in a historic 1887 building, carries a variety of clothing lines, jewelry, accessories, and baby gifts for consumers. 

Forage | No Physical Location

Forage , oak harbor, whidbey island, Washington

Anyone who has seen a bouquet by Lexi Ochoa knows this woman has an absolute talent for floral arrangements. Lexi’s bouquets are not only stunning, but they also are locally sourced. Forage uses small farms, gardens, and found flowers as much as possible in her arrangements which make them unique and last a great deal longer than other bouquets.

Map to Woman-Owned Businesses on Whidbey:

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PlacesThings to Do on Whidbey February 26, 2021

How to Spend a Weekend on Whidbey Island During Each Season of the Year 

Whidbey Island visitors know that they can come back time and time again and always see and do something new, and depending on the time of year you visit, this is especially true! Each season brings something special to discover, and whether you’re visiting in the heart of winter or in the middle of a hot summer, our island is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.

In this post, we’re sharing our recommendations for where to stay, where to eat, and what to do depending on the season!

How to Spend a Winter Weekend on Whidbey Island

how to spend a Weekend on Whidbey

  • Stay: Snuggle up in a picturesque cabin at Captain Whidbey. Nestled on the Penn Cove waterfront, this historic inn offers cute cabins, Scandanavian-inspired rooms, a lodge, a restaurant, and an idyllic setting perfect for relaxation.

 

  • Eat: Oystercatcher is always cozy, and this tiny restaurant is easier to get a reservation at in the winter. Request a window table and look out over Coupeville and Penn Cove! We also recommend heading to Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar—its dark, cozy atmosphere is perfect for the winter.

 

How to Spend a Spring Weekend on Whidbey Island

Seasons

  • Stay: The Inn at Langley offers a totally luxe waterfront experience! The guest rooms, suites, and cottages offer waterfront views, and you can indulge in spa packages and fine dining without leaving the indulgent comfort of the inn. Plus, the immaculately maintained grounds are lovely and filled with vibrant blossoms to enjoy.

 

  • Eat: Visit Flower House Cafe at Bayview Farm & Garden for breakfast or lunch, and check out the iconic Laburnum Arbor when it’s in bloom while you are there. For dinner, head to Ultra House, a hole-in-the-wall type of place and an absolute gem. If you love ramen, it’s okay to set your expectations extremely high when you visit Ultra House—they aim to impress the palate.

 

  • To Do: Spend some time exploring Whidbey Island’s stunning gardens. Meerkerk Gardens in Greenbank features scenic trails surrounded by a huge variety of plants and flowers. Meerkerk is especially known for their rhododendrons, which bloom from early to late spring.

 

How to Spend a Summer Weekend on Whidbey Island

How to spend a Weekend on Whidbey

  • Stay: Comforts of Whidbey is a summertime oasis, and views of vineyards, bucolic pastures, and the shimmering Puget Sound are aplenty. This bed and breakfast is also conveniently a winery, so you can enjoy their wines in the tasting room before you head upstairs to your lodgings.

 

  • Eat: Callen’s Restaurant is right on the water in Coupeville, and not only do they have excellent food, they are close to the ferry to Port Townsend in case you are island hopping. In Langley, the Prima Bistro upstairs deck offers a gorgeous space to enjoy French-inspired Northwest fare, and you can finish off the evening at Captain Whidbey Inn’s outdoor deck. Captain Whidbey offers phenomenal views + delicious cocktails.

 

  • To Do: One thing on Whidbey Island that’s only available during warmer months is kayaking tours with Whidbey Island Kayaking. You can choose from several different types of tours—head out on a half-day adventure paddling to see wildlife and classic PNW scenes, go on a guided bird-watching kayak tour, or even head out at night for a memorable bioluminescence kayaking tour.

How to Spend an Autumn Weekend on Whidbey Island

How to spend a weekend on Whidbey

  • Stay: Auld Holland Inn offers a totally unique experience in Oak Harbor. This old-world gem features Dutch architecture, beautiful gardens, charming accommodations, and an onsite restaurant.

 

  • Eat: For a pricey but memorable experience, Orchard Kitchen is known for their rustic, “farm-to-table” experience. During non-COVID times you can enjoy family-style dinners at community tables.

 

  • To Do: Whidbey Island is known for its many small farms, and autumn is the perfect time of year to enjoy our bountiful harvests. Sherman’s Pioneer Farm is a popular destination for locals this time of year, and you can take a tractor tour through the pumpkin patch, stock up on fresh local produce, and meet the resident cows, all in a festive fall atmosphere.

 

For more Whidbey Island recommendations, keep exploring our blog! 

Places February 23, 2021

Black-Owned Businesses on Whidbey

Windermere Whidbey is a proud supporter and celebrator of Black History Month. This year we wanted to do something extra special to commemorate the month, so we have collected a list of Black-Owned Businesses on Whidbey that we think you are going to love visiting. 

Orlando’s Bar and Southern BBQ | 656 SE Bayshore Dr Ste 1, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Orlando’s Bar and Southern BBQ is a community treasure that started with nothing more than two cast iron pots, a tent, and a woman with a vision. Starting at the local farmer’s market, Ms. Jackie and her family served up southern-style food that took the Oak Harbor community by storm. Within a few years the business grew from a tent to a truck, and now an incredible downtown restaurant few can resist. Whether you’re looking for the best-grilled catfish on the island or just a friendly upbeat atmosphere to enjoy, Orlando’s is an establishment you do not want to miss. 

CreAda’s | 910 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Ada Moseley is the owner and head stylist for CreAda’s Hair and Wig Salon. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she is a stylist that provides the highest level of hair care and knowledge to her clients. She is known for making her clients feel special from the moment they walk through her door as well as cultivating a respectful and diverse atmosphere within her salon. If you’re looking for experience and compassion from your stylist, she is the one to call! 

Shaw Photography | No physical Location

Shaw Photography is owned and operated by Willie and Kelsey Shaw. Whidbey Island natives, Willie and Kelsey met in high school and fell in love. As adults, the couple has built a business combining their skills in photography and videography that allows them to work together and gives them more time with their two young sons. Willie is an especially talented videographer who you may recognize as the cameraman behind Annie Cash’s Your Local Look Videos. If you’re looking for an engagement, maternity, or family photographer, you can’t go wrong with this insanely creative couple. 

 

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Lesedi Farm | 2812 Thompson Rd, Langley WA 98277

A truly unique treasure for Whidbey Island, Lesedi Farm is owned and operated by Dorcas Young. Dorcus was born and raised in Botswana on her family’s 500-acre farm where she learned the art of cultivating crops and raising livestock. After meeting and falling in love with a Washington State native, Dorcus moved to Whidbey Island with her husband and four children. She brought with her seeds from Botswana to plant in her garden and soon followed the inspiration for her farm. Dorcas now sells produce from her garden at local farmers’ markets as well as Botswana-styled meals and food products. You can find her products at Pike Place Market, West Seattle Farmers Market, and Bayview Farmers Market.

 

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Jahleel Vester with Summit Funding, Inc. | 275 SE Cabot Drive, Suite A8

Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Jahleel Vester is a Whidbey Island native who absolutely loves his community. Anyone who meets Jahleel knows that he has a passion for living life to the fullest and serving his clients well. As an individual who knows all too well the historical struggles of the black community within the housing market, he desires to be a role model and trailblazer for others. Working with Summit Funding has given Jahleel the opportunity to build a business that aligns with his vision and dreams. If you’re looking for a passionate loan officer ready to educate you and find the solutions you need, look no further.

 

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Ozell Jackson with HomeBridge | 32650 State Route 20, Suite 201, Oak Harbor, Washington 98277

Ozell Jackson is a Puget Sound native who greatly values community and making a meaningful impact. Through the years he has served the community as a football, basketball, and soccer coach, instilling the discipline of making plans and taking responsibility for mistakes in his students. This passion for service drives his career as a Loan Officer and is why he chooses to work with Homebridge, who he feels shares this goal with him. 

Posted by Team Jackson Ozell & Julie Jackson, Loan Originators on Sunday, June 23, 2019

We’re committed to helping you with your homeownership questions through this turbulent time. Send me a message today to…

Posted by Team Jackson Ozell & Julie Jackson, Loan Originators on Thursday, April 2, 2020

Mrs. Billies Beauty Salon | 715 SE Fidalgo Ave. suite #201, Oak Harbor

Mrs. Billies Beauty Salon is located comfortably within The Loft on Fidalgo and Dock in Oak Harbor. Billie Foster is an incredibly talented hairstylist with over 26 years of experience who offers a variety of services to any and everyone regardless of their hair type or texture. She’s known for receiving a great amount of joy in making her clients feel good about the way they look. Whether you want to switch up your color, try extensions, do silk presses or relaxers; Mrs. Billie has got you covered.

Dean’s Sports Plus | 730 N Oak Harbor St, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Dean Lewis, the owner of Dean’s Sports Plus, always had the vision to own his own business and be his own boss. His sporting goods store is the realization of the dream. Having spent the last 30 years servicing clients’ sporting needs, he not only has returning customers but multiple generations of them. He has earned a reputation within the community for being an outstanding repairman for sports equipment ranging from bicycles to snow skis. So the next time you need a chain fixed or a wheel adjusted, you know who to call!  

 

Did we miss a business? Let us know in the comments! 

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