The story below is from our May/June 2025 issue. For more stories like it, Subscribe Today. Thank you!
These women-owned businesses offer delightful ways to spend a day off the water at Smith Mountain Lake.
A day at Smith Mountain Lake can be filled with relaxation, creativity and unique shopping experiences — all thanks to the many women-owned businesses that bring charm and character to the area. Whether you’re in the mood for a rejuvenating spa treatment, creating your own artwork, finding the perfect piece of jewelry or indulging in handcrafted goods, these local businesses offer something special for everyone.
Celeste Leiala Bailey
Hawaii Fluid Art
Born on the Big Island of Hawaii, Celeste Leiala Bailey carries the spirit of her homeland into her work at Hawaii Fluid Art. Though Virginia is now home, she will always be a Hilo Girl at heart. With her husband’s encouragement, she opened Hawaii Fluid Art on June 8, 2024, to share the joy of creativity with the community.
Courtesy of Hawaii Fluid Art
“Art can be healing. It can revive the spirit. It brings people together and makes people laugh and smile,” Bailey says. “It stretches people beyond their limitations . . . to be brave.”
Hawaii Fluid Art welcomes all ages and abilities to explore fluid and resin art, offering hands-on experiences like making tumblers, charcuterie boards, canvas paintings, glass art and mosaics. Their latest addition, the Black Light Splatter Tent, brings an exciting twist to artistic expression.
Bailey also curates a collection of locally crafted jewelry, wall hangings and gifts, including Pearls with Purpose, which supports women worldwide, and items from The Crossing in Belize, a ministry empowering young men through handicrafts.
Call or text 540-525-4249 before your visit for 20% off a studio experience, and mention this article for 10% off any retail store purchase.
Hali Hubbard
Courtesy of All Things Irish
Serafina Spa
Since 2019, Hali Hubbard has created a tranquil space for those seeking high-quality, all-natural skincare and wellness treatments at Serafina Spa.
“My passion for helping those in pain find relief and get back to doing what they love, holistic beauty and relaxation inspired me to offer services that not only enhance outer beauty but also promote overall well-being,” Hubbard shares.
Serafina Spa welcomes men, women and teens to enjoy massages, facials, HydraFacials, body treatments, lash and brow enhancements and customized skincare services. The spa will soon launch a massage and facial membership program — an ideal way to incorporate relaxation and self-care into your routine.
Jen Johnson
The Skin Co.
Two years ago, Jen Johnson brought advanced, results-driven skincare treatments to Smith Mountain Lake, offering services such as HydraFacials, Oxygen Facials and The Skin Pen.
“Our facials do more than rejuvenate and refine the skin,” Johnson explains. “We create a full-body experience, beginning with an aromatherapy relaxation journey and ending with treatments that leave the whole body balanced inside and out.”
The Skin Co. caters to all skin types, from teenagers struggling with acne to women embracing the beauty of aging. They specialize in “experienced skin,” offering treatments to soften wrinkles, brighten complexions and enhance natural beauty. Their boutique features organic, clean skincare brands like FarmHouse Fresh and Cosmedix.
From May through June, enjoy special offers on waxing services. Call 540-296-5179 to book an appointment.
Eileen McMahon
All Things Irish
Courtesy of All Things Irish
When Eileen McMahon and her husband, Robby Shipe, moved to Smith Mountain Lake, she noticed the absence of an Irish import shop. Inspired by her Irish roots, she opened All Things Irish on March 17, 2024.
“I started All Things Irish because my parents were immigrants from Ireland, and I missed the familiar foods and imported goods I grew up with in New York,” McMahon shares.
The shop offers authentic Donnelly Irish Bacon and Bangers and Guinness products as well as Irish made jewelry, handmade sweaters, Belleek China, Galway Crystal and Irish and Scottish made purses. McMahon’s favorite part? Witnessing the spark of nostalgia in customers when they discover items that remind them of home or past travels.
For a true Irish treat, visit on a Saturday morning to enjoy McMahon’s homemade Irish scones.
Colleen Shaw
Tiger Lilly Jewelers
For one-of-a-kind jewelry, visit Colleen Shaw at Tiger Lilly Jewelers. An art school educated gold and silversmith, she loves creating with gold, silver and gemstones.
While she opened the Moneta location just over two years ago, she has been in business for 20 years in upstate New York. She offers a beautiful selection of engagement and wedding rings, as well as fine jewelry from various designers—including her own creations. Shaw delights in personally assisting customers find or design their perfect piece.
From May 1-11, enjoy a 20% discount on all silver jewelry — just in time for Mother’s Day!
Courtesy of Farmhouse Catering
Nora Barker, Farmhouse Catering & Meals To Go
Nora Barker
Farmhouse Catering & Meals To Go
After stepping away from her role as General Manager at Empire Bakery, Nora Barker thought she was retiring—but soon realized she wasn’t ready to slow down. What started as an idea for a three-day-a-week catering business quickly grew into a full-time venture at Farmhouse Catering & Meals To Go, where she has been serving fresh, locally sourced meals for eight years.
Barker’s catering services include weddings, baby showers, corporate events, parties and memorial services. At The Farmhouse, visitors can enjoy a cozy atmosphere, watch meals being prepared in the open kitchen and shop for handcrafted pottery, stained glass and woodwork from local artisans.
Jennifer Nix
Magnolia Cove Farm
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Courtesy of Magnolia Cove Farm
Jennifer Nix, Magnolia Cove Farm
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Courtesy of Magnolia Cove Farm
A selection of Goat milk soap from Magnolia Cove Farm
Six years ago, Jennifer Nix’s daughter was gifted a baby goat. Since goats are herd animals, the Nix family added two more and they have multiplied.
“Eventually, we got up the courage to make goat milk soap using the cold processed method and then added goat milk lotion,” says Nix. Sixteen months ago, they started the business.
Magnolia Cove Farm is an ADGA recognized Nigerian Dwarf Goat Farm that produces goat milk soaps and lotions, whipped tallow, whipped sugar scrubs, body mists, bead oil and bead balm, wax melts and room and linen sprays.
Their products are handcrafted in small batches using high quality oils and butters, milk from their goats and locally sourced products whenever possible, like honey and the tallow from grass fed and finished beef. Fragrance oils used are phthalate, sulfate and paraben-free and essential oils.
Find their products at Moneta and Southlake Farmers Markets this summer, or shop online at MagnoliaCoveFarm.com.
Beyond these featured businesses, Smith Mountain Lake is home to several women-owned specialty boutiques, including:
- The Cottage Gate
- The Southern Goat Boutique
- JBohnBishop Mercantile
- Tink’s Boutique
- Comfort and Joy
- Jo & Co Jewelry
- Fabulous Finds
- Sassy’s Boutique
- Reclaimed
No matter what kind of day you’re planning, these women-led businesses offer something unique and meaningful, ensuring your time at Smith Mountain Lake is filled with creativity, relaxation and community spirit. Whether you leave with a piece of art, a rejuvenated glow, a handcrafted treasure or simply a wonderful memory, you’ll be supporting passionate entrepreneurs who bring heart and soul to the lake.
The story above is from our May/June 2025 issue. For more stories like it, Subscribe Today. Thank you!