In the vibrant community of Louisville, a trailblazer is reshaping the landscape for women entrepreneurs, and her name is Amanda Dare. As the founder and visionary behind Woman-Owned Wallet (WOW), Amanda is on a mission to amplify the voices and successes of women-owned businesses, driving economic empowerment and community transformation.
Amanda’s journey is one of passion, creativity, and a relentless commitment to uplifting women. With over 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Amanda has built six successful businesses and mentored more than 75 women into leadership roles. Her flagship initiative, WOW, serves as a multifaceted platform that includes a feminist gift shop, a podcast, empowering events, and a NuLu walking tour that highlights women-owned businesses in Louisville.
Since opening WOW’s flagship storefront in August 2020, Amanda and her team have achieved an extraordinary milestone: funneling $1 million into the wallets of women within just four years. This incredible impact underscores the power of Amanda’s vision to create opportunities and strengthen the local economy by supporting women entrepreneurs.
Under Amanda’s leadership, WOW has become a cornerstone of the Louisville community, fostering financial feminism and reinvesting money directly into the wallets of women. The impact is profound: every purchase made at WOW supports small businesses, creates opportunities, and strengthens the local economy. Amanda’s work exemplifies the power of conscious consumerism, proving that where we spend our dollars shapes the kind of world we build.
Amanda’s efforts go beyond business—they’re about culture and community. Through events like the annual Galentine’s Bash and the festive Pinkmas market, Amanda creates spaces where women entrepreneurs thrive. These events not only provide vendors with record-breaking sales days but also foster a sense of connection and empowerment among attendees. Her work is changing the conversation about shopping local, turning everyday purchases into acts of support for women’s dreams and futures.
Amanda’s contributions extend to her roles in advocacy and mentorship. As a leader in the NuLu Business Association and a supporter of organizations like the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky, Amanda champions safe, inclusive spaces for both businesses and consumers. She also partners with the Racing Louisville team to uplift women athletes and mentors budding entrepreneurs through her podcast, Woman-Owned Wallet: The Podcast. Her signature phrase, “Hi Moneymaker, it’s a great day to shop woman-owned,” has become a rallying cry for her mission.
With a background in theater and design, Amanda brings a creative flair to everything she touches, from store design to storytelling. Her innovative approach has garnered recognition in local media, including features on WLKY, Spectrum News, and WAVE 3, where she’s shared her vision for empowering women through conscious consumerism. Amanda’s work has not only enriched the Louisville community but has also inspired others to reimagine what’s possible when we invest in women.
Amanda Dare’s leadership and creativity are leaving an indelible mark on Louisville. By championing women-owned businesses and fostering economic empowerment, Amanda is not just building a brand—she’s building a movement. Her work reminds us all that when we support women, we enrich entire communities, proving that the WOW Factor is more than a tagline—it’s a way of life.
