SOLOMONS, Md. — Last week, Solomons welcomed three new businesses to the Patuxent Shopping Plaza. Habit Fitness, Shy Beauty and AllyCat Walk are open for new customers. Each is a woman-owned, independent business, helmed by locals committed to adding value to the community.
Located in a beautifully renovated space, the businesses reflect the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of their owners. Though their business offerings and models differ, the three women share some common goals: welcoming people through their doors and uplifting others.
The Calvert County Department of Economic Development held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 17, along with County Commissioners Catherine Grasso and Todd Ireland, to celebrate these new additions. Calvert County has made efforts to support locally owned businesses through the preference program and small business grant programs, among other initiatives.
These three dynamic women have all risen to the occasion, bringing their entrepreneurial spirit and skills to the local business scene.
Shyanne Ricchiuto, the owner of Shy Beauty, described opening her studio as a “labor of love” and said she “wanted to create a space that feels both professional and personal, a reflection of the care and creativity we bring to every service.”
Shy Beauty provides a full range of beauty services, including lashes, spray tans, waxing, hair and wedding makeup, with a mission to help clients feel confident and radiant. Ricchiuto, a Baltimore Ravens cheerleader, said she’s passionate about using her platform to uplift the community and connect with others—something she thinks is especially important as a woman-owned business.
Ally Harrington of AllyCat Walk Boutique shared that meeting the community’s needs was a significant influence in why she decided to expand her business, too. Harrington started the business in 2020 in a single room and expanded to community events when she realized she wasn’t meeting the needs of shoppers on social media alone. The store, a stylish retail shop offering women’s clothing, accessories and unique gifts, is designed to create a fun and welcoming shopping experience.
“Our storefront journey would not be possible without the support of Southern Maryland,” Harrington said in an emailed statement. “We plan to host workshops, small businesses and vendor markets to continue to support other small businesses and provide unique shopping to all. I believe small businesses are stronger together!”
Katie York is a fellow Southern Maryland native who built her business on gaps she saw in her space. “I wanted to create more than just a gym. I wanted to build a place where effort is celebrated, energy is shared and consistency is transformed into confidence.” Her gym, Habit Fitness, is a supportive space focused on health, wellness and empowerment, offering personalized fitness services and more.
York summed up the excitement of opening at this location: “We’ve built a space that reflects the heart of Solomons—welcoming, uplifting and full of momentum—and we can’t wait to keep growing alongside it.”
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