Celebrate HER Story: The Women of Disney Springs

Originally published at Disney Parks News

As we continue to Celebrate HER Story all month long, honoring the strong, creative, and inspirational women at Walt Disney World, we turn the spotlight to a few of the many women that share their talents with us at Disney Springs.

Sanuk | Lindsay Merwin, Hannah Hoch, Heather Tabor, Artists

Did you know that Sanuk at Disney Springs is the only physical Sanuk store in the world? And the location also is the home of three inspiring artists that share their art through hand-painted, customized shoes.

Lindsay Merwin is an award-winning Florida artist and has been painting shoes at Sanuk since September 2021. She gets much of her inspiration from people. Their energy, feelings, complexity – and the many ways to express that with paint.

Hannah Hoch has always had a passion for storytelling through art. She draws her inspiration from creating one-of-a-kind pieces and making wonderful memories for others.

Heather Tabor is a self-taught artist from Michigan. She has been painting at Sanuk since 2019, but has been drawing her whole life. Her pets and the beauty of nature are some of her biggest inspirations.

Raglan Road | Maggie Domingo McIlroy, Dance Captain

If you’ve been to Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, you’ve probably seen Maggie Domingo McIlroy up on stage. Maggie fell in love with Irish Dance after watching Riverdance at the age of seven, and has been dancing ever since. After a very successful competitive career, she joined the cast of Raglan Road in 2015. And was recently appointed Dance Captain. Maggie also assists the Production team to help create new and exciting numbers for the show. Her devotion and commitment to her craft is unmatched, and shines through on stage.

Sugarboo & Co. | Rebecca Puig, Owner

Rebecca Puig is the artist behind Sugarboo & Co. Rebecca’s children are her main inspiration – and their nicknames even helped inspire the company name. Founded in 2005, and now with 12 locations throughout the United States, Rebecca strives to create Sugarboo products that remind us of the ones we love.

Rustic Cuff | Jill Donovan, Founder

There are two simple but strong words that describe Jill Donovan perfectly, “passionate” and “purposeful.” Jill was a practicing attorney and adjunct law professor when her passion for cuff bracelets, and her need to refill her gift closet, led her to begin Rustic Cuff. Jill especially loves the fact that almost as often as her customers buy cuffs to keep, they buy them to give away. “It’s about the connection that is made between two people, sometimes even strangers, when these women are moved to gift the cuff off their own wrists,” she noted. “You can change your world… one act of kindness (or one cuff) at a time.”

Wondermade | Jenn Clark, Co-Founder

Jenn Clark co-founded Wondermade in 2012 with her husband, Nathan. 10 years and many dreams of new marshmallow flavors later, she’s helped Wondermade deliver millions of marshmallows around the world. S’mores Marshmallows are her favorite, which is fitting because there’s always “s’more” to do between running the business, raising six kids and being involved in her community.

Lilly Pulitzer | Lilly Pulitzer, Founder

Lilly Pulitzer was one of the earliest female entrepreneurs in the fashion industry. Around 1959, Lilly Pulitzer opened a juice stand in Palm Beach with produce from her husband’s citrus groves. While her business was a hit, she found that squeezing the fruit was staining her clothes. So Lilly had her dressmaker design a juice stand uniform to camouflage the stains, resulting in a comfortable sleeveless shift dress made of bright printed cotton in pink, green, yellow, and orange. Sound familiar? The newest Lilly Pulitzer print features Cinderella Castle and celebrates the rich Florida heritage that Lilly and Walt Disney World share – it’s available now at the Marketplace Co-Op.

Kendra Scott Jewelry | Kendra Scott, Founder

One of our newest Disney Springs residents, Kendra Scott Jewelry, was founded by a loving mom, a driven entrepreneur, and a passionate designer who believes the truest form of success is giving back in a meaningful way. Kendra’s commitment to innovation, quality and detail has brought her from a small start-up to a billion-dollar brand. Since she began her company, Kendra has continued to live by three core values: family, fashion and philanthropy. One collection that continues to give back is the Kendra Scott Shop for Good giveback suite. It is a collection of pieces with a designated portion of proceeds that empower women and youth.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar | Chef Lori and Chef Natalie

Two of our Disney Springs Sous Chefs have cooked up delicious dishes at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in honor of Women’s History Month. And trust me, they are as talented as they are inspirational.

Chef Natalie hails from New York City and has been with the company since 2013. She is passionate about making memories through meals, and hopes to inspire the next generation of female chefs. Her dish, Carne Frita con Tostones, reminds her of her childhood and growing up surrounded by her Latin culture. Through this dish, she wants to give guests a small insight into the flavors of the Caribbean.

Chef Lori is a Florida native that joined the company in 2009. From recipe development to menu, to the ever-changing field, she loves everything about being a chef. Chef Lori found inspiration from her family for her special menu item, Nona’s Home-style Meatballs. Every Sunday growing up, her whole family would get together for Sunday gravy, pasta, pizza and of course meatballs, from her grandmother’s kitchen. She hopes guests find the same love and comfort in the dish as she did growing up.

Amorette’s Patisserie | Chef Yoly

Chef Yoly is the pastry chef behind the magic at Amorette’s Patisserie. She visited Walt Disney World on vacation from Puerto Rico one year and the rest is history. With 28 years of experience in the food industry, 11 years as a chef and a 2017 Walt Disney World Legacy Award honoree, Chef Yoly is an inspiration to everyone she meets. For Women’s History Month, she created The Passion of My Life, a sweet treat featuring bright flavors and bold colors.

We’re so thrilled to be celebrating the many amazing women of Disney Springs. Be sure to check out the amazing #CelebrateHERStory offerings, and visit the Disney Springs website for full details.

• City Works Eatery & Pour House: The “Her Hops” Beer Flight is back, featuring women-owned/led breweries: Robonaut Red Ale from Playalinda Brewing Co., Titusville, FL; You’re My Boy, Blue! from Brew Bus Brewing, Tampa, FL; Hakuna Matata from D9 Brewing Company, Cornelius; NC Duke’s Cold Nose from Bold City Brewery, Jacksonville, FL.
• The Spice & Tea Exchange: As a women-led business, The Spice & Tea Exchange is empowering women one cup of tea at a time. During Women’s History Month they are featuring the Berry Bouquet Herbal and Creme Brulee Teas, perfectly paired with their Floral Pattern Tea Mug.
• Art of Disney: From March 1-17, meet award winning contemporary expressive fine art painter Crystal Dombrosky. She will be appearing with her work daily.
• House of Blues: During Weekend Brunch, House of Blues will feature live music by talented local artist Layla Brisbois.
• Live Entertainment: Empowering and entertaining performers can be found at Disney Springs all month long. Visit our event calendarfor the latest schedules.

I hope you have a chance to visit Disney Springs this month, and experience the contributions of these remarkable women. And don’t forget to tag your Disney Springs photos with #CelebrateHERStory, I’d love to see your adventures!