Group of businesswomen set for Spring Thing!

How to go

What: That Spring Thing!, an annual hometown expo

Where: Springboro High School, 1675 S. Main St.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 19

Cost: Free

More info: 937-748-0074 or see the event's Facebook page

There were 8.3 million women-owned businesses in the nation in April 2015, according to the website at www.triplepundit.com. These women have more employees than McDonald's, IBM and Walmart combined.

Four of those women have set up shops in the historic district of Springboro within the last two years: Leslie Moss/Leslie Savage Photography; Kami Mosher/Shoppe Smitten; Eliza Mallue/Ironwood Phoenix; and Shelly Miles/Hampton House Boutique.

“We’re just trying to revitalize downtown businesses here, and bring in more foot traffic. We’re all really active on social media,” said Moss. “Last month we did our first Ladies’ Night Out event, and we will be doing that quarterly throughout the year. The response was overwhelming; about 75 came and it was freezing outside.”

Leslie Savage Photography got its start in 2009, and moved to historic Springboro in May of 2014. Moss specializes in senior portraits for students. This past June, a boutique business that she had started became a separate business run by Mosher. Shoppe Smitten has clothing and jewelry for young adults and trendy moms.

Hampton House Boutique, located at 140 S. Main St., opened May 1, 2015; Miles co-owns the business with Steve Kramer. The business offers personalized gifts, home decor, furniture and clothing.

“I teach Pinterest Classes on Thursday evenings. People do crafts and play Yard Yahtzee,” said Miles.

Ironwood Phoenix, Inc. is located at 153 S. Main St. in Springboro, and is a family-owned construction business. The company’s move to historic Springboro is recent, and the business is run by Mallue.

These four businesswomen will share space with about 200 other businesses and nonprofit organizations at the annual Hometown Expo That Spring Thing! at Springboro High School on Saturday, March 19.

“We are expecting a huge crowd and lots of great prizes for the attendees. Local residents can directly interface with area small businesses and nonprofit organizations for free with no obligation,” said Springboro Chamber executive director Carol Hughes.