March 2026 – We are honoring Women’s History Month with a look at local, women-owned products that we stock at Driver’s Market. These brands are award winners, best sellers, renowned trailblazers, and new endeavors. They are all founded and run by innovative women who bring new ideas to the grocery industry everyday.
Like all these great products, Women’s History Month has local roots. It all started in 1978 when the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women launched a local “Women’s History Week” centered on March 8, International Women’s Day. The celebration drew strong community support, with classroom presentations, essay contests, and a parade in downtown Santa Rosa. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared “Women’s History Week” nationally, and by 1987, Congress declared March as “National Women’s History Month” in perpetuity.
AUNTIE JJ’S
JANICE CLEMENT
Petaluma
Hospitality pro Janice Clement has worked all the industry jobs, from event planning, to dishwasher, to bartender, to line cook. Now with a business of her own, Janice is able to utilize local cottage food industry laws, and bake from her certified home kitchen in Petaluma. Known as “Auntie JJ” to her nieces and nephews, Janice launched a line of salted shortbread cookies. Try her Matcha-black sesame, Cardamom, Brown-butter pecan, and Dark chocolate chunk – arranged together they make a beautiful dessert board! Auntie JJ’s cookies are available at just a handful of Marin retailers, and we’re delighted to carry them at Driver’s.
BONNY DOON
DIANE MEEHAN (Legacy)
ANITA ELFVING (Manager)
Santa Cruz
The team of women that run Bonny Doon skincare call themselves the farm ladies: Anita, Victoria, Dorothee and Jessica. On weekdays you’ll find them receiving calls, prepping products, and packing orders. Their lavender is harvested, for 52 years and counting, on the historic Bonny Doon farm in Santa Cruz. The team credits their work ethic and passion for perfection that have brought them success: Only the best will do! All products are made in California, many handmade locally in Santa Cruz. Bonny Doon’s soaps, salves and lotions are carefully crafted by hand in small batches, using only the very best ingredients. ‘The real thing, from real people.’
CLAIRESQUARES
CLAIRE KEANE
San Francisco
Claire Keane’s path as an entrepreneur began in County Cork, Ireland and led her to San Francisco where she founded Clairesquares in 2006. Claire’s love affair with crafting delicious treats started at the age of 12, inspired by her mother’s cherished cookbooks. Following family recipes, Claire set out to perfect an Irish shortbread that was buttery and crisp, with just a hint of sweetness. She chose a square shape for clean edges and a satisfying bite, making each cookie feel both classic and modern. Claire kicked off Clairesquares at La Cocina, San Francisco’s culinary incubator, and quickly gained a following at local markets and neighborhood shops. Twenty years in, Clairesquares reflects Claire’s heritage and craftsmanship—simple ingredients and an Irish tradition reimagined for California.
FLOUR AND WATER
HEATHER HARDCASTLE
San Anselmo
Heather Hardcastle eliminated gluten from her diet over 20 years ago. When she found it difficult to purchase the treats she craved, she decided to make them herself. Using the techniques she learned at The Culinary Institute of America, and through much trial and error, she mastered the art of creating gluten-free recipes that had incredible taste and quality. Together with her husband Rick Perko, Flour Craft opened their first retail location in San Anselmo in 2013. Following the bakery’s success, they opened a Mill Valley location and published a cookbook. Now, we are delighted to introduce Flour Craft’s gluten-free mixes: all-purpose baking mix; crumble; and pancake/waffle.
KIVI
KRISTEN SANTA
Marin
KiVi Organics was founded in Marin by Kirsten Santa out of a personal journey that became a passion for skincare. While living in Italy in 2006, Santa’s young son became ill, and doctors there unexpectedly recommended natural remedies. Her son’s recovery sparked Santa’s deep interest in botanical medicine. After returning to Marin, she applied her new-found knowledge to skincare, particularly for environmentally stressed skin and aging skin. Santa developed small-batch formulas free of harmful chemicals and preservatives, aiming to strengthen and care for the body, and reduce wrinkles. And KiVi Organics was born—an artisan skincare line crafted with natural botanicals to support healthy, radiant skin.
MELISSA’S
MELISSA ESPOSITO
Tiburon
KiVi Organics was founded in Marin by Kirsten Santa out of a personal journey that became a passion for skincare. While living in Italy in 2006, Santa’s young son became ill, and doctors there unexpectedly recommended natural remedies. Her son’s recovery sparked Santa’s deep interest in botanical medicine. After returning to Marin, she applied her new-found knowledge to skincare, particularly for environmentally stressed skin and aging skin. Santa developed small-batch formulas free of harmful chemicals and preservatives, aiming to strengthen and care for the body, and reduce wrinkles. And KiVi Organics was born—an artisan skincare line crafted with natural botanicals to support healthy, radiant skin.
QUEENS
CLARA LEE
San Francisco
Clara Lee opened her innovative Korean restaurant, Queens Superette, with her husband Eddo in San Francisco’s Sunset district in 2019. The pandemic hit their small business hard, and they closed the shop in 2023. The pair pivoted to wholesale and online orders, focusing on traditional fermentation and preservation techniques, and working directly with local farms. The goal of Queens is to create products from the Korean diaspora that deliver distinctive traditional flavors without relying on importing. Find their products in our fridge: Janajji (pickled radish); Dwenjang (fermented soybean paste); and Ssam Jang (nutty, fermented condiment – great on everything!)