In honor of Women's History Month, we’re spotlighting inspiring women living out their passions in a place we cherish and call home—Downtown Lubbock.
For these women, downtown is more than a place of business. It’s where they build community and lean into creativity. It’s also where they take on challenges and inspire other women to go after what they deserve.
Marsha Johnson
Sweet Creations, Owner
For nearly nine years, Marsha Johnson has been serving delicious treats to the Downtown Lubbock community with her mom-and-pop bakery, Sweet Creations. Specializing in custom cakes, her bakery is a true reflection of her passion.
Marsha’s bakery has a purpose beyond sweets. Her business is her way of leaving a legacy for her kids and grandchildren. She also loves how her bakery allows her to be part of her community’s memorable moments, whether that’s baking a cake for a first birthday party or a 100th celebration.
“I believe that having a business in Downtown Lubbock is where I'm supposed to be at the moment. There is so much building up around us, and I can't wait to be a part of this amazing journey of building up Downtown Lubbock. It just means so much more since I'm an African American woman-owned business.”
1308 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 701-5875
Sally Taylor
The Brewery LBK, Head Brewer
Sally Taylor, Head Brewer at The Brewery LBK, has found her way in the brewing industry. She often collaborates with chefs Cameron West and Mike Nghiem to develop new ideas for flavors, beverages, marketing, and everything in between.
As one of the few female brewers, Sally feels blessed to work with an amazing team that embraces creativity and allows her to work in an industry she finds rewarding. She loves living and working in Downtown Lubbock because of the diverse community, history, art, and, of course, beer!
“Don’t be afraid to take chances and experience new things! That includes exploring, working, and living in Downtown LBK. Our community is very inclusive and supportive.”
1204 Broadway Street #104, Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 993-9378
Morgan Guffey-Selaya
Mo Productions, Founder
In 2023, Morgan Guffey-Selaya started organizing events in Downtown Lubbock to bring together small businesses, vendors, food trucks, musicians, and anyone looking to be part of something special. She knows how important it is to be surrounded by community, so she wanted to give people a space to build their own.
Morgan finds inspiration in simple things, like being a regular at a coffee shop or striking up conversations with strangers. These moments remind her why she does her work and push her to continue creating spaces where people can connect and support each other.
“I'm truly honored to work alongside so many amazing women and witness their strength and creativity in ways I couldn’t fully capture. It’s been such a blessing to exist in this community, surrounded by people who inspire me every day.”
(432) 955-3386
Lindsey Maestri
Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA), Executive Director
Her entire career has been in the arts, so when Lindsey Maestri moved to Lubbock eight years ago, she knew she’d find her way to downtown. Today, she’s the Executive Director of LHUCA, the largest arts center within a 300-mile radius.
LHUCA has a strong presence in Lubbock, organizing events like the First Friday Art Trail, a monthly gathering to enjoy an evening of art and music. Lindsey is drawn to the arts because of the sense of community it creates and its role in shaping a community’s identity, which she believes to be true for Lubbock.
"I am fortunate to work for an organization with a strong female namesake. Louise Underwood had a vision for the arts and Downtown LBK that has shaped our community in an incredible way. Can you imagine downtown without the arts? Without First Friday Art Trail or all the amazing small businesses that have popped up around it? I cannot!"
511 Ave K, Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 762-8606
Joy Harris
Joy Harris Music, Musician
Joy Harris grew up in Downtown Lubbock and started playing music with her late mentor, Alan Shinn, at the Lubbock Club. Since then, she has played at restaurants and private venues for community events and is available for festivals!
With a diverse musical background, Joy offers various styles of music for different types of events. For her, music is life. She has seen music unite people regardless of language and conflict and is inspired by the lives she has touched with her musical gift.
“Being a female in the music industry can be challenging. However, nothing that's worth it in life comes without challenges. The Lubbock community has been extraordinarily supportive of me! When I have faced challenges because of how others see me, overwhelming support has come from the salt of the earth and the people around me. This is why I choose to stay based out of LBK.”
This is Just the Beginning
These women and so many others have shaped Downtown Lubbock, and their work continues to create opportunities for more women to make a lasting impact.
As Marsha puts it: “Downtown Lubbock is a great place to be because it's growing and there have been great economic developments and revitalization efforts, not to mention all the cultural history as well. It's just the place to be.”
