Femme Fatale DC has been part of the District’s creative and entrepreneurial landscape since 2016. Located at 3409 Connecticut Avenue NW, the shop is known for its eclectic atmosphere, its mix of timeless and expressive pieces, and its mission to uplift women in business. Co‑owners Adriana Mendoza and C Smith have shaped the space into a welcoming environment where women can shop, explore ideas, and build confidence.
The store features mostly local artists from DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Behind the shop, a former open patio has been transformed into a public area that now hosts a range of activities. With a rotating collection of items that keeps customers curious and engaged, the shop currently supports around 55 to 60 female and non‑binary entrepreneurs. This blend of creativity and opportunity reflects the heart of Femme Fatale DC.
The name Femme Fatale holds personal meaning for both owners, and each brings her own interpretation to the identity of the brand. C Smith said, “For me, it means being female forward. It reflects who we are as a store that hosts women entrepreneurs and contributes to the women and entrepreneurship ecosystem.” Adriana added, “It’s about confidence in oneself and tapping into our own resources so we can unlock the talents and skills we each have to offer. When we do that as individuals, it strengthens all of us.”
From the start, their vision has centered on creating a place where women can test products, learn from one another, and gain exposure in a supportive environment. Over time, the shop has become a recognizable part of the women‑owned business landscape in the District.
Like many small business owners, Adriana and C Smith have navigated challenges with visibility, raising capital, and learning the early stages of entrepreneurship. Both emphasize the value of reflection, asking for resources, and leaning on community as they continue to grow. Adriana said, “I see the uncertainty we all carry, and it’s powerful to witness the moments when we talk to one another and offer encouragement. Those reminders that we can set the standard together truly matter.” C Smith added, “It’s always about navigating what you can, growing in the areas you have control over, and doing as much as you can on your own as you move forward.”
Their work has expanded beyond their own storefront. They are developing a model to help other entrepreneurs secure retail spaces and build sustainable businesses, using their experience to guide others through steps that often feel out of reach. C Smith said, “You can see the shift we’re creating. After nine years of supporting entrepreneurs in our own space, we’re now testing a model that helps them launch spaces of their own, using what we’ve learned to guide them through securing locations, opening, and getting the investment they need to start.”
For both owners, Women’s History Month is a moment to honor the women who shaped the path they walk today and to continue creating opportunities for those who will follow. Adriana sees it as a focused celebration that should carry into the rest of the year. She said, “I celebrate it every day. I just want us to carry the same enthusiasm we feel this month into every month of the year. That energy should not be limited to a moment. It can continue in the way we show up for one another all year long.”
C Smith views the month as a tribute to the past and a call to action in the present, recognizing the women who built without recognition and the responsibility to continue that work today. She said, “It is not only about celebrating the past. It is also about continuing the work in real time by creating spaces and opportunities. For me, it is honoring the women who came before us while serving the future at the same time.”
Femme Fatale DC reflects that focus. It is a place where creativity is encouraged, where vulnerability is welcomed, and where women can take risks even when uncertainty is present. Adriana and C Smith continue to expand what the business can offer, not only through their products but through the opportunities they create for others.
As they look ahead, their focus remains on supporting women who want to build something of their own. Their story is one of persistence, imagination, and community, a fitting tribute for Women’s History Month and a reminder of the impact women entrepreneurs make across the District.