Small Business: A Bar of Their Own

Since its opening in March 2024, A Bar of Their Own has created a place to celebrate and enjoy women’s sports — one that is unique in Minnesota for its complete dedication to women athletes.

It has also shone as an example of a successful LGBTQ+-owned small business. Owner Jillian Hiscock and her wife, Megan, are active on community sports teams, with Jillian being a regular at Stonewall Sports.

A Bar of Their Own is represented not only in local sports but also at the highest level of the professional game — Minnesota Lynx head coach and President of Basketball Operations Cheryl Reeve sported a Bar of Their Own shirt during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals.

The connection between the Lynx, whose president of business operations, Carley Knox, was featured on the cover of last year’s Lavender Pride Issue, and A Bar of Their Own is a reminder of the connection between the visibility of women’s sports and the LGBTQ+ community. As more eyes are drawn to women’s sports, they are also drawn to LGBTQ+ athletes and team personnel, who are much more visible in women’s sports than men’s.

In addition to bringing visibility to women’s sports, A Bar of Their Own also supports participation in local women’s and girls’ sports via A Fund of Their Own. Proceeds from the fund will be used to sponsor participation in camps and equipment purchases around the Twin Cities metro area.

“A Bar of Their Own is honored to receive the 2025 Community Pride Small Business Award!” Hiscock says. “Our mission has always been to create a welcoming, inclusive space where the LGBTQIA+ community can feel seen, celebrated, and supported. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to building a community where everyone belongs, and we are incredibly grateful!”