Hailey’s, a smoke shop located at Sixth and Green Street in Champaign, opened in early 2023. The pink aesthetic and multi-colored products lining the windows set it apart from the other smoke shops on campus — but not just because of the visuals.
The shop is marketed towards women because the owner, Hailey Alessandra, said she wants to combat the stigma and stereotypes around women who smoke. The environment of other shops on campus doesn’t feel safe because of sexual harassment, Alessandra said. Because of this, she currently only hires women to work in her store.
Besides Hailey’s, several other businesses in Champaign-Urbana also create spaces specifically for women. These include:
- CU Women’s Boxing, a gym with a mission to empower women through boxing classes
- Curves, one of the largest chains of gyms for women
- Merci’s Refuge, a residential program for adult women in crisis
- Austin’s Place at C-U at Home, a “next step” shelter helping women out of congregate shelter living to continue on their pathway by providing a supportive living environment
But what are the legal implications of these hiring practices?
The situation at Hailey’s has brought up questions about these practices at places like residential programs and shelters, like Merci’s Refuge in Champaign.
This multimedia project explores why these places feel their hiring practices are necessary and looks at them from a legal context. Hear from Alessandra, the director at Merci’s Refuge, and labor and employment experts.