You usually don't need a handmade bike, or a super expensive bike if you can get a bike off the shelf that has been carefully fitted to your unique build.
Women often have short torsos and long legs, compared to men of the same height.
That means a cursory stand over test may give a woman a bike that seems fine for the lower half of her, but presumes she's much longer in the waist. To get a good fit, you need to be your own best advocate, and try not to be in a rush to buy a bike. This is a protection for the friend. Back to the fit. The other kind of fit, done indoors, at the shop.