MWBC Shop Local is a retail incubator designed to lower the barriers for startup and early-stage retail and small-scale manufacturing entrepreneurs. Established in 2019, MWBC Shop Local minimizes financial risk through shared space and provides technical assistance to help small business owners develop and refine their business strategies. Participants benefit from comprehensive training and mentoring, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the challenges of running a business.

Every six months, a new cohort of entrepreneurs joins the program, bringing fresh ideas and energy to the community. To support their growth and visibility, participants host maker events, providing opportunities to showcase their products, connect with customers, and build their brands. These events foster a vibrant community of entrepreneurs who support and inspire each other.

By offering access to prime retail locations and ongoing technical support, MWBC Shop Local empowers small business owners to succeed and thrive. Visit MWBC Shop Local to discover unique, locally-made products and support our community of innovative entrepreneurs.

Having worked with jewelry for over 10 years now as a freelance designer, I specialize in delicate hand carvings and intricate designs requiring strong attention to detail. I am driven by the idea of integrating spirit and matter, bringing knowledge and healing to my customers’ lives through art and creation. It was this principle that my company, Alumia, was founded on. I am the lead designer and owner, with a growing inventory of over 100 unique handmade designs and 1500 variants to choose from.

Instagram: @alumia_design
Website: www.etsy.com/shop/alumiadesign

Emily Stevens is a mosaic artist from Maryland who draws her inspiration from nature to create mosaic art with stained glass, mirror, and ceramics. In addition to making home decor items, she takes commissions for personal art pieces.

Instagram: @fragilebeautymosaics
Website: fragilebeautymosaics.bigcartel.com

Ghina Linn Marin Sanchez imports handmade wayuu bags and accessories from her home country of Colombia to highlight the artisan work by the indigenous people of Guagira.

Instagram: @insogifts
Website: tsy.com/shop/insogifts

Iqrama Muhammad: During my volunteer time at a thrift store, inspiration struck me
after witnessing the sheer volume of clothing destined for landfills due to minor imperfections. I envisioned a way to rescue these fabrics and transform them into beautiful and useful accessories and décor. A spark was ignited, and PEACES &
Threads was born, an example of handmade, sustainable style.

Instagram: @peacesandthreads
Website: https://www.thepeacescollective.org/

The business was born out of a visit to Whole Foods Market in 2013. Thoroughly
in the middle of enjoying her recent retirement from Public Service, Richelle and
her daughter were out browsing the Whole Body Care section of the store. The
varieties in colors, designs, and scent combinations sparked an idea in Richelle’s
mind: “I think I can make my own soap.”
Being ever-resourceful, Richelle delve deep into the research and development
of her products and what started as gifts for family and friends quickly turned
into a fully-fledged business.

Instagram: @thamdsoapqueen
Website: www.thamdsoapqueen.com

Showy is a brand specializing in earwear, offering a stunning range of
earrings and ear cuffs meticulously crafted from high-quality materials
such as polymer clay, resin, semi-precious beads and other artisanal
crafting materials. With 80% of our products handmade, each piece is
uniquely designed to reflect elegance and individuality. We also offer
a line of jewelry care, imitation jewelry and also stainless steel with
pieces carefully selected and curated for our customers.

Instagram: @shop.showy.co
Website: https://shopshowy.com/