Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

A Black arts center committed to preserving community

Sep 6, 2023
When the nonprofit system didn't seem to work for it, Seattle-based Wa Na Wari found another way.
Wa Na Wari was once the home of a family member of one of the gallery's founders. Making it into a Black art space was a way to return the home to the community.
Courtesy Inye Wokoma

On Juneteenth, this small business owner makes space for big conversations

Jun 19, 2023
"As a Black business owner, often I'm asked to share a little bit about my story, or my journey, or my background. And so I get to facilitate conversations around these things while making candles," said Colina Bruce of Noir Lux Candle Co.
Bruce says she's been invited to participate in a variety of local Juneteenth events.
Courtesy @kingnoir31

This small-business owner hopes she can stop keeping inventory in her garage

Apr 13, 2023
Ahead of March retail sales numbers, a Seattle candlemaker shares how her economy is doing.
People create their own candles at Noir Lux Candle Bar in Seattle.
Courtesy Colina Bruce

Remote workers increase demand for co-working spaces

Jan 26, 2023
"We've had a huge increase in co-working memberships and demand for that, as well as meeting room rentals," said Audrey Hoyt, co-owner of The Pioneer Collective.
Audrey Hoyt and her husband started their business, The Pioneer Collective, seven years ago.
Courtesy Audrey Hoyt

A Seattle 'candle bar' sees its first holiday shopping season

Dec 8, 2022
Originally started in her kitchen during the pandemic, candlemaker Colina Bruce talks about moving her business into a brick-and-mortar store and how things are shaping up through the holidays.
"Noir Lux started as kind of a pandemic passion project in my kitchen," said owner Colina Bruce. "That led into launching a whole ecommerce site, virtual candle- making classes, and that got my wheels turning about what it might look like for me to have my own space."
Cr. @kingnoir31

High interest rates mean anxiety for borrowers, but a "great new story" for savers

Nov 22, 2022
Laurie Stewart, CEO of Sound Community Bank in Seattle, says she's seen a "real uptick in demand for deposits."
The Federal Reserve's rate hikes continue, but mortgage rates are trending downward.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Admins' Day is a pandemic bright spot for this florist

Apr 20, 2021
Last year, a busy Administrative Professionals' Day assured florist Miles Johnson that his business would survive the pandemic.
"When the new post-pandemic order settles in, we'll definitely be back and having more weddings and events," said Miles Johnson, owner of Fiori Floral Design.
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Seattle retailer reflects on a year without in-person shopping

Mar 9, 2021
Things still feel strange for Cat Wilcox, co-owner of women's boutique Velouria. She misses day-to-day interactions with customers.
A store owner opens her clothing shop in Germany on March 9 as lockdown measures ease.
Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Seattle co-working business lost half of its revenue almost overnight

“Almost overnight, we essentially almost had to shut our business down,” said Audrey Hoyt, owner of The Pioneer Collective.
Audrey and Chris Hoyt, the husband and wife team behind The Pioneer Collective.
Courtesy of Audrey Hoyt

Helping students of color thrive via entrepreneurship and self-care

Mar 4, 2021
Monika Mathews started QueenCare to provide mentorship and economic opportunity to young people in her Seattle community.
Monika Mathews owns QueenCare in Seattle and founded the Life Enrichment Group. "This is not about me, this is about we," she says.
Courtesy of Monika Mathews