You Good? Self-Care Sanctuary

On the corner of 55th Place and 1st Avenue South, visitors will find You Good? Self-Care Sanctuary. Like its neighbor, the Woodlawn Marketplace, this storefront functions as a retail incubator, a space where burgeoning business owners can take their first steps into brick-and-mortar operations with the support of REV Birmingham. As the former tenant of the shop, Thrive Wellness Lounge, graduated from this early stage of business development, the opportunity to step into something new was presented to Staples. 

Originally on a path toward becoming a physician’s assistant, the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 put her journey – and the rest of the world – on pause. This development offered Staples the time to reflect, reset, and realize her calling was something altogether different. With an education in chemistry and an affinity for the beauty industry, she began exploring cosmetic chemistry and formulating her own line of handmade, natural skincare: Dear Sunday. 

From there it wasn’t long until the natural next step in her professional path became clear, and You Good? Self-Care Sanctuary progressed from idea to reality.  

“I’ve always had the vision of Dear Sunday evolving beyond just skincare. I want it to be everything that encompasses self-care,” said Staples. “I’m excited to collaborate with other business owners who share my vision and are eager to promote self-care to the people of Birmingham.”  

While shelves will certainly be lined with Staples’ collection of Dear Sunday products, she recognizes true self development is more than skin-deep. Books, candles, teas, soaps, blankets, journals and more will be on sale, hailing from other small makers with a focus on helping their customers develop intentional, self-reformative lifestyles. 

Just like the store’s namesake question implies, Staples has high hopes the space will serve as more than a retail venture. She invites all who enter to approach with curiosity and a willingness to engage, connect, and learn from others about self-care.  

“I’d like to curate the space to start conversations about mental health and what self-care really looks like on the day-to-day,” said Staples. “For me it might’ve started with pampering myself, but it’s really evolved into a lifestyle and a movement.” 

Following the Woodlawn Holiday Street Market, visitors can swing by for a visit Tuesdays-Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Easy Breezy: Low Waste Shop and Refillery

Just down the street, another entrepreneurial journey will be coming full circle for former Woodlawn Street Market vendor Brianna Deere at Easy Breezy: Low Waste Shop and Refillery. Dedicated to helping others reduce waste and providing inexpensive, non-toxic cleaning supplies, Brianna launched her business less than a year ago and began selling to the public for the first time at the street market in April of 2023. 

“My goal is for everyone in our community, regardless of budget, to have access to sustainable, non-toxic products,” said Deere. “We price our goods with that accessibility in mind, and I take pride in researching the brands we carry. They’re all small-batch, women or family-owned businesses.” 

Deere continued vending at local street and farmers markets, and Easy Breezy began to garner a loyal, consistent following. As demand grew and her buyer-relationships fortified, she realized it may be time to take a leap of faith on her small business dream. 

“We were getting so much positive feedback from customers. They were asking, ‘Where are you located, where’s the store? Oh, you’re not here next week? Where can I find you?’ So, I knew it was time to graduate to that next phase and open a storefront,” said Deere. 

Although the process of growing a business often comes with more questions than answers, there was one thing she knew with certainty – she had her sights set on Woodlawn. After witnessing the area’s transformation over the years and being on the receiving end of much community support at the street market, securing a space in this special district was simply a must. 

“I’ve had my eye on it for some time – both as a business owner and as a patron myself,” said Deere. “I love going to the Woodlawn Marketplace for a cup of coffee, and my uncle and I grab a pizza from Two Dough Girlz just about every Saturday.” 

Visitors can pop in and welcome Brianna to the neighborhood this Sunday, December 10, from 12 to 5 p.m., as well as Wednesdays-Fridays from 12 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.