Since autumn of 2021, Woodlawn Marketplace has stood tall in its place at 5530 1st Ave S. Originally planned as a month-long mini market experience featuring seasoned Woodlawn Street Market vendors, the project was met with such a positive reception that the REV team decided to press on and launch a larger, more permanent version. In the months following that decision, the space has undergone a transformation, evolving into a local retail incubator and café. Now, the heart and soul of the marketplace is supporting local businesses and building community in the historic Woodlawn business district.
NURTURING RETAILERS
A retail incubator‘s main purpose is to catalyze the process of starting and growing retail business. A proven model, incubators equip entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks, and tools they need to make their ventures successful. Such a nurturing environment is precisely what Woodlawn Marketplace strives to provide: A space where Birmingham’s burgeoning entrepreneurs can dip their toes into the world of managing a business, with the REV team ready to provide resources from across the street.
“Normally, retailers would be pushed to find a space and take on a lease,” said Bekah Fox, Community Facilitator and Woodlawn Street Market coordinator with REV Birmingham. “Here at the marketplace, they can actually practice with lower overhead and shared experience – from space to staff to utilities. It’s not the typical path to a brick-and-mortar, but it’s more approachable as people decide how they want to grow their business.”
Inside the marketplace, visitors can currently find wares from the following local vendors:
- Bemele Candles
- Marsuko Jewelry
- SASC Custom Designs
- Change of Plans
- SoulSistah 3.0 LLC
- Soh’Gent Ca’Belle
- Element and Vibe
- Camel’s Creations
Be on the lookout for even more makers joining this vibrant lineup! That being said, shopping local is just one piece of the pie. Woodlawn Marketplace is also home to a café managed by two anchor vendors: The Friendly Fox and Herban Soul Café.
THE FRIENDLY FOX
This small business is owned and operated by Bekah Fox. If you’re looking for a comforting bite to eat or a warm cup of joe, you can count on The Friendly Fox to provide it. Baked goods like muffins, cookies, homemade pop-tarts, and scones are often found filling the pastry case, with dedicated kitchen staff also providing hot food and daily specials. Breakfast lovers are especially in for a treat, as the establishment is known for its fluffy biscuits and decadent grits bowls.
HERBAN SOUL CAFE
Herban Soul Café is the newest addition to Woodlawn Marketplace, and owner Alexis Kimbrough is the mastermind stirring the pot – the teapot, that is. As the only herbal teahouse in Birmingham, Herban Soul Café takes pride in filling a gap in the city’s growing culinary scene.
Born and raised in Selma, Alabama, Kimbrough has called Birmingham home since 2016. With a lifelong zeal for wellness, self-care and mental health, she knew “all roads led to Herban Soul,” a business venture that combined her passions with “what everyone loves,” which is food and beverage.
Part of the inaugural Magic City Match awardees in 2022, Kimbrough spent the years following her win further developing the Herban Soul brand and product. From pop-ups to markets to private events, she began slowly introducing Herban Soul to the Birmingham community. And, according to Kimbrough, the Woodlawn community in particular attracted her to the marketplace.
“Being located in Woodlawn has been one of my favorite parts of this journey,” said Kimbrough. “I love the community aspect of Woodlawn. Prior to moving into the space, I would frequent and support different businesses in the area. Now, where I shop has become my home.”
GRAND OPENING
Don’t miss the grand opening of Herban Soul Café at Woodlawn Marketplace this Saturday, February 10. A formal ribbon-cutting will kick off the event at 11 a.m., with plenty of fanfare to follow, including giveaways, taste-testing, live music, and games.
Although Kimbrough dubs Herban Soul’s blends “non-traditional,” the flavors found in her brews will ring familiar to tea-lovers, such as lemongrass, ginger, hibiscus and more. An added bonus to those tasty flavors is the health benefits associated with herbal tea, like more restful sleep, anxiety-relief, reduced inflammation, and improved circulation and heart health.
For newcomers, Kimbrough recommends these fan-favorite blends:
- Immune-i-tea – Elderberry, lemongrass, mullein, hibiscus, strawberry black tea
- 5 Heart Beat – Hibiscus, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, elderberry
- Such A Lady – Raspberry leaf, dandelion, red clover, chamomile, strawberry black tea
MORE TO COME
Needless to say, there’s a lot brewing at Woodlawn Marketplace, with even more to come throughout 2024. Stay tuned for the following events:
- February 15th: Galentine’s – Gather your squad and take in the joys of female friendship. This special evening will feature treats, bracelet-making, and tea-based mocktails by Sips of Nayture.
- February 16th: Singles Night – Whether you’re seeking new friendships or something more, join us for a game night filled with laughter, connections, and tea-based mocktails by Herban Soul Café.
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