Christi Whiting
Editor
(Photo provided: Melissa Randall, owner of Studio Marketplace, invites the community to come and see what’s in store.)
Hope means different things to different people. Hope impacts us all in some way every day. Studio Marketplace in Charlotte is a collaborative business that was created to inspire hope. Here, you will be welcomed with a warm, inviting atmosphere and a friendly smile that will surely brighten anyone’s day. Owner and founder Melissa Randall has brought to life her goal of empowering women, showing gratitude, and impacting her community at Studio Marketplace.
Randall moved to Charlotte after she met and married her husband, Scot. They have eight children and nine grandchildren. Melissa’s background is in medical administration, coaching, and training. She holds a speaking certificate through the John Maxwell Leadership Team. With the move to Charlotte came community support and new opportunities for growth and expansion.
“My mission was to cultivate a space where female entrepreneurs could come to the table with their creations, products, and services and really showcase their talents and make a difference not only with their own lives, but for the community. To help them discover that more is possible. I always say no woman should have to wait until her 50’s to discover her gifts and passions,” Randall shared. “Sometimes (and a lot like me), people need help or to feel like part of something bigger to really recognize and dig into who they are and what they are capable of.”
According to Randall, her goal is to grow this business and this space where women can come as they are with what they create and allow them to fully step into their passion, empowering women to not only make an impact but an income, even if it’s just one weekend at a time. This is accomplished through personal growth and leadership development. “My vendors will have access to other thought leaders and business and training programs that will help them develop both personally and professionally,” said Randall.
Kila Baum, the owner of Rosebud Apothecary, is a vendor at Studio Marketplace. She said, “Studio Marketplace is a beautiful and unique space that helps empower women and allows their creativity to flourish.”
Amanda Tollstam is a licensed massage therapist who has been with Studio Marketplace from the beginning. She stated, “It has been such a wonderful transformation of the space. Melissa has opened up a welcoming, unique store where female-run small businesses can thrive.”
Amanda Lipsey is a business owner, local resident, and patron of Studio Marketplace. She said, “I’m so excited about Studio Marketplace. It has been such a great experience to connect with other community members in the store and to see their excitement for a new retail shop downtown. I have heard ‘we needed this’ so many times that I have lost count. Vendors have been looking for a local place to sell their creations for a long time and I can already see this has been a huge success for them as well. I can’t wait to see this continue to grow and create new opportunities for our creative vendors but also a new spot to grab the perfect gift or unique item you didn’t even know you were looking for.”
Currently Studio Marketplace hosts over 40 vendors. You will find everything ranging from personal services to handmade wearable art to fresh florals, baked goods and more. Booths include massage therapy, graphic t-shirt artist, wood working, farm house decor and organizational creations, handbags, custom bra fittings, candles, handmade jewelry in many forms, bread artisans, bakers, apothecary products, handmade stationary and paper products, coasters, inspirational boards and journals, custom chunky wood products, custom clothing items and jewelry, teen artists who create jewelry and crochet items, fresh flowers, succulents, photography prints and services, painted artwork, wood cutting boards, car freshies, eco-friendly products, magnets, baby bibs and burp cloths, bow ties, custom wedding items, beaded pens and jewelry, tumblers and joggers. Stop in often to find a unique and diverse collection of products and services for yourself, or that perfect one-of-a-kind gift for someone special. By shopping at Studio Marketplace, you are supporting local businesses, women entrepreneurs, and fueling hope within the community.
Visit Studio Marketplace at 111 W. Lovett Street in Charlotte, across from the newly renovated Beach Market. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The website is currently in progress, but StudioMarketplace can be reached online via email at Studiohope48813@gmail.com.
