The Atlanta Department of City Planning is promoting Atlanta Main Street “Shop Small” to advocate for small business owners. The “Shop Small” program highlights the importance and necessity of spending money at local businesses when shopping for the holidays and year-round in five historic districts- the West End, East Atlanta Village, Little 5 Points, Sweet Auburn Works, and Virginia-Highlands. Atlanta Main Street is an initiative in Atlanta’s Office of Economic Development that provides funding and training for business district organizations to implement the Main Street approach, a national model for community-led, preservation-based economic development. Today we’re speaking with two business owners who are participating in the initiative.
From the Little Five Points Main Street
Patrice Hull, Owner Stuff We Wanna Say | 417 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | 404.772.3366 https://www.stuffwewannasay.com/about
Email Address: Patrice@stuffwewannasay.com
Patrice Hull shares that she started her business after being laid off from corporate America for the third time. The last layoff came 4 days before Christmas and she was upset. Hull started out creating expressive t-shirts in a spare bedroom. People began engaging with her work and the rest is history. From t-shirts Hull expanded to apparel under the label Created2BNoticed. Her business model is B2B, but she welcomes individuals to check out her store and her unique offerings. She works with business owners to create swag and merchandise that their clients will love to wear and use. Her products are unique and innovative including items she carries from other creators. Check her out for last-minute gifts.
From The West End Main Street
Jonathan Blanchard, Owner JB’s Record Lounge | 898 Oak Street, Suite F, SW 30310 | 404.322.7242 Jonathan Blanchard https://jbsrecordlounge.com/AboutUs
Email Address: jbsrecordlounge@gmail.com
Jonathan Blanchard shares that JB’s Record Lounge began in his basement’s “man cave.” In 2017 they moved to a West End location, they survived the Pandemic and re-opened in 2022 at 898 Oak Street in the West End. Blanchard explains that he loves vinyl and even before the trend was selling records. We discussed how the sound from vinyl is richer than digital recordings. I asked about one-of-a-kind items and he spoke about a first pressing of Miles Davis's Witch’s Brew and an early recording from Earth Wind and Fire. Blanchard spoke about full-time musicians existing between pop stardom and starving artists, JB’s Record Lounge exists for performers to hone their chops, garner exposure, and make a living. I asked Blanchard about their hours and they are open Wednesday - Sunday from 12PM-6PM. Blanchard also shares that they have performances throughout the week for those of us seeking unique experiences.