Shoe Hive’s “Courtyard of Creators” Makes Space for Female Makers
While festivals, fairs, and other opportunities for makers to showcase their craft are on hold or canceled due to health concerns, one local boutique is making space for female creators to sell their signature pieces.
Shoe Hive in Old Town Alexandria is donating its outdoor courtyard during some high-traffic Summer and Fall weekends. Owner Elizabeth Todd had a “moment of clarity” about struggling small businesses recently and decided she wanted to offer support to other female entrepreneurs through this initiative — “Courtyard of Creators” — which would act as a “pop-out” (store-outside-a-store).
“I think it is safe to say most, if not all, small businesses are struggling,” said Todd. “I… figured out a small way I might be able to help. I have a beautiful courtyard that is the perfect spot for me to host local designers.” 
Shoe Hive’s series of women creators and makers will host a curated selection of five female talents to pop-up on weekends in its storefront signature courtyard, with Shoe Hive footing the bill for the space, a tent, and tables. The first, featuring local creative jewelry designer Cynthia Spriggs of 3Shades Chic, takes place August 14-16, which also happens to be Alexandria’s Annual Sidewalk Sale weekend.
Future vendors will be determined via a contest with “Courtyard of Creators” weekends taking place:
- September 11-13, 2020
- September 25-27, 2020
- October 9-11, 2020
- October 23-25, 2020
Know a female maker who should participate? For more information and for a link to the contest application and entry details, visit here. There is no cost to enter, but the deadline to apply is August 20, 2020, with winners announced on August 28th.