RVA Makers: What’s In A Name?
If a group of birds is a flock, a group lions is a pride, and a group of whales is a pod, what is a group of small business owners? What if the businesses range from carpenters to screen printers, florists to chocolatiers to artists? What if the group includes enthusiasts, dreamers, and other professionals […]
Bringing Products to Life in Richmond
There are stumbling blocks, and there are building blocks. Sometimes it’s a matter of perspective. BLDR, a Richmond-based product and design team, understands how difficult—and worthwhile—it can be to push through the chaos in order to build something great. Prior to founding BLDR, Brandon Lewis and Luke Rabin spent their early careers helping to launch […]
Creating A Better Future Through Food
Real Local RVA is in the midst of their origin story. Three years in, and they’ve created a robust group of independent, like-minded businesses and advocates that are invested in creating a better local community through food. “It comes down to asking yourself: What kind of city do you want to live in?” says Real […]
Goods for the Modern Family
The art of DJing is about striking a balance. You want to give your listeners just the right mix of songs they love, while not being afraid to introduce them to new music they’ve never considered. Anthony Bryant, known as DJ Ant Boogie, has found that sweet spot. Whether he’s spinning records at a rooftop […]
How’s that made?
This is the first in a series of articles by Johannah Willsey exploring makers in the Richmond region. Five years ago, a group of maker friends began gathering each month at one of our studios for an evening of fun and fellowship. We invited more friends and colleagues, cleaned up the shop, and shared a […]
Southern Grade at the Shed
Northern Grade, a traveling market celebrating American makers since 2010, is hosting its Richmond version of its pop-up series this weekend at the newly renovated Richmond Main Street Station. Appropriately called Southern Grade at The Shed, the local event gives conscious consumers an opportunity to meet and support creative artisans and designers. Since its inception, […]
Handyma’am Goods Looks Toward Expansion
Local workwear brand, Handyma’am Goods, recently launched a Kickstarter campaign in order to return to production on their flagship garment: The Coverall. Designed specifically for women, Handyma’am has been filling a wide gap in the workwear market for three years now, but due to challenges in securing American manufacturing for their products, the brand has […]
Making It in Shockoe Valley
Making It in Shockoe Valley An old brick warehouse, tucked under I-64, sits proudly at a sharp bend in Shockoe Valley Road. Nearby, train tracks hug the curve, barbed wire outlines large chunks of industrial property, and trucks dodge potholes along gravel side roads. This is a place where people get things done. Over the […]
Building the New American Barn
By Paul Spicer Jonathan Frey wants you to rethink the role of the American barn. Within the doors of this classic wooden structure is the possibility of rebirth. An accomplished inventor and scientist, Frey sees the barn as “the birthplace of invention.” Designed as a common ground, the American barn was a place where people […]
Grid Supply: Community-Driven Retail
Richmonders like to make stuff. Sometimes it’s with a hammer and anvil. And other times it’s with a paintbrush and canvas. We are a community that values craftsmanship and things built to last. At our core, we are all making something. It’s what defines us. It’s what moves us forward. It’s with this spirit in […]