MORTAR, a resource hub that helps minority entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, is launching a wellness-focused retail space on Short Vine in Corryville. The concept, called Pause, will offer several products and services encouraging customers to focus more time and effort on their mental health and wellbeing.
The location will include four vendors who are all MORTAR graduates:
Matunda Juicery offers fresh cold-pressed juices by Timothy Harris
Perfect Touch Helps provides massage services by Lolitha Perry
Diamyn's Crystal Bar sells crystals and stones and hosts mediation and wellness classes by Diamyn Rembert
District 78 offers handmade candles and candle making events by Erikka Gray
“We’re really trying to put a focus on wellbeing because we see day in and day out how much of a toll entrepreneurship can take on you, and a lot more people are way more connected to their phones and it's becoming harder just to be present and maintain a balanced lifestyle,” said William Thomas II, Founding Partner and Expansion Director, MORTAR.
Pause is MORTAR’s first retail collective, so the team is looking forward to launching its first storefront.
“We thought it’d be great to give everyone a chance to build together without having individual leases. Hopefully they’ll be able to support each other in a different way that’s never been done before,” said Thomas.
MORTAR graduates and Pause vendors.
MORTAR is no stranger to the Uptown. They have hosted two classes in the community and one of the vendors of Pause is also a resident of the neighborhood. Timothy Harris grew up in Avondale, and he’s looking forward to bringing healthier options to his neighborhood.
“I think there’s been a lot of energy put into Short Vine over the years, and there’s very neat, eclectic businesses on the street. It seems to be a very welcoming street, so we are really excited to be there,” said Thomas. “I think it just makes sense for the diversity of the streets, ownership wise, and the diversity of the business. It’ll be a great addition to the neighborhood.”
Pause is designed to support members of the community, so Thomas hopes that customers who frequent the store will feel welcomed in the space. The location is set to open in September.
“MORTAR offers valuable opportunities to Uptown residents and entrepreneurs, and we’re excited that they’ve chosen to open their first retail collective in Corryville,” said Beth Robinson, President and CEO of Uptown Consortium. “We value MORTAR as a community partner and look forward to more partnerships in the future.”
MORTAR is launching two classes in the fall—one in Price Hill and the other in College Hill. While neither of the upcoming classes are in Uptown, Uptown Consortium, Inc. continues to look for new ways to partner with MORTAR to support entrepreneurs and businesses in the community.
“For entrepreneurs to succeed in our city, we need to make sure we're figuring out more and more ways to lift them up and wrap our arms around them and support them, so hopefully the whole community will come out and support them as well,” said Thomas.
For more information about MORTAR, visit www.wearemortar.com.