East Passyunk: Struggles Of A Small Business Owner
Michelle Dewey is from Wilmington, Delaware. She makes the drive into Philadelphia everyday and hopefully, depending on traffic, it will only take her around 30 minutes. It’s a blistering hot Sunday afternoon when she arrives at her store and with her giant IKEA bag in hand. She immediately starts restocking the shelves. “It’s like free […]
Latinx: A Look Inside The Dominican Hair Salon Experience
From an early age, Rosaura Reynoso understood how hair has the power to frame a woman’s face. She developed a passion for the art of hair styling, and in 1983 decided to start her journey as a hair stylist. Reynoso was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, where she opened her own salon and […]
Brewerytown: Residents Adapting Alongside New Developments, Businesses
Brewerytown is an attractive neighborhood to people looking for the cool, new hot spot to live. Its accessibility by public transportation and its proximity to Center City and Fairmount Park have made it an enticing area for developers and new residents. It’s no question that Brewerytown has seen changes in recent years. New apartment buildings […]
Franklinville: La Caribeña Bakery Creates a Sense of Home for Immigrant Community
On the corner of 2nd street and Tioga in Franklinville Philadelphia, a family-run bakery called the La Caribeña Bakery served the community fresh, home-style baked goods for over a decade. Alfredo Rodriguez has owned the bakery for 12 years now after he took over for his mother-in-law. La Caribeña was built to serve a huge […]
Manayunk: Keeping Up With the Woman Who Runs Main Street
Chances are if you have seen a new business or event in Manayunk, Jane Lipton has been a part of it. Lipton (below right) is the executive director of the Manayunk Development Corporation. Her job consists of tasks like working with business owners, planning events and festivals, and organizing murals. What is the mission of the […]
Point Breeze: Meet Alex Kanderson; the Brains and the Brawn Behind Philadelphia Tech Repair
Just west of Broad Street on Dickinson Street is Philadelphia Tech Repair. Alex Kanderson–the store’s owner, manager and lone employee–sits inside the small shop. As the small chalk board outside 1411 Dickinson St. states, he fixes “phones, laptops, tablets and more” six days a week. Originally from Ocean City, New Jersey, Kanderson moved to the city […]
Francisville: Fur Store Sees Neighborhood Change
It was 1921 when Elayne Rutberg’s father-in-law first opened Rutberg Furs. After Rutberg’s father-in-law died, her husband took over. Then when her husband died, he passed the torch to Rutberg. She officially took ownership of Rutberg Furs, which sells a variety of authentic fur products and offers services like fur cleaning and restoration. “I fell […]
Bustleton: Immigrant Businesses Booming Along Bustleton Avenue
Northeast Philadelphia has become a home for small immigrant businesses. Shopping centers along Bustleton Avenue feature many thriving businesses owned by immigrants from all over the world. With his restaurant not even two months old, Georgian Bread owner Imeda Londaridze looks forward to giving customers a taste from his old country. Despite his excitement to […]
Germantown: A Local Fashion Designer Caters To Muslim Women
The Muslim population in Germantown is a visible one, with many businesses supporting parishioners of the faith. As a Muslim community, there are several small Islamic clothing stores for men, but few for women. Sadika Fashions‘ owner Linda Cowins, known as Saadiqah, recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of her business. On Jan. 7, Saadiqah hosted a “Sisters Luncheon” where women came […]
Manayunk: Seven Niche Shops Bringing The Community Together
Customers and shop owners along Main Street say the area embodies the “Cheers” mentality – it’s a place where “everybody knows your name.” The street is packed with small specialty businesses run by people who are not only passionate about their companies but about the Manayunk community. Main Street Music, 4444 Main St. A fixture […]