Artisans-in- Residence
The Artisan Collective (TAC) is a local program run by the South Shore Chamber that provides 12 weeks of business training to artists in addition to maker/vendor space on the South Shore. Through the TAC, artisans have the unique opportunity to learn important skills that will allow them to become more successful business owners. Artisans will also be able to use the physical space as studio space or to sell their products to South Shore residents. This program is targeted toward South Shore residents, but anyone is welcome to apply. If you’re interested in joining TAC, you can check out our pricing below or contact us for more information!
Meet the Artisans
Crystal L. Profit – Sweets & Eats
- At Sweets & Eats, you can get authentic treats that taste like your grandma’s best Sunday dessert, served up any day of the week. Crystal started her business in 2019 at the urging of a friend, and hasn’t looked back since. Business classes through the TAC/Sunshine Enterprises program have helped Crystal take Sweets & Eats to the next level. “The curriculum is exactly what I needed at the right time – it’s helped me take the overwhelming task of being an entrepreneur and break it into digestible pieces.” Crystal is a South Shore native and looks forward to opening up a brick and mortar bakery in the neighborhood one day.
- Signature bake: Sweets & Eats go-to classic order is either cream cheese pound cake or chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting.
- South Shore story: “South Shore feels like an eclectic African American getaway. It’s a wonderful neighborhood – I love hearing the drumming circles in the summer and driving down the lakefront.”
- Creative inspirations: “I’m inspired by my parents and friends. My dad was an entrepreneur too, and he made it work. My mom was a great support to him and she’s the baker of the family. Watching them support each other has been a huge motivation. My friend Chante Stepeny is my official muse: whenever I think I can’t do something, she gives me a boost.”
Richelle Marve – Arise Creations
- Arise Creations is a social enterprise that provides mentoring in professional skills to youth on the West Side of Chicago. All of the jewelry and other items are handmade by young girls from the community, and each has a spiritual message behind it. Their signature pieces are made from broken glass repurposed from bus shelters around the city. Richelle made it her mission to impact the lives of these budding entrepreneurs in a meaningful and purposeful way, by giving them the outlet to create, market, and sell their goods.
- Why TAC: I was looking for a retail space where we could display and sell our work, as well as access to an expanded audience and marketing support,
- South Shore story: The community has been beautiful and very welcoming and we have created a supportive cohort.
- Creative inspiration: I’ve always been inspired by nature and things that occur naturally.
Marsha LaShea Washington – The Resale Cafe
- Marsha LaShea Washington has been a DIY creative for a very long time and enjoys the work. Marsha decided to become a creative entrepreneur and start The Resale Cafe because of her love for shopping, specifically in the resale space. The Resale Cafe sells refinished and second-hand hand home items.
- Creative Process: I create what I call “art as furniture.” It is unique in that every piece is created solely for that particular customer or based on my artistic expression.
- Why TAC: I found out about the class through an email to my former employer and thought it would be good to get the business instruction in order to start my business off as profitable as possible. I like the hands-on assistance from the community.
- Creative Inspirations: Martha Stewart and B. Smith
Karen D. Triplett – Miss Teenie’s Handmades
- Karen’s creative journey started when she began sewing at only 6 years old. Across multiple careers and multiple cities, she has never lost her love of creating and learning new things, from sculpture, to soap making, to jewelry and more. After moving back to Chicago, Karen began crafting flowers from metal wire, and after participating in the Hyde Park Handmade Craft Fest in 2019, realized that she had a product that people got excited about.
- Creative Inspiration: Karen is inspired by nature and the myriad plants she has in her home. She calls her jewelery “Working woman accessories”; inspired by her time in the corporate world, she creates pieces that are affordable, high quality, and allows people to express themselves even in the office.
- South Shore Story: Karen grew up in the South Shore area and raised her family here. She has strong ties to the area and is passionate about developing the neighborhood. Her dream is to open her own Brick & Mortar shop on 71st st, where she can support young creatives from the neighborhood and inspire them to start their own businesses.
- Why the TAC: Karen learned about the TAC from a friend and realized that it was a perfect opportunity to learn about running a business. She wants to learn good business skills so she can grow her business, experiment with more types of art, such as candlemaking and soapmaking, and help to support the South Shore by paying it forward and teaching new artists.