Ashlee Mooney started dying her custom clothing during quarantine. Now, she's taken her business, "Not Anything Specific", from guest vending at the Black-Owned Business Markets to full-time shopkeeping as a part of The Hatchery program at NewBo City Market.
"I really enjoy the community here," Ashlee said, while explaining her decision to open as a full-time Shopkeeper. "I like that [NewBo City Market] is always willing to help us grow and I think that's really important."
Her shop features a variety of tie-dyed clothing and accessories, which Ashlee creates by hand.
Right now Not Anything Specific is in a temporary space, next to Shawnniecakes Specialty Treats, but will soon move into a newly-renovated space.
"It's nerve-wrecking to open a business," Ashlee said. "But it does feel good to wake up to come do something that I love and something that my daughter can be a part of. I'm really happy."
Not Anything Specific is the second Shopkeeper to take part in The Hatchery at NewBo City Market, a new Entrepreneurial Development program and expansion of the nonprofit Business Incubator.
This program helps underserved residents of our local community who want to start a food or retail business by reducing barriers to entry and giving them the tools with which to thrive within an entrepreneurial setting.
Not Anything Specific is now open at NewBo City Market during regular business hours: Thursday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Her shop is currently in a temporary space, awaiting the completion of renovations to what will soon become her permanent home at the Market. These renovations are expected to be completed by early April. You can donate to help the Market finish these renovations so that new Shopkeepers, like Ashlee, are able to start their business with a "clean slate".