Downtown Raleigh’s do-good boutique relocates and expands.
by Catherine Currin | photography by Adelyn Boling

The Flourish Market has a new home in Raleigh’s Warehouse District, and we got a peek of the bright and welcoming space. The shop’s founder Em Sexton says that the new space on Martin Street has been on her vision board for years, so she had to jump on the chance when it was available. The 3,500 square foot space (triple the size of their former spot on Tucker Street) allows for more products that give back, like a necklace supporting fair wages in India or a greeting card from recycled paper in the Philippines. The space also lends to the community that Sexton has built so intentionally—there is a coffee bar, plush seating for shoppers and touches of encouragement and inspiration. The “Wall of Women,” as Sexton coined it (pictured below), features black-and-white headshots of women from around the world with personal stories and quotes. “As women, we’re all dealing with similar things, regardless of where we come from.”

Click image to expand and view photo gallery.

Sexton will bring women of all backgrounds together in the shop’s new co-working space, The Locality. Tucked behind the shopping area, 50 diverse women will share a workspace, filled with comfy seating, desks, tables and cubbies. Sexton notes that being an entrepreneur can often be lonely, and hopes this space allows budding business owners to collaborate and connect with one another. Women can opt in to the space for two- or three-day work times, and Sexton says she hopes that people will also utilize other work-friendly spots nearby, like A Place at the Table and Heirloom. The Locality membership includes special events like yoga classes, speakers and business workshops. Sexton says the entire space is more than she could have dreamed up, and to stay tuned for more special events and projects in the works. For now, head to Martin Street and shop ’til you drop for a good cause.