By Dana Kroll, Uptown Marketing and Communications Specialist
Hi everyone! After a brief pause for the cause…our Uptown guest blog series is baa-aack! This time we are taking some time to experience just a few of the offerings to be found in our East Fulton district, through the lens of a Fulton-ophile and vetted expert – Stephanie Johnson, owner of one of the district’s most popular retailers, consignment clothing boutique Urban Exchange. She touches on her business in her article below and we’re glad, because it’s pretty fabulous. For those of you who are unsure, the complete district spans Fulton Street East, from Eastern Ave SE to Carlton Ave SE. Without further ado – here’s a handful of Steph’s favorites to focus on, the next time you’re ready to explore Uptown:
Coffee. Cupcakes. Community.
A dreamy Autumn Saturday morning for me (when I’m not at wrangling dogs and peddling fashion) includes strolling the Fulton Street Farmers Market (which was established 1922 and is GR’s longest-running farm market!) in search of a bag of the crispest apples in all the city, eating a decadent carrot cake cupcake from Cakabakery while sipping a spiced mocha from Madcap. Then afterwards taking a stroll down the street to say HI to some of my neighbors, view the new folk street art by local artist extraordinare Reb (of the legendary Sanctuary Folk Art) and the Uptown-sponsored seasonal planters by Tazzia Lawn Care (absolutely gorgeous!).
But East Fulton is much, much more…..
East Fulton Business District is an adorable bundle of locally-owned businesses in one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods, a where-everyone-knows-your-name kinda place, offering a charming mixture of good finds even for the most discerning of urban shoppers. Check out a few of these East Fulton retailers where good finds are bound to be found!
(There are more businesses to mention but I have a character limit. Perhaps another time.)
Creating an inviting space is easy with whimsical home and commercial furnishings found here. Blue Door is an impressive, luxurious and quirky collection of goods curated by vendors who offer everything from ornate vintage chandeliers to restored furniture to table top accessories to one-of-a-kind wall art and everything in between. Good finds await you.
Ask for David and tell him I said HI.
Urban Exchange Consignment Boutique
Plan to spend some time here. We’re fun and hip, we promise. There are thousands of good finds within our teeny, tiny fashion boutique of 1200 square feet. For those seeking women’s gently used fashions you’re bound to score something for work or play that no one else in the room will be wearing.
Oh, and if you’re lucky you’ll meet one of my shop dogs during your visit! Just ask for Sylvia (she’s the beauty pictured in the first photo, giving an assist to her mom Steph at their cozy shop).
This place is all things wall art: local art, picture framing, digital printing, photo restoration and art reproduction. The owners, Ben and Laury are the real deal and have been in business since October of 1999. They are an East Fulton fixture.
Suggested Christmas gift: Give a restored and framed goofy family photo to your sibling(s). Bound to produce some family giggles, hugs and maybe tears.
Gamers unite! Shop in person or on-line for good-for-the-soul, clean entertainment for children ages 1-93. This is a friendly, neighborhood, woman-led, locally owned game store, encouraging community players to spread the joy of board games.
Gamer Pro Tip: To rekindle your love for old school (and new cool) board/card games/puzzles this season and reconnect with friends and family, bring a puzzle or card game to a holiday party. Laughter will ensue.
I hope you all enjoy my little home away from home, East Fulton.
And now for that bio:
About the author – Stephanie Johnson is owner/operator of the aforementioned Urban Exchange Consignment Boutique located on the Western-most end of the East Fulton district. Steph’s commitment to the small and local businesses in the Uptown district expands beyond just her own and she has played an integral role in the growth and development of both the Uptown district and the East Fulton business district within it. Her commitment to creating a thriving, welcoming, and diverse community for all – two and four-leggers alike – also includes the philanthropic as she regularly volunteers to support various fundraising efforts near and dear to her heart such as Bissell’s annual Blocktail event which supports animal welfare organizations and their efforts to reduce the number of homeless animals as well as those in shelters and rescues. She is a dedicated dog mom to The Pickle (who served as the recent Blocktail Spokesdog/Model and whom you can see by visiting the above link), Sylvia pictured helping her mom at work, in the image above, and two more fur kids – Tango and Wren.
For more information on any of the businesses located in East Fulton, check out our website’s directory page here.