Meet the businesses selected by DPOB and MCB Real Estate for BOOST Harborplace Program
Seven Black-owned businesses to sign license agreements to energize historic Harborplace pavilions during reimagining phase.
In partnership with MCB Real Estate, we are excited to announce the recipients of the Downtown BOOST Harborplace Local Tenancy Program. This initiative will bring seven Black-owned businesses to Harborplace, revitalizing the historic pavilions and waterfront with a fresh and vibrant energy. The selected businesses will operate under a two-year license agreement, occupying space within the shopping center.
BOOST Boutique at Harborplace Businesses (Light Street Pavilion)
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Cuples Tea
A premium loose-leaf tea company curating an exquisite collection of teas and accessories. This is their second location, owned and operated by Eric and Lynnette Dodson.
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Milton’s Daughters
Providing authentic waist beads, cultural accessories, crystals, herbs, and spiritual tools, owned and operated by Amanda Hynson.
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Pandora’s Box
Offering a unique selection of the latest trends, jewelry, gifts, home decor, and personal accessories by Monesha Philips.
Website | Instagram | Facebook
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Storybook Maze
A literacy community outreach movement by Araba Maze, aiming to eliminate book deserts by installing free public book vending machines
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Yele Stitches
An African Luxury brand creating custom and handmade dresses, tops, bridal gowns, and more, owned and operated by designer Abisola Omoyele “Yelé” Oladeinde.
Pratt Street Pavilion Businesses
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MoreLife Organic Juice
A family-run juice company focused on organic juices, herbal teas, and raw vegan snacks, founded by Toluwaloju Runsewe and Nicole Scott.
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Motion Athletics
An athleticwear brand with a fashion and streetwear focus, owned and operated by Idris Coleman.
The BOOST business owners will begin their storefront buildouts this month, utilizing up to $25,000 in grant funds received to support their physical space needs, along with robust technical, legal, marketing, zoning and permitting services, and accounting support. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will follow in Summer 2024 upon completion of the storefront buildouts.
This initiative was made possible by MCB Real Estate and the Office of Mayor Brandon Scott, aiming to support and accelerate the growth of local and minority entrepreneurs by exposing them to new customers and providing them with a full complement of resources in an environment supported by other BOOSTers.
“We are thrilled to have all of these incredible businesses sign these agreements to activate our historic waterfront shopping center, finding exciting ways to re-energize and stimulate Harborplace just in time for Baltimore’s high tourism season,” — Shelonda Stokes, President, DPOB
“This Incubator Program is designed to support and accelerate growth of local and minority entrepreneurs by exposing them to new customers, while seeding them with a full complement of resources in an environment supported by other BOOSTers,” Stokes went on to say.
“At its best, Harborplace represents the beating heart of Baltimore – bringing together people from all walks of life to recreate, shop, and enjoy our city’s extraordinary waterfront. Harborplace is where I celebrated holidays, birthdays, and special occasions with friends and family to create cherished memories. For decades, Harborplace has inspired wonder and excitement across the world, attracting legions of tourists and admirers,” said P. David Bramble, Managing Partner, MCB Real Estate. “As we look to reinvigorate the heart of our City, we couldn’t be more excited to continue the amazing momentum of our Local Tenancy Plan with the addition of seven BOOST businesses who will open this summer. We are proud to provide space and funding for these home-grown businesses and hope all of Baltimore will support these amazing entrepreneurs by visiting them at Harborplace.”
For more information about the Downtown BOOST Program, visit this link.
