The nonprofit Far South Community Development Corporation (Far South CDC)—an organization providing strategic community-building services to residents and businesses across Chicago’s Far South Side neighborhoods and south suburban Cook County—is proud to announce the extension of its Far South CDC Marketplace program through Friday, January 31, 2025. With the support of a Storefront Activation Grant from the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Far South CDC is showcasing four new Black-owned small businesses alongside five returning Marketplace vendors.
New businesses Be Original Clothing, Cherish a Peace of Nature, Kraft It Up and Naturals by Nette join returning vendors Bomb Beauty Boutique, Cosmic Creole, Max Candle Co, Javez Java Coffee Roastery and Vessels of the Paut Neteru. These shops offer everything from stylish clothing and accessories to natural hair care, holistic health products, handmade wood carvings and fabric art, aromatherapy candles, fresh roasted coffee and more.
The Far South CDC Marketplace (837 W. 115th Street, Chicago) is open now through January 31, 2025 from 12-6 p.m. daily. Participating small businesses manage their own hours throughout the week within this timeframe. For more information and specific business hours, visit farsouthcdc.org/marketplace or call 773-831-7107.
“We are thrilled to continue our Far South CDC Marketplace program, providing an opportunity for these incredible South Side businesses in the city of Chicago to explore the market of a physical retail space and showcase their goods, services and products—as we promote, foster and support entrepreneurship within our communities and obtaining ownership to create generational wealth,” says Cam Brown, Director of the Neighborhood Business Development Center at Far South CDC.
For many of the participating small businesses, the Far South CDC Marketplace is their first storefront location. The initial pilot of the Marketplace launched in November 2022 and was funded by the City of Chicago’s Small Business Storefront Activation Program.
Small businesses at the Far South CDC Marketplace
Be Original Clothing speaks to those who have experienced rejection with a line of faith-based apparel that celebrates resilience and growth through life's challenges. For more information, visit beoriginal429.com.
Bomb Beauty Boutique provides explosive looks at an affordable price, offering unique women's and men's clothing and accessories. For more information, visit bombbeautyboutique.com.
Cherish a Peace of Nature hair care products are infused with high quality essential oils, and enriched with premium natural and organic ingredients to nurture the scalp, skin and hair. For more information, visit cherishapeaceofnature.com.
Cosmic Creole is a holistic health service aiding the mind, body and spirit through medicinal plants. For more information, visit cosmiccreole.com.
Javez Java Coffee Roastery is an independent roaster using only high-quality beans, with a selection of notes including spicy, nutty, fruity and earthy, to provide customers with a well-balanced coffee. For more information, visit javezjava.com.
Kraft It Up specializes in trendy custom apparel, gifts and accessories for all occasions, as well as hosting craft workshops and classes throughout the Chicagoland area. For more information, visit kraftitup.biz.
Max Candle Co provides holistic healing through aromatherapy, offering soy and beeswax blended scented candles in reusable containers. For more information, visit maxcandleco.com.
Naturals by Nette sells handmade soap and body care products made from natural oils and butters. For more information, visit naturalsbynette.com.
Vessels of the Paut Neteru honors and shares the way of life of the ancestors, providing a large selection of Adinkra symbols and objects made from ebony wood, handmade in the U.S. and Africa. For more information, visit ritatownesvesselsofthepautneteru.art.
About Far South Community Development Corporation
Far South Community Development Corporation (Far South CDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides strategic community-building services to residents and businesses in Chicago’s Far South Side neighborhoods and across south suburban Cook County. Far South CDC is one of the largest comprehensive community development organizations in the Chicago region that provides direct residential support, business assistance, and equitable development and planning services. The organization is a voice and advocate for economic, environmental and social justice for residents and businesses in the region. For more information, visit farsouthcdc.org.