Spartanburg business host Carolina Strong Market, supporting artists after Helene

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – It’s been over a month and small businesses—especially those in Western North Carolina are still working their way back from Helene. Reinvintage Warehouse in Spartanburg is finding creative ways to help.

“If it’s not impacting your day to day, you kind of forget that so many people are still hurting so badly,” said Danielle Kaminski, the Co-Owner of Reinvintage Warehouse.

The River Arts District, a hub for Western North Carolina artists, was destroyed. As upstate creator suffered from flooding. More than a month later—the damage still hitting small business hard.

“We were closed down for a week here because of no power, but we just felt really lucky to have something to come back to and to not have the destruction that a lot of people saw. and we were trying to figure out ways that we could contribute. and we were like, well, we’ve got space,” Kaminski said.

On Friday, Reinvintage Warehouse began making preparations for the Carolina Strong Market. The warehouse hosts a few markets throughout the year, but this idea came after they noticed several spaces and opportunities creators had to sell were stalled.

With no fee, they’re giving them a tent at the one-day market to sell.

“It’s not uncommon to meet an artist whose 40% of their annual income might happen during that last quarter of the year. So to have this storm hit right at the beginning of that, have people’s inventory get wiped out, have their ability to work even be impacted… it can be a devastating blow,” she said.

The community can buy things like metal art, soaps, candles, handmade purses and acrylic art.

“What we think are small purchases can really add up to make a huge impact for the individuals who are running those businesses,” Kaminsi said. “The inventory doesn’t do any good if no one can see it to buy it. so just giving people an outlet we’re hoping will help make at least some difference.”

The event will take place from 10am to 4pm Saturday November 15th at the Reinvintage Warehouse on Union Street in Spartanburg.

They’ll also be accepting donations to help support agencies and organizations working in Western North Carolina.

Copyright 2024 WHNS. All rights reserved.