Federal Hill Ace 'Shopsgiving' Sidewalk Sale and Blood Drive

In the spirit of the holidays, give back while you shop Black Friday deals during Federal Hill Ace Hardware's Shopsgiving event!

Saturday, November 30, from 10am - 3pm, Children National Medical Center will have their bloodmobile parked outside Ace, collecting donations to help kids in need. 

Your local hardware destination will also host a sidewalk sale starting at 11am, with most items under $1! This is a great opportunity to collect stocking stuffers and small, inexpensive gifts for those holiday parties and secret Santa exchanges!

They need at least 20 donors. Please sign up for an appointment time here: https://www.cnmcblooddonor.com/index.cfm?group=op&step=2&opid=2702

Funk Salon: Welcome to Federal Hill!

Federal Hill Welcomes its newest business to the neighborhood--Funk! More than a salon, this beauty haven oozes unique style all its own.

 As you're draped in sultry R&B upon walking through the door, the friendly staff offer you a miniature bottle of water (embossed in their graffitti logo), and you're treated to the pleasure of plush leather sofas and high-fashion mags while you wait to be pampered.

Sophisticated, yet edgy, spa-like but with a barbershop ease-of-conversation vibe, Funk definitely caters to the modern woman who doesn't want to compromise the rare experience of having her hair professionally styled.

Funk (900 Light Street) opened its new doors June 1st, marking their five year anniversary since inception at their previous Charles Village location. Co-owner and principle stylist LaNyce Oldham says she's excited to be in Federal Hill, and the change has been well-received by both area residents and her loyal clientele.

"We love the neighborhood, it's so welcoming," says LaNyce. "We really want to be a part of the community."

As of now, the salon has two stylists who can cater to your hair needs; including color and perm/relaxer treatments and maintenance, hair extensions, and general styling. "It's urban themed. We like to play with color, and we do a lot of extensions," says LaNyce, whose glowing, healthy highlights she says she did herself. "We're looking for stylists who want to be in a fun environment, are really good with color (or are willing to learn), and applying treatments," she continues.

LaNyce says they also plan to expand their brick and mortar with the addition of a "blow-dry bar," which she anticipates will be complete by beginning of Fall 2013.


Briana Lopes, Intern

Vanessa's Vintage Treasures: Same Great Merchandise, New Location

   

Vanessa has an array of dazzling costume
jewelry, like these mid-century earrings

Upon passing through the lilac-colored, yet unassuming door of Vanessa’s Vintage Treasures, I am greeted with nostalgia for decades long past that, like many young thrifters, I have never even experienced. Cream-colored lace drapes old mahogany wood dressers displaying 1950’s costume jewelry and sterling silver clip-on earrings. Stacks of royal blue china teacups and saucers decorate the shelves like glass flowers. Colorful fabric swatches printed with 19th century scenes hang freely, inviting the adventurous old-spirit to repurpose them with a contemporary flare. Whatever your niche, whatever your price point, Vanessa’s quaint, yet artfully crafted showroom of “old stuff” has a gem awaiting your discovery.

Federal Hill’s cherished antique shop, Vanessa’s Vintage Treasures, after 22 thriving years of business, has relocated to a new space at 1028 S. Charles Street. Though slightly smaller than her previous storefront at 1132 S. Charles, shop proprietor Vanessa White says she’s acclimated to the new space and happily anticipates her re-opening in late May. “I hope all my old customers and new ones will come,” says Vanessa.

As with her first store, Vanessa’s inventory consists of mostly vintage fabrics, such as lace, costume and silver jewelry, and glassware. “I still consider this a linen store, but the jewelry is really my forte. I think it is because I am extremely picky.” Walking through her space now, which is overflowing with eye-catching objects, it’s apparent that one is among a professional collector. “At any given time, you  never know what’s going to be a best seller,” says Vanessa, “I’ve had weeks where I’ve only sold pottery; collectibles go up and down in popularity.” Vanessa has a small network of “pickers” who buy items on her behalf, mostly from estate sales. Although she may have a large collection of, say, 1920’s broaches one day, they may just as soon fly off her shelves the next. “I have very loyal clientele,” she says proudly. “They know what they like.”

A self-identified “old school” Baltimorean, born and raised right here in Federal Hill, Vanessa doesn't use computer technology   company or personal e-mail, social media, a store website   to bolster her business. Instead, she humbly relies on the loyalty of her customers, who have continued to drive her business through word-of-mouth alone. “I plan to go digital in the near future,” says Vanessa. For now, vintage seekers will just have to dig the old-fashioned way.


Briana Lopes, Intern

Small Business Saturday: Support Local Shops!

Who: You!
What: Small Business Saturday
When: Saturday, Nov. 24, after Thanksgiving
Where: Federal Hill (and Main Streets everywhere)
Why: To support our community and encourage shopping locally!

Sometimes, Black Friday can be a little too hectic, even for the seasoned shopper.  So this year shop on Small Business Saturday instead! For those who don’t know, Small Business Saturday is a movement started by American Express that encourages shoppers to support small businesses and buy locally.

Federal Hill is full of great shops and boutiques.  Businesses like these depend on their communities to thrive. And shopping locally has so many advantages, like it’s uniqueness! You’ll be buying something one-of-a-kind and full of Baltimore charm, and no one else will have it.

It’s fun! Make a day out of it, shop, stop for lunch at any of the great restaurants, and shop some more.  There’s no better way to support you community than to partake in Small Business Saturday the 24^th, after Thanksgiving. And why stop there?  Continue to shop locally all through out the year! 

“I live here, you live here, and this is our Main Street”

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern