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Incubating emerging artisans via mentoring & a boutique in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.

Kindred is a non-profit space whose mission is to incubate emerging artisans via mentoring & a boutique. In addition to a retail space it will also be a place where we will host workshops & business classes. It is a collaboration between Creative Director Michelle Smith (founder of The Rock & Shop Market and indieNC), and EntreDot, a business mentoring organization. Michelle, a product designer herself, is passionate about shining a spotlight on the artisan community in North Carolina and helping these makers become more successful in their craft. Working with EntreDot together they have formed Kindred, a space that will help artisans expand their businesses.

Whitney Robinson, one of the Kindred employees & a local designer, wearing all North Carolina made goods: Skirt & Shirt by Judah Ross, Jewelry by Haden Designs, Scarf by Miss Fitt, Clutch by Freshly Given. Photo by Cade Bowman, Styling by Michelle Smith.
Whitney Robinson, one of the Kindred employees & a local designer, wearing all North Carolina made goods: Skirt & Shirt by Judah Ross, Jewelry by Haden Designs, Scarf by Miss Fitt, Clutch by Freshly Given. Photo by Cade Bowman, Styling by Michelle Smith.

We are excited about this project and working with our local community of makers. Our incubator program provides the resources and tools needed to grow: a personal business mentor, access to business advisory panels, networking with design & fashion industry leaders, business workshops, a retail space to showcase their wares and more.

Christina Nicole, a local jewelry designer, and one of our members, helping to upfit the space.
Christina Nicole, a local jewelry designer, and one of our members, helping to upfit the space.

A key feature of our program is our collaborative boutique space that will help provide the testing ground needed for artisans to merchandise their own products and gain traction without the high cost of leasing a much larger space. The boutique is located in a prime downtown location with lots of visibility and connections to a larger design community. Our goal is to create a trend-savvy boutique that looks and feels like a hip, modern store like Anthropologie but features local designers. We are hopeful that soon the businesses within our shop will expand into their own storefronts with the solid business foundation we have helped lay for them.

Suzanne Kratzer, a local surface designer & member of our program.
Suzanne Kratzer, a local surface designer & member of our program.

A SAMPLING OF THE BUSINESS WORKSHOPS WE'LL BE OFFERING:

  • How to Write a Press Kit
  • Pitch Your Story to the Media
  • Take Better Product Photos
  • Wholesale Your Product
  • Hire Employees / Grow Your Business
  • The Pros/Cons of Trade Shows
  • Build A Better Brand

WHAT YOUR DONATION IS PAYING FOR:

  • Modular Shelving Units - We are working with local wood worker and furniture maker Mas Sato to create modular shelving units for the designers to display their wares on. The benefit of these custom units is that they can accommodate a wide variety of wares from apparel to paper goods, so each designer has their own space while still maintaining a uniform, sleek aesthetic within the shop.
  • Lighting - Currently, there is fluorescent lighting that hangs quite low. We'd like to replace these with track lighting and pendants to give the space a more boutique-like feel.
  • Partition Wall - We are creating a partition wall to separate our workshop area from our retail area.
  • Signage - We would like to install a sign at the entrance and on the windows.

REWARDS:

Everyone who donates $5 or more receives a "Gift Pack" which includes a Kindred temporary tattoo and a Kindred sticker.

Contribute $500 or more and you will get a plaque with your name under one of the modular shelving units in the space.

Highlighted Rewards:

Set of 8 NC Note Cards by Raleigh Designer Michelle Smith.
Set of 8 NC Note Cards by Raleigh Designer Michelle Smith.
Lavender Bath Salts by Lillington Based Company Whispering Willows
Lavender Bath Salts by Lillington Based Company Whispering Willows
Unframed 8x10 Feather Print by Greensboro Business Heart & Craft
Unframed 8x10 Feather Print by Greensboro Business Heart & Craft
8"x9" City of Oaks Print by Raleigh Business, Dapper Paper
8"x9" City of Oaks Print by Raleigh Business, Dapper Paper
11x14 Unframed Print by Durham Based Modern Radar
11x14 Unframed Print by Durham Based Modern Radar
To/From Stamp by Raleigh Business, Wit & Whistle
To/From Stamp by Raleigh Business, Wit & Whistle
North Carolina T-Shirt from Raleigh Designer Michelle Smith
North Carolina T-Shirt from Raleigh Designer Michelle Smith
Pack of 3 Eco-Laundry Detergent from Lillington Based Whispering Willow
Pack of 3 Eco-Laundry Detergent from Lillington Based Whispering Willow
2 Bags of Coffee from Raleigh Based Larry's Beans
2 Bags of Coffee from Raleigh Based Larry's Beans
Brass Geometric Stud Earrings from Asheville Designer Another Feather
Brass Geometric Stud Earrings from Asheville Designer Another Feather
Leather Flask from Asheville Based Fleet Co.
Leather Flask from Asheville Based Fleet Co.
2 Yards of Fabric Designed by Raleigh Designer Michelle Smith
2 Yards of Fabric Designed by Raleigh Designer Michelle Smith
North Carolina Necklace by Pittsboro Based Business Vespertine
North Carolina Necklace by Pittsboro Based Business Vespertine
Feather printed Toms by Raleigh Artist Matt Butler
Feather printed Toms by Raleigh Artist Matt Butler
Leather wallet by Asheville Based Company Fleet Co
Leather wallet by Asheville Based Company Fleet Co
Power Coated Cuff Bracelet by Raleigh N.C. Designer, S. Tector Metals
Power Coated Cuff Bracelet by Raleigh N.C. Designer, S. Tector Metals
Bark Ring from Asheville Designer, Calaycay Designs
Bark Ring from Asheville Designer, Calaycay Designs
Laptop Case from Charlotte Designer Joyner Avenue
Laptop Case from Charlotte Designer Joyner Avenue
Leather Clutch from Durham Based Company Mill & Bird
Leather Clutch from Durham Based Company Mill & Bird
Backpack from Asheville, N.C. Company Shelter Protects
Backpack from Asheville, N.C. Company Shelter Protects
Recycled Airplane Leather Laptop Bag from Raleigh Based Tierra Ideas
Recycled Airplane Leather Laptop Bag from Raleigh Based Tierra Ideas
One Wooden Chair from Raleigh Based Company Burketown
One Wooden Chair from Raleigh Based Company Burketown
Duffle Bag from Recycled Airplane Leather
Duffle Bag from Recycled Airplane Leather
Styled Photo Shoot by Photographer Cade Bowman & Michelle Smith
Styled Photo Shoot by Photographer Cade Bowman & Michelle Smith

See more about why a space like Kindred is important to our community in this video featured on TripreneurTV:

CONNECT WITH US:

For more information or if you are an artisan interested in participating in our program please see our information sheet & pricing here. You can also email us at hello@kindredboutique.com

THANK YOU:

We are really excited about this concept and what the space will bring to Raleigh and the designers in this region. Thank you so much for your contribution and your help in spreading the word.

Big thanks to all the North Carolina designers who are wholesaling their goods to us to use as our campaign rewards. Also thank you to The Love Language whose music is playing in the background of the video above.

Thank you,

The ladies of Kindred (pictured above: Tracy, Elizabeth, Michelle & Whitney) & the EntreDot team

Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter

The challenge we face is making the space as beautiful as we envision it with the limited budget that we have. There are many pieces of the puzzle that need to be completed within the boutique to make it a functioning space that consumers and designers want to be a part of.

FAQ

Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.

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85
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$4,121
pledged of $20,000 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on November 9, 2012.

Funding period
Sep 25, 2012 - Nov 9, 2012 (45 days)

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  • Pledge $1 or more

    3 backers

    Virtual "Thank you"

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $5 or more

    4 backers

    Virtual Thank you, Kindred Temporary Tattoo & Sticker.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $10 or more

    3 backers

    GIFT PACK: Hand written thank you note, Kindred sticker & temporary tattoo

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $15 or more

    7 backers

    8 North Carolina Postcards + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $20 or more

    7 backers

    8 oz jar of all natural, handcrafted lavender bath salt from NC Designer, Whispering Willow + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    21 backers

    Your choice of either an 8x10 unframed Illustrated Feather Print by Greensboro, NC husband and wife team, Heart & Craft, a 8x9 unframed City of Oaks print by Raleigh, NC designers Dapper Paper or a Seedling Print by Durham, NC designer Modern Radar + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $30 or more

    2 backers

    Handmade Reclaimed Leather Feather Key Chain + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $32 or more

    2 backers

    Kindred Ceramic Tumbler + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $35 or more

    4 backers

    To & From Rubber Stamp from Raleigh, NC designer, Wit & Whistle + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $40 or more

    8 backers

    Your Choice of either a North Carolina Tote or T-Shirt, each w/ Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $50 or more

    0 backers

    Pack of 3 Natural Laundry Detergent by Lincolnton, NC Designer Whispering Willow + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $55 or more

    2 backers

    Set of 2, 12oz Packs of Coffee from Larry's Beans (Larry's House & Cowboy Blends) + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $60 or more

    0 backers

    A metal photo necklace from North Carolina designer Tracy Antonik + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $62 or more

    0 backers

    Set of 3 Nut Butters from Durham Company Big Spoon

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $64 or more

    0 backers

    Triangle Stud Earrings from NC Designer Another Feather + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $70 or more

    1 backer

    6oz. Leather Walnut Flask from NC Designer Fleet Co. + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $72 or more

    2 backers

    PRINT PACK: All 3 prints: City of Oaks, Blue Seedling & Feathers Print

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $75 or more

    1 backer

    North Carolina map cuff links + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $85 or more

    2 backers Limited (23 of 25 left)

    North Carolina Heart Necklace from N.C. Business, Vespertine + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $87 or more

    0 backers

    COFFEE LOVER GIFTING PACK: A Kindred Ceramic Tumbler + 2 Coffees from Larry's Beans + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $90 or more

    1 backer

    Feather Painted Toms Shoes from Raleigh designer Matt Butler + Gift Pack.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $95 or more

    1 backer

    2 Yards of Custom Cotton Fabric Designed by NC Designer, Michelle Smith + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $100 or more

    1 backer

    Hand dyed and hand sewn leather wallet from NC Designer, Fleet Co. + Gift Pack.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $110 or more

    0 backers

    Powder coated cuff bracelet from Raleigh designer, S. Tector Metals + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $112 or more

    1 backer

    NC Tote + TShirt + Ceramic Tumbler + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $125 or more

    1 backer Limited (99 of 100 left)

    Sterling silver & textured brass ring from Asheville, NC artist, Calaycay Design (only available in sizes 6-8) + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $135 or more

    0 backers

    Laptop Case from NC Designer Joyner Avenue + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $145 or more

    1 backer

    Leather Flask & NC Cufflinks + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $150 or more

    0 backers

    James Clutch from NC Designer Mill & Bird + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $170 or more

    0 backers

    LADIES ACCESSORY PACK: Brass Earrings + Powder Coated Cuff + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $175 or more

    0 backers

    MEN'S ACCESSORY PACK: North Carolina Cuff Links + Leather Wallet + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $250 or more

    0 backers

    Backpack from NC Company Shelter Protects + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $300 or more

    2 backers

    NC LOVE GIFTING PACKAGE: Set of 8 NC Note Cards, 1 Jar of Bath Salts, 1 To/From Stamp, Set of 3 Bags of Eco Laundry Detergent, 1 Ceramic Coffee Tumbler, 2 Bags of Coffee, 1 NC Tote, 3 Nut Butters + Gift Pack

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $350 or more

    2 backers

    Piedmont Laptop Bag, Blue Leather from NC Designer Tierra Ideas + Gift Pack + Plaque Under Modular Shelving Unit w/ Your Name.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $360 or more

    0 backers

    Rose Thorn Necklace from the Botany Collection of All Things BEC by Beth E. Coiner. Mixed metal of sterling silver with bright finish and 14k yellow gold chain.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $375 or more

    0 backers Limited (10 of 10 left)

    One Plywood Chair from Raleigh, NC Company Burketown + Gift Pack + Plaque Under Modular Shelving Unit w/ Your Name.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $475 or more

    0 backers

    Geometric Earrings + Leather James Clutch + Ceramic Tumbler + Gift Pack + A Plaque w/ Your Name Under a Modular Shelving Unit.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $500 or more

    0 backers

    Turbo Duffle, Blue Leather, made from 100% recycled leather from Delta Airlines Planes. From NC Designer, Tierra Ideas + Gift Pack + A Plaque w/ Your Name Under a Modular Shelving Unit

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $600 or more

    0 backers

    Turbo Duffle + Leather Wallet + Gift Pack + A Plaque w/ Your Name Under a Modular Shelving Unit.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $750 or more

    0 backers

    Styled Photo Shoot w/ You & 5 of your Friends To Be Used in Our Holiday Window Display + 25 Custom Holiday Cards from the Photo Shoot + Ceramic Tumbler + Gift Pack + A Plaque w/ Your Name Under a Modular Shelving Unit.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $875 or more

    0 backers

    LADIES SUPER GIFTING PACK: Leather James Clutch + Powder Coated Cuff Bracelet + Leather Clutch + Bark Ring + Brass Earrings + NC TShirt + Gift Pack + A Plaque w/ Your Name Under a Modular Shelving Unit.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $900 or more

    0 backers

    MENS SUPER GIFTING PACK: Turbo Duffel + Joyner Laptop Case + Wallet + Flask + 2 Bags of Coffee + NC Cufflinks + Gift Pack + A Plaque w/ Your Name Under a Modular Shelving Unit.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    0 backers

    A local band to play a house set at your home + A Ceramic Tumbler + A Gift Pack + A Plaque w/ Your Name Under a Modular Shelving Unit.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $2,500 or more

    0 backers

    An event in our space with 12 of your friends and a smilebooth photo booth + You Get to Cut the Ribbon On Opening Day + A Ceramic Tumbler + A Plaque w/ Your Name Under a Modular Shelving Unit.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012