Local business enters a new era with a new location

BUSINESS

CHAPEL HILL–WomanCraft Gifts, a beloved local business, has relocated and is set to hold a grand reopening this weekend, May 3-4. They’ve made the move from their Carrboro location to 250 S. Elliott Road in Chapel Hill. As part of their Grand Reopening Celebration, they’re inviting the community to join in the festivities with live music, refreshments, and a raffle. The two lucky winners of the raffle will receive a collection of items donated by WomanCraft artists, a testament to the community’s support and creativity.

All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Meals on Wheels program. Raffle tickets can be purchased at WomanCraft and the drawing for the winners will be on Sun., May 4.

Who are they?

“As a co-op, we are owned and operated by the local artists whose work makes up our product selections. We create the products, sell them, manage the business operations and, most importantly, share our stories with each other and our customers. Each member and consignor is paid only when their items are sold,” said Member Artist and Display Committee Member Dede Corvinus. “Artists run the store.”

Their name stems from their beginning. WomanCraft was founded when a group of local women came together to organize a shop where they and others could share and sell their handmade work, fostering a community centered on crafts, as stated on their website.

History of WomanCraft

As they embark on a new chapter, WomanCraft is proud to continue its tradition of offering unique, locally-made items. Founded in 1973, this cooperative of local artisans, both male and female, has been a beacon for those seeking handcrafted jewelry and tote bags. Now, 52 years later, it’s still the place to be and, this time, you can bring your grandchildren to experience the same unique charm.

Initially, the WomanCraft founders came together as a consciousness-raising feminist group. Groups like this were identified as “cornerstones of the second wave of feminism.” Their entire timeline can be found here.

The establishment of WomanCrafts predates the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, a landmark law that became a beacon of hope for women’s financial independence in 1974. This act granted women the right to apply for and obtain loans and credit cards without the permission of a male family member. Before this Act, it was not uncommon for banks to deny access to single women, widows, and married women who did not have their spouse’s explicit permission. The impact of this law was profound, and it’s a testament to the progress that women’s rights have made.

Purpose continues

WomanCraft’s purpose is to continue supporting local artists. They have 25 working artist members and hope to expand that number and create awareness and appreciation for our local artisans.

The times may have changed, but the beat—and WomanCraft Gifts—go on.

Michelle Cassell is a seasoned reporter who has covered everything from crime to hurricanes and local politics to human interest over the course of 35 years. As Editor, she hopes to encourage writers of a wide range of backgrounds and interests in TLR’s coverage of Southern Orange County news. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocal Reporter.press.