Since 2024, the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin has organized spring pop-up makers markets to give emerging business owners a platform to display their handmade products. Next month, another element of this initiative, the Made In Elgin Shop, will open in Courtyard at 40. This shop will house up to eight entrepreneurs who will produce and sell their goods.
DNA Executive Director Jennifer Fukala shared that the Made In Elgin Shop will be located at 42 S. Spring St. It will occupy two combined storefronts facing Spring Street. The $100,000 Small Business Accelerator Grant from The Hartford, in collaboration with Main Street America, which DNA received in May 2025, funds this project. Fukala explained that the grant has been used to purchase lighting, slatwalls, paint, display materials, a point-of-sale system, printers, a security system, work tables, and educational programming for participating businesses. Some funds are also allocated for marketing and sustaining the program during its first year.
The shop will initially open with four vendors, while DNA seeks four more to complete the space. It will operate during specific hours from Thursday to Sunday, with tenants paying $400 monthly rent and committing to a minimum six-month term. Fukala highlighted that the overarching aim is to support entrepreneurs as they transition from home-based or online setups to independent downtown storefronts.
The first four participants include Anika Jones of Head to Toe Blessings, creating skin and hair care products; Regina and Tawny Pauling’s The Noble Soapery, producing soaps, body and hair care products, candles, and home scents; Jen Monterroso with La Joya De Taxco, a family-run jewelry business; and Tola Makinde, owner of TCreativ Designs and MOPE Botanical Wellness. Makinde will be one of the first tenants at the Made In Elgin Shop.
Tola Makinde shared insights into her business journey, which started with TCreativ Designs five years ago. She makes pressed floral art, botanical jewelry, resin keepsakes, and nature-inspired home décor. Makinde also offers floral preservation services. From TCreativ Designs, she developed MOPE Botanical Wellness, where she crafts cold-infused botanical oil blends and gemstone wellness kits. The name MOPE reflects her family heritage, connecting to her middle name and grandmother’s name. She emphasized the significance of having a dedicated creative space for her work.
Makinde has been selling her creations at markets throughout the Chicago area and believes participating in the Made In Elgin Shop is a natural progression. “Both of my brands are deeply rooted in this community, and I love the idea of a space that celebrates makers who are creating right here in Elgin,” she said. Fukala expressed that the program aims to help businesses transition from market vendors to physical storefronts.
Fukala explained the broader vision of the Made In Elgin Retail Incubator Program as a strategic economic development initiative. It seeks to create a pipeline of future downtown businesses. Many of these businesses generate multiple revenue streams, such as wholesale, online, event, and direct-to-consumer sales. This diversification reduces reliance on walk-in traffic. Thus, it enhances their long-term sustainability while contributing to a diverse downtown business district.
Makinde looks forward to the visibility and connections the downtown location offers. “A consistent, professional space allows people to discover my work in a setting that enhances its presentation. Being around other local makers fosters a creative community, which I highly value,” Makinde said. She hopes this opportunity will lead to more workshops and collaborations.
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