Less than one mile from our North Crestwood home (just down the hill and over the railroad tracks), there is the most incredible little gallery/boutique/art studio. It sits gracefully on a corner in historic Woodlawn and is part of 55th Place Arts, a small business incubator focused on creative entrepreneurs led by Main Street Birmingham. City Arts Boutique was the first tenant to set up shop, and has instantly become a favorite destination for those who love various forms of insanely creative (and charming) local art.
The shop’s owner, Brooke Fleming, is an artist herself. She blends together fabric to create functional quilt pieces. She also has her finger on the pulse of the local art community, and without much trouble has been able to quickly fill up her shop with unique artisan wares from well-known local artists such as Lil’ Seeds, Four Hats Press, and Jill Marlar. (There are so many others!) City Arts Boutique ”presents an eclectic mix of art, handmade arts and crafts, unique clothing and jewelry, all created exclusively by local Birmingham artists.” Did you read that? 100% Birmingham. Don’t even get me started…
100%, y'all. 100%!
If I’m in need of a card, a gift, or a little something for myself, guess where I head to… Need I remind you it is in the heart of Woodlawn, one of my favorite Magic City neighborhoods? And on some days, when I’m just in need of inspiration or maybe community, I step inside and enjoy the sights. City Arts Boutique never disappoints.
City Arts Boutique owner Brooke Fleming poses in front of one of her own unique (very Birmingham) quilt pieces.
I’ve been so intrigued with Brooke and her business, and was really delighted when she agreed to sit down with us in the Magic City Chatroom. So, rather than hear me tell the story, let’s let her do the talking…
MCM: Brooke, we’re so excited to have you in the Chatroom! Give us a quick background. How long have you lived in Birmingham? Current neighborhood? Family?
I have lived in Birmingham for about 10 years. My husband, David and I bought our house in Crestwood when we got married, it will be 9 years this August. Wow, time flies! I am from Atlanta originally, and I still am a Georgia girl, but I have grown to absolutely love my neighborhood, community and city and call it home. David and I have one son, Thomas who is 4 and keeps us laughing and on our toes!
MCM: We’re a little biased when it comes to Crestwood, so we can certainly understand why you love your Birmingham home! Now, down to business. We just adore your new venture, City Arts Boutique. How did this idea come to life?
I actually was driving through Woodlawn and saw this old building on the corner of 1st Ave S and 55th Place S. It was forgotten and rundown, but even then I thought it was charming and could envision a cute little shop there on the corner. I knew Mainstreet Birmingham had plans to renovate this building to lease out spaces, and so it got my mind turning on what I could do there and how to make it work. I had just learned to quilt and thought it would be great to have a large studio space to work in, and sell other’s artwork in the space as well. The concept of City Arts Boutique was born. I saw the space in August of 2011 and was open in December 2011. It happened really quickly!
MCM: Goodness! Well, that’s what happens with great ideas…don’t look back, right?!
City Arts offers local artisans a place to showcase their wares, and it also offers residents an opportunity to support local art. Even more, it gives local art lovers affordable options. Were these some of your original goals? What other positive outcomes/benefits to the community have you been surprised with?
I like the way you describe it! That is exactly right. It started out in my mind being a place for me to do my craft and try to sell others work, and it has evolved into so much more than that. I have been pleasantly surprised how many good things have come out of this effort for this community, and how much potential there is for many more win-wins. Not only are we 100% local art and are supporting these artists, but we are helping to revitalize a historic Birmingham neighborhood. I have so many good stories of people from this community who have brought artwork in that has been discovered by customers and taken home as treasures. We are getting even more involved in this community by offering classes. This has all been received very positively by both Crestwood and Woodlawn residents, and the word is starting to spread to other areas of Birmingham too.
MCM: Tell us about these classes… What does City Arts do to nurture the “artist” in all of us?
This is also something that was a bit unexpected, but has happened. Once the renovation was completed, it uncovered quite a rustic gem. This space is beautiful with the painted whited old plaster walls, exposed brick, and many windows that bring in natural light. When filled with many wonderful pieces of art, it is quite inspiring. I don’t think you can be in this space for long without becoming struck by a certain piece of art or the creativity of a craft. It gets your creative juices flowing, and makes you want to go create something yourself!
As far as nurturing goes, we offer several classes for those that want to learn a new art. We actually have a few coming up next week, you can go to www.cityartsboutique.com to read about them.
MCM: Let’s talk about location, location, location. We really love and believe in Woodlawn as one of Birmingham’s treasures. What prompted you to open your business there?
Even though there has been some negativity about Woodlawn in the past, I just look at this area and see potential. I guess that is where being from Atlanta helps me. I see this place as a potential “Little 5 Points” or “Virginia Highlands” someday. I remember those areas in Atlanta before they were so popular. Being so very close to the Crestwood neighborhood (really, close enough to walk) and so close to downtown Birmingham, the location is edgy and wonderful. Being in the heart of a historic business district with the charm and nostalgia that Woodlawn has to offer is, to me, the best thing about it. Some people are surprised to know that I choose to be in Woodlawn. Being anywhere else just doesn’t appeal to me. I am proud to be located here, and if I can help bring beauty and restoration to a neglected area, that is what makes it worth it to me.
MCM: See? This is why we think you are amazing, Brooke. Your heart (and your business) is in the right place.
Now, what advice can you give to others who are contemplating a business idea/plan? Best practices? Biggest lessons learned?
Go for it! Make sure you have a solid business plan and concept and make sure you have a good support system. I am still in my first year of business, so I am still on a learning curve here, but I have been so humbled by the support I have received thus far from both my friends and people who I didn’t know. It has been a wonderful way to become invested in my community. A huge lesson I have learned so far is how important it is to support local businesses in general. These people are working very hard. I don’t think I realized until I started this how much it means to small, local business when you support them, both financially and with moral support. All the small unique places that we all love and that give our town vibrancy need our continued support to be sustained.
And, for City Arts, I have learned that I still have work to do in communicating who we are, what we are doing and why. As excited as some people are about this place, there are still plenty of Birmingham folks that don’t know about us or this area of town. So, I am working on that! I have my work cut out for me to convince people to come shopping in an area that is not known for retail shopping at this point.
MCM: We certainly want to help spread the word about what you’re doing and why it is so special!
Mind if we get personal? What’s something Birmingham needs to know about you?
I am just thankful. I am thankful for this place to be able to spread my wings and try something like this. I am thankful for my family, my neighborhood and my community! I think Birmingham is a wonderful place to live and be!
And, my favorite place on earth is the beach.
MCM: Birmingham is thankful for you! What is your favorite Birmingham sight to see? Favorite character? Favorite dish?
Well, I have to say the Vulcan. Not only is he so strong and stable up there, but the grounds of Vulcan park are so beautiful and peaceful. On a pretty day, you just can’t beat it. My family has had many special moments there. Thomas is enamoured with him. We had his 4th birthday party there and he dressed up as the Vulcan last Halloween! (So that covers the favorite sight and character!)
My husband and I just celebrated his birthday at Hot and Hot Fish Club a few weekends ago and I’m going to have to say their Tomato salad is pretty amazing. I’ll go with that as my favorite dish.
MCM: Oh, I’m sure Vulcan is proud to hear that!! If you were trying to convince an outsider to visit our great city, what would your elevator pitch sound like?
With charm, history, a great local music scene, and so many delicious restaurants and unique shops, Birmingham has small town character with big city opportunities and amenities. It’s the best of both worlds. Definitely worth exploring!
MCM: Speaking of exploring, if there were a Birmingham time capsule planted now, to be opened in 2112, what would YOU put in it?
A cheeseburger and fries from Chez Fonfon.
MCM: YES! What a way to remember the Magic City!
Oh, it’s such a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with Brooke, and let’s all continue cheering on City Arts and Woodlawn and Birmingham artists and small local business! Hopefully, Brooke’s passion and enthusiasm offers you another glimpse at just how special this city is.
Go ahead. Make your way on down to Woodlawn, to enjoy its obvious rebirth and to visit Brooke Fleming at City Arts Boutique. In fact, grab your favorite art-lovin’ friend and check it out this Friday, June 29, from 5-7p.m. The shop will open its doors for “Local Art Look”. {Grab more info here.} Refreshments will be served and over 30 artists will be represented.
Also, stay tuned for other upcoming events and classes at City Arts Boutique here on their blog.
