Finding a space to purchase a variety of things is a rare gem. The Community College of Baltimore County in Owings Mills, MD has given life to such a space – introducing "The Collective." This innovative hub officially opened its doors on February 22nd, 2024, providing a welcoming environment for people to gather, shop, and find inspiration. Nestled in Mill Station, The Collective stands out as a unique addition to the community.
Delise White, the Project Director for CCBC took the lead in creating the brand for The Collective. White states, “In the storefront, there are over 30 different Maryland makers, and online, there are service providers.” These services range from marketing professionals to holistic care, beauty and hair care, and more. The storefront itself offers a diverse range of handmade teas, earrings, bracelets, journals, and more, showcasing the depth of variety among The Collective's makers and their products.
Step inside The Collective, and you'll discover a world of possibilities. From homemade teas to intricately crafted earrings, bracelets, and journals, the diversity of offerings reflects The Collective's commitment to showcasing the unique talents of its makers. Delise White emphasizes, “Some makers have been featured in 14 different stores, while others are making their retail debut, learning the ropes.” The Collective isn't just a place to shop; it's an experience where you can find the perfect gift for anyone in your life or treat yourself to something special.
Ken Buck, the Campus Director for CCBC at Owings Mills and Randallstown, envisioned transforming the space, once a café, into something new. In partnership with Radcliffe for their business competitions, the planning for The Collective began years ago. White, who joined the project just two months ago, worked alongside Buck to bring this vision to fruition. Buck mentions, “The Collective originated from a pop-up idea between CCBC and Baltimore County Public Library. After extensive research on the creative and maker landscape in the Baltimore region, three years later, we are excited to see The Collective's future unfold.”
Upon entering The Collective, visitors encounter both new and expert makers showcasing their products. White notes, “For some makers, this is their 14th store, while others are experiencing retail for the first time, learning the ropes.” The Collective has also provided opportunities for businesses to return to a physical storefront after facing closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Becoming a maker for The Collective involves an application process, which is available on their website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with over 140 applications reviewed to date. The future of The Collective is promising, with plans to welcome even more makers to their storefront.
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