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Entrepreneurs banking on the QLine to increase business

Posted at 5:35 PM, May 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-10 17:37:29-04

Businesses up and down Woodward are hoping to see more shoppers at the doorstep with the QLine opening. That’s certainly the case for four entrepreneurs sharing space in the New
Center area in what’s called the North End Collective.

The store sits in the shadow of the North end of the QLine, the last stop before it turns South.

Shannon Reaves owns Bath Savvy, which makes all natural handmade soaps, lotions, bath bombs and sugar scrub.

Jordette Singleton is the owner of United Fronts, contemporary dress and skirt boutique.

Brittany Chanel owns Purple Love Jewelry and Accessories. She sells handmade and handpicked jewelry and accessories.

And then there’s Deidra Hogue. Iprofiled her and her mobile boutique, The Traveling Pants Company, a year ago.  While she had no intention of parking the truck permanently so to speak. But when Midtown Inc. sponsored the North End Collective looking for tenants…

"I jumped at the chance,” she said. “This is a once in a lifetime chance and I didn’t want to let it pass.”

 So she too has set up shop here, with her unique clothing and accessories.

 “I call what I sell conversation pieces. Everything I sell, I want it to be unique, I want it to represent me as a person. I’m eclectic, I’m professional, I’m polished, classy, but at the same time I have a little edge.

 While each of these women brings their own unique style and products to the North End Collective, they see great value in what they bring to each other…

 “Being in the collective space means I’m not alone,” Brittany says. “I’m also teaming up with other women are pushing their businesses just as hard as I am and making this a neighborhood where people can come shop again.

And with the QLine stop just feet away from the North End Collective’s front door, they’re hoping new shoppers will flock to an area of Woodward once known for its empty storefronts.

“A lot of people don’t know that this area is being revitalized. And there’s new life being breathed into this area,” Deidra says. “It’s just amazing to watch this unfold. My sister is moving back to the area from Baltimore in June and I am so excited to show off Detroit, To show her what we have now… to say I’m a part of Detroit’s revitalization has been an amazing experience.”

You can check out more about the North End Collective here.