From co-owner’s of The Isle Co. Kathy Miller and Becca Slye (a mother and daughter duo) comes a new space to open in the Agora Downtown Market – Create Downtown. They will host a verity of classes and workshops lead by guest teachers – from knitting to marble pour painting. They also offer a variety of creative games and puzzles to purchase. Becca shared more details and future hopes of their space! Join them for their grand opening as part of First Fridays on April 6th!

What inspired you to start Create Downtown?

Becca: It all started when our family business, The Isle Company, moved downtown after closing our storefront in the Kroger shopping center. Although we enjoyed our two years at that location, we jumped on the opportunity to move downtown 8 months ago and haven’t looked back! The Isle Company was the very first business to sign a lease in Harrisonburg’s newest shared retail space at The Agora Market. Our business has benefited greatly from this change and we have witnessed first hand how locals and tourists alike LOVE to support their local community. When the opportunity arose for us to rent the space directly across from us at the Market, we thought long and hard about what type of business our community would like to see. This will be something totally different for our shared space, but a business that will benefit everyone! We loved the idea, and so did many others, of offering Harrisonburg’s newest hot spot for all things CREATIVE!

Create Downtown has a variety of retail products such as puzzles, games, make and take kits, brain teasers, and paint by number! Things you could pick up for a project with your kids, for a date night or for tourists who are looking for an activity to do at their condo on a rainy day. However, the primary purpose of the space will be for make-and-take arts and crafts classes and workshops!

We wanted to offer a gathering place to bring together artisans and the community. We think it will be a fun draw for people – giving them yet another reason to come downtown. It’s really a ‘win win’ all around as this space will benefit all of the Agora shop owners, local artisans and the community as a whole.

Inspiration and Imagination come together in this unique, fun space! Create Downtown will offer classes and workshops for all ages with seating for up to 20.