Creating a Safe Space
Support a café + retail hub for small biz, events, and wellness—a safe third space giving back to Chicago Public Schools.
Project Description
Why We’re Here: Our Mission and Heart
Our mission is to create a retail and event space in Chicago that supports small business owners by providing accessible opportunities for selling their products and hosting community-focused events mainly within the wellness space. We aim to build a safe, welcoming “third space” that fosters creativity, connection, and wellness, while also giving back to underserved Chicago Public Schools through meaningful partnerships.
The Challenge We’re Solving Together
Small business owners—especially those with handmade products—face significant challenges accessing consistent retail opportunities and community support. Meanwhile, underserved Chicago Public Schools lack essential resources and community partnerships that could enhance the well-being of children. There is a clear gap in spaces that simultaneously support local entrepreneurs and serve as hubs for community engagement and giving back.
Why This Matters: Our Community’s Opportunity
Chicago’s West Side neighborhoods like Logan Square and Wicker Park are hubs for creatives, small business owners, and wellness enthusiasts who seek spaces that offer authentic connection and affordable retail access. With thousands of small business owners struggling to find storefront presence and consumers increasingly prioritizing community-focused shopping experiences, this market is ripe for a multi-purpose space that meets these evolving needs.
How We’re Making a Difference
Our business provides a curated retail and event space that offers small business owners pop-up market opportunities, product placement, and event hosting—all designed to foster sales, exposure, and community building. By providing an accessible platform for makers and entrepreneurs, along with a venue for wellness events, we create an ecosystem that nurtures local growth and wellness. Through partnerships, we also channel support back to underserved Chicago Public Schools, creating a sustainable cycle of community uplift.
How Your Support Will Bring This to Life
We are seeking funding to cover startup costs including leasing and outfitting the retail/event space, and staffing. Funds will also support community programming and partnerships with local schools. Your support will give us the chance to launch with the resources needed to build a thriving, sustainable hub that benefits entrepreneurs, community members, and local schools alike.
People Behind This Vision
Our team is led by Tadzia Lee, a passionate small business owner who is currently in graduate school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling, hoping to work with children in the future and has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of retail access and community building. We hope to find more support by local wellness advocates, community organizers, and business mentors committed to creating a meaningful impact on Chicago.
Thank You for Being Part of This Journey
We truly appreciate your support in helping us build a space where local businesses thrive, communities connect, and Chicago’s underserved schools receive much needed support. Thank you endlessly for being part of this journey!
**We will be adding a video as soon as possible. Photos used at the moment are stock but represent our goals.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
1. What kind of businesses will be featured in the space?
We focus on uplifting local, small, and independent businesses. Our goal is to create a diverse and intentional mix of vendors that reflect the heart of Chicago’s creative community.
2. How will this space support Chicago Public Schools?
A portion of our proceeds and event collaborations will directly benefit underserved CPS schools. We’ll partner with local educators and nonprofits to provide resources such as school supplies, wellness activities, or creative workshops for students. Our goal is to give back in ways that may seem small but can greatly impact the children.
3. What kinds of events will be held in the space?
We’ll host a range of events including wellness events including yoga, meditation, pilates, creative pop-ups such as crafts but for adults, community discussions, open mics, small business panels, and private bookings. The space will be open for others to rent as well—making it a true third space where people can gather, nurture, celebrate, and grow together.
4. When will the space open?
We are aiming to open within 3–6 months after reaching our funding goal, or by the start of 2026. During that time, we’ll be securing a location, building out the space, and onboarding our first group of vendors and community partners. We’ll keep all backers updated every step of the way.
5. How can I become a vendor or get involved?
Whether you're a maker, artist, wellness brand, or small business owner—we’d love to connect! Once the space is ready, we'll open vendor applications for pop-up markets, shelf placement, and event partnerships. You can also sign up for early interest now through our website or social media.
6. Will the space be open to everyone?
Absolutely. While our mission centers on uplifting underserved communities and small businesses, our space is open to all. We are creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for anyone who values community, creativity, and well-being.
Give any amount you please. Thank you for trusting us and believing in our mission.
Just a little gift and token of our appreciation. Take a look at wearewelllived.com to see if there is a scent you would like to try, or we can surprise you! In the message below, please leave your email for us to reach out for shipping information along with a requested scent if you have one.
(This is coming from my personal funds/separate business NOT what is being funded here.)
Rewards
Give any amount you please. Thank you for trusting us and believing in our mission.
Just a little gift and token of our appreciation. Take a look at wearewelllived.com to see if there is a scent you would like to try, or we can surprise you! In the message below, please leave your email for us to reach out for shipping information along with a requested scent if you have one.
(This is coming from my personal funds/separate business NOT what is being funded here.)