Small Business Spotlight: Sistah Co-op
Monday, May 3, 2021 at 2:35AMArticle and photos by Becky Fillinger
What’s new in small businesses downtown? Sistah Co-op had its ribbon cutting ceremony on May 1, attended by politicians, small business owners, fans, family and others. Mill City Times dropped by to check out the space and products, and to speak to the two fantastic entrepreneurs who’ve moved their operations to a permanent location in the IDS Center.
Mayor Frey holds the ceremonial ribbon for Sabrina Jones and Angie Lamb-Onayiga to cut.
Sabrina Jones is the CEO and Founder of SJC Body Love Products. Body Love Products features Minnesota handmade products such as shea butter, sprays, scrubs, and other products that will elevate your sense of wellbeing – they’re clean, safe, simple and effective. Sabrina told us that during the COVID-19 shutdown she continued to partner with other women to move their entrepreneurial journeys forward. She said that along with her partner, Angie Lamb-Onayiga, she wanted to “make things happen and not just wait for something to happen. In the shop, we offer products from other BIPOC/women owned businesses to help support and grow small businesses like ours.”
Sabrina with a display of products.
TiAngy Designs, created by sisters Tinu and Angie, offers a wide selection of purses, handbags, clothing and jewelry. All items are authentic, custom designs - handmade from Nigeria. The clothing, bags and headwraps are made with vibrant, gorgeous 100% cotton fabrics. Angie says that her shop’s designs will add ‘ethnic flair’ to any wardrobe. “I’ve been friends with Sabrina for 22 years – Sistah Co-op is the dream we’ve had for a very long time.”
Mayor Jacob Frey dropped by to cheer on the new business and to assist with the ribbon cutting. He said that the grand opening of Sistah Co-op on a bright and beautiful sunny Saturday was emblematic of the coming reopening of Minneapolis. “It’s a signal that we’re all moving in the right direction. Thank you to the Downtown Council and to the private business partners for working so hard on bringing businesses back. It’s now time to take down the boards, let’s move forward with inclusion.”
Dan Collison, Director of Downtown Partnerships for the Minneapolis Downtown Council, with Angie and Sabrina.
Rosemary UgboajahNeka Creative president and owner, Rosemary Ugboajah, noted that Sistah Co-op has made the journey from pop-up shop to boutique to retail location in downtown Minneapolis. “Vacant retail spaces aren’t good business for downtown Minneapolis, neither is inequity. Neka Creative is proud to assist Chameleon Shoppes in building inclusive solutions and vibrant Minneapolis experiences. Sistah Co-op is a project we’re very proud of.”
Other attendees included State Senator Bobby Joe Champion, Council Member Steve Fletcher, Steve Cramer, President of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Dan Collison, Director of Downtown Partnerships for the Minneapolis Downtown Council.
Angie with a display of vibrant clothing.
Do you need Mother’s Day gifts? Graduation, wedding or birthday gifts? How about just some flair in your wardrobe? Visit Sistah Co-op at 80 S 8th Street, Suite 254. You’re going to be delighted and you’ll be helping small businesses get a foothold in downtown Minneapolis.
