One of the less important but still kind of unfortunate effects of the coronavirus pandemic is that pop-ups like what we host at The Seedling Collective have come to a complete stand-still. It’s sad (we love our pop-ups!), but we will be ok. Truthfully, I’m more concerned about the established brick-and-mortar shops that line our streets and make Old Town the fabulous boutique shopping destination that it is…
If these businesses fail, the ecosystem that allows something like my little pop-up concept to thrive will collapse as well. I also worry about our Seedling alums – the independent artists and entrepreneurs who have poured their hearts and souls (and finances) into a fledgling business model… only to see things crash around them. So, I decided to use my newfound spare time at Seedling to spread the word about how we can shop local and support the local businesses and entrepreneurs that make our world turn.
Each week, I’ll be highlighting a handful of local businesses, artists, makers, and non-profits and showing how to shop or support them during these crazy times. If they’re holding online sales, running curbside pick-ups, doing local deliveries, assisting with COVID relief projects, or doing any other creative measures, I’ll note it. You can follow us on Instagram @theseedlingcollective to keep up-to-date as the daily releases come out, or subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly synopsis of the businesses we highlighted.
And, I’m looking for ideas! There are tons of ways businesses are getting busy and we want to hear about it (and share it with others). Send us a DM on instagram, shoot me an email at concierge@theseedlingcollective.com, or just comment here – I’m all ears. We’re in this together!
Alexandria & Company is an Old Town-based workshop and design studio specializing in creating and restoring fine jewelry and silver hollowware. They are the in-the-know jewelers of Alexandria and have been serving clients out of their small workshop for decades. Tucked in their historic building on South Royal Street, the team at Alx&Co. brings a personalized, modern approach to their craft – this is not your average stodgy jeweler or antique shop. Visit them during their walk-in hours or online to view their collection of handmade fine jewelry or to drop off a repair project; or, if you’re feeling creative, make an appointment to talk about that custom design project you’ve been imagining.
inquiries@alxandcompany.com | alxandcompany.com
121-B South Royal Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703.548.0659
Design Studio Walk-In Hours (all jewelry services): Wednesday – Saturday 12-6pm
Silver Workshop Walk-In Hours (all silver repair and restoration services): Wednesday or Friday 12-6pm, or by appointment
Appointments encouraged for custom design.