Archives: Portfolio Items

Big Lush Plants & Flowers is a group effort started by three friends, a merchant, a plantsman and an artist who met in NYC and relocated to Frederick, MD. Our shop is a labor of love and the stars of the show are the plants and flowers, and along with our unique objects we bring […]

Monica Pearce started her career off in the environmental science field getting her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park. She spent a year after college living and working in the Galapagos Islands (fun fact!) doing conservation work and then remained in the conservation biology field when she […]

The mother-daughter team of Maren and Mari Good are excited to officially open the doors to The Center next week. With decades of experience in our respective fields, look for our upcoming offerings: gong meditations, Acutonics Sound therapy sessions (tuning forks and other sound tools), yoga, Pilates and Corealign sessions, as well as aromatherapy classes […]

Saying Give Rise Studio is my dream is an understatement. Along with the community, we can create positive change by slowing down and tapping into our own ability to heal, thrive and express ourselves. I’m providing a venue for workshops, classes, opportunities, events and rentals to support creativity, health and joy. These events are hosted […]

Marlene and Tom England opened Curious Iguana, an independent bookstore and benefit corporation, in 2013—just around the corner from their first store, Dancing Bear Toys. Although they rarely read the same book, they agree that these two non-fiction titles are must-reads: “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi and “The […]

Tom and Marlene England took their first retail plunge in 2000 with the opening of Dancing Bear Toys. Although the store’s year-long 20th anniversary celebration isn’t turning out exactly as planned (thanks, COVID), Tom and Marlene are still having fun. Their favorite games to play when not working? Pit, Rack-o, Mystic Market, and Tenzi! Learn […]

Coming from a background of science and research, I like to experiment with flavors and create fun experiences for our guests at the Pop Shop. The Pop Shop Freddy is one such creation of bringing together two great things about Frederick which makes a tasty treat for those who come the visit! Learn more about […]

I “gained my independence” when the national retailer I worked for sold to a company based in California. It had been a wonderful experience, doing the visual merchandising for a 100 store chain, helping to design the new stores and open them, choosing product and helping to set up an additional 100 temporary stores each […]

With almost two decades of combined experience in the alcohol production industry, Braeden and Tyler live and breathe (and drink) spirits. The two longtime friends came back home to Frederick to open up McClintock Distilling in 2015 to bring back the heritage and history of distilling in Maryland. They love sharing their spirits with the […]