Local Gather Brick and Mortar

Local Gather will be a place for people to connect with others in their community, be creative, and discover local businesses in our boutique. We will host fun and unique instructed craft workshops, offer wellness classes, and sell curated goods from local makers and small businesses within a safe space for people to enjoy.

After having the pleasure of working alongside fellow small business owners and meeting so many fantastic members of the community over the last few years, we have fallen in the love with being a part of it all. It has given us the chance to see our community in such an amazing way. However, after a 2-year pandemic, so many people have been feeling disconnected. Now with the chance to get out of their homes again and try new things, we are constantly asked for recommendations of small businesses and ways to support them. Or ask about local events in the area that people can attend that can help them feel more connected again. We want to be that connection for those who are seeking community most as well. As well as showing support for our fellow small businesses who we believe are the backbone of our community.

We have chosen Mesa, Arizona as our first location because we believe that the environment of the surrounding communities that are continuing to grow and develop makes it the perfect place for us to connect with people. It is a city that is continuing to grow and develop with a diverse range of people. However, there is no place to highlight the fantastic small businesses of Arizona and offer curated workshops that can bring people together anywhere in the area. 

We have a lineup of vendors ready to join our boutique. Plus we are prepared to schedule workshops/events as soon as we have the available space. The majority of the funds that we receive will go towards securing a place that we feel is the best fit for our needs as well as covering any maintenance on the building. 

Acacia Rayford is the founder of Local Gather and has over a 14-year history working in the retail industry. She has lived in Arizona for over 20 years spending most of those years in Tempe. She is also the owner of the successful online stationery shop Hey Rosie Creations which was founded in 2020. As well as the print shop Bossy which helps small businesses with their print and design needs. She has a huge love for connecting with people in her community, managing, and being creative. Together with all of those things combined, she is creating a memorable and welcoming experience by opening Local Gather.

Madeline Harn is the co-owner of Local Gather. She is also the founder of Naked Fig Soap which launched in March 2020 as an avenue to bring sustainable self-care options and an inspiration to live intentionally... starting with soap, the old-fashioned way. Madeline Harn is dedicated to crafting products that are nourishing and good for the skin. She is also a member of the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild.

Thank you so much for your support. It means the world to us and we are forever grateful. We can’t wait to open our doors to gather with our community.