Monday, July 9, 2007 by Denise Walsh

Uptown Umbrella Market

Market brings businesses outside

This article first appeared in The Daily Reflector on July 9, 2007 following the 1st Uptown Greenville Umbrella Market

by Cassondra Lampkin, The Daily Reflector

Poetry and pillows were among the items for sale at the Umbrella Market held in downtown Greenville.  Umbrellas highlighted vendors who set-up along the sidewalk on South Evans Street between Fifth and Fourth streets.  Saturday's market, sponsored by the Uptown Greenville Merchants Committee, includes local artisans and vendors ready to sell products. Future markets are scheduled July 21, Aug. 4 and Aug. 11.

Outside showcases lured people into the stores, said Greenville's Wanda Rogerson, who saw a flyer and came out.  The event promotes community spirit, she said.  "It's good advertisement," Rogerson said. "Now that I'm more aware of them, I'd love to come back and shop."

New business owners joined with established shopkeepers to promote their wares.  Tipsy Teapot owner Delia Liuzza was stationed in front of her store, showcasing teas next to a barrel filled with books at discounted prices.  "I've sold things that I haven't been able to sell in the store," she said.

Maria Cochran of Ayden, a self-described starving artist, included her own sound system equipment at her table. There also were self-published poetry books featuring the writing of her business partner Ayesha Atkinson.  Cochran, 43, moved to Ayden from Maryland 18 months ago.  "It's hard being a poet in a more rural area," she said.  Most people don't think of poetry as a career, Cochran said. The market should provide good exposure for her work, Cochran said.

Aleigha Archie, an East Carolina University student, sold "Fight Fillows," pillows designed like monster characters. Her inspiration came after spending time sewing and working with textiles.  The pillows were popular with children, Archie said.  Archie's dream is to "one day open a cute pub with art" with her business partner Mike Reott, she said.