This Women’s History Month, we want to make it easy for you to shop local, women-owned businesses. You know who makes that easy? The Collective Market! Found in the Chandler Mall across from Pottery Barn, this holiday pop-up shop turned permanent retailer is home to over 40 locally owned businesses, many that are also woman-owned!

We met up with Owner Raina Dodge to talk about what inspired her to start the Collective Market, the importance of entrepreneurship, and why shopping locally matters.

Why did you start the Collective Market?

I started The Collective as a way to give other small businesses (like my own) a place to share their work with the local Chandler community. The Collective Market provides local, small businesses a space inside the mall to permanently display their work and to grow their business! From the beginning my goal has always been to have a fun and creative environment where our partnering businesses can connect to customers. As a small business, that is where we thrive. My daily motivation is knowing that my job is to support the 45 small businesses in my store! Everything I do directly impacts the success of The Collective.

What makes you excited about shopping local? Why does it matter?

My #1 priority is to keep our money in our local community. We - as a community - are the ones who have the greatest chance to impact each other's lives. I make it a point to shop small/ shop local first. When I shop local, I know that I am supporting people who live in my community! I know that my purchase positively impacts them and their families! I've actually witnessed a small business owner doing a happy dance when someone bought something of theirs! It is a heart-warming experience. Ever since the pandemic hit, people have made it a priority to also support local small businesses. In general, when presented with an opportunity to either spend money with a big-box store or on a similar item made by a local artisan, women will choose to support locally. Call it a sisterhood; we want to support and uplift one another!

What does 2022 look like for your business?

2022 is all about establishing The Collective Market as a common name in the market! It is an uphill battle solidifying a name for any new business! We are really working on reaching people to drive foot traffic to the store. Once "anyone" hears about who we are, what we are, and why we do this - they immediately fall in love with the store, and want to support local businesses by spending their money in our store! The great thing about being in the mall is that we are open 7 days a week. People can shop when it's convenient for them. They don't have to wait for a pop-up event on the weekend. There are a lot of people who still shop in person, who need to feel/touch/smell items and we can provide that for them. I'm also trying to reach the people who haven't been to the mall in a long time. I want to give them a reason to come back to the mall and shop! It is an enjoyable and safe place to be.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who want to start a business in AZ?

My advice to anyone who wants to start a business - DO IT! Get a good business plan, and execute! There are opportunities everywhere. Find that need, and fill it! Also, you absolutely gotta do what you love! Be passionate about your business! I know that sounds cheesy but it's true. Starting a business from nothing is an insane amount of work. It makes it a lot easier to put the hours into making a business successful when you love what you are doing. A person also needs a great support system; spouse, family, and friends. Owning a business isn't roses all the time - you will need some people to fall back on, remind you of why you are doing this, and that it is worth it!