The Palmetto Market
Founded by Chrissy Santos
Resources Utilized
- Retail Lab | Spring 2022 Graduate
- Awarded $2,500 Flywheel Foundation Grant
Entrepreneurial Journey
- Chrissy started her business as a side hustle to pay for her wedding. Up until the pandemic, she worked full-time for a fitness company.
- The pandemic encouraged Chrissy to take a chance on herself, so she left her fitness position to pursue her business full-time.
- Chrissy applied and was accepted into the Retail Lab program’s Spring 2022 cohort. She graduated from the program in May 2022.
The Palmetto Market was born
- The Retail Lab inspired Chrissy to completely rebrand her business.
- Chrissy unveiled her brand for the first time during her pitch to the Cabarrus Center Entrepreneurship Council for a chance to receive a $2,500 grant from the Flywheel Foundation.
- Her pitch was a huge success and she was awarded the grant.
Store Opens in Downtown Concord
- In 2023, Chrissy was invited to return to the Retail Lab, but this time as an instructor to share her experiences and expertise.
- February 2024 | After years of taking part in various pop-ups and having her products featured in other stores, Chrissy opened her first brick-and-mortar store at 11 Cabarrus Ave W in downtown Concord.
- The Palmetto Market is your one-stop gift shop in downtown Concord, featuring products made by Chrissy and 16 other local small businesses.
In the News
- Entrepreneur achieves long-held dream of opening her own business in downtown Concord (Independent Tribune, 3-2-2024)
- Retail Lab graduate finds courage to start fresh (Small Business Center at RCCC, 3-1-2024)
- Cabarrus Center Retail Lab graduates 10 local entrepreneurs, awards 5 grants (Cabarrus Center, 5-23-2022)
