Plus, an eclipse covering Raleigh in 2078.
 
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Today’s Forecast

73º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:49 a.m. | Sunset 7:43 p.m.

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A Message From Our Team
Do you have a knack for content creation, copywriting, and marketing strategy? We’re looking to add an action-oriented Marketing Copywriter and Coordinator to the team. See more details + apply here.
 
👜 Doing good with quality bags
An array of Designed for Joy bags on a table for sale.
Designed for Joy helps women in crisis by proving living wages + tools to find full-time employment. | Photo by RALtoday
In Raleigh’s West End, adjacent to the Warehouse District, Designed for Joy operates in a 5,000 sqft warehouse + store space creating and selling handbags, jewelry, and more goods made by women in crisis who are paid a living wage and learning essential job skills.

We sat down with some of Designed for Joy’s staff and artisans to learn more about the nonprofit ahead of its North Hills Innovation District opening.

Founded by executive director Cary Heise and designer Kristen Sydow, the pair started the nonprofit to support Raleigh’s populations experiencing crises like sex trafficking, homelessness, substance abuse, and refugee situations, among others.

“We provide living wage work and immediate employment for women in crisis, and we’re removing the stigma of vulnerability,” Sydow told RALtoday.

Artisans like Ana, a production coordinator who has been working for Designed for Joy for a year and a half, said she’s learned communication skills, independence, and responsibility.

Skills learned on the job can help artisans like Ana achieve full-time employment. In total, the nonprofit has provided its artisans with over $500,000 in living wages. Since it’s inception, Designed for Joy has employed over 140 women, and 91% of artisans move on to full-time work, the ultimate goal of the nonprofit.

A wall with letters spelling out "See the beauty in the little things" with folders underneath.

Designed for Joy’s common area includes a computer and resources for basic needs, food and credit assistance, insurance, Medicaid, and more.

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Photo by RALtoday

Artisan tasks include sewing, performed by a group of full-time workers, installing hardware, and quality control to make sure the bags are in the best shape before heading to customers.

Designer Sydow prioritizes ease of creation for the artisans as well as materials + designs that last. Sydow also sources textiles, hardware, and accessories from manufacturers with clear and equitable labor practices.

Staff favorite products include the best-selling Rosie leather crossbody sling in tan, the Louise with a stylish acrylic handle, and the hand-sanded and stamped charcuterie boards.

The nonprofit’s North Hills Innovation District storefront’s gran opening is this Wednesday, April 10 in Makers Alley alongside other local businesses owned by women and minorities.

Show up to shop bags, jewelry, and goods from other businesses doing good for women. You can also learn more about volunteering alongside Designed for Joy artisans with an info session on Thursday, April 11 at the new space.
 
Asked
 
Is shopping from businesses that do good important to you?
A. Yes
B. No
C. It depends
 
 
Events
 
Tuesday, April 9
  • NC State Softball vs. Queens University | Tuesday, April 9 | 4-6 p.m. | Dail Softball Stadium, 2007 Cates Ave., Raleigh | $3-$7 | The Wolfpack softball team will go to bat against Queens in a double header.
  • Damon Tweedy: “Facing the Unseen” | Tuesday, April 9 | 7-8 p.m. | Quail Ridge Books, 4209 Lassiter Mill Rd., Ste. 100, Raleigh | $0-$30 | The New York Times bestselling author of “Black Man in a White Coat” discusses his latest title focused on the importance of centering mental health care within mainstream medicine.
Wednesday, April 10
  • Badfish — A Tribute to Sublime | Wednesday, April 10 | 6-10 p.m. | Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, 1930 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh | $22-$215 | Take a trip to “Garden Grove” — er, Bowstring — as Badfish pays tribute to the songs of Sublime.
  • Theatre Raleigh presents “Tick, Tick… Boom!” | Wednesday, April 10-Sunday, April 21 | Times vary | Theatre Raleigh, 6638 Old Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh | $40-$50 | This autobiographical musical comes from the composer of “Rent” and was recently adapted to the big screen — see it on stage.
Thursday, April 11
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Makers Alley makes its North Hills debut
The first retailers in Makers Alley stand together holding a pink ribbon.
As big fans of shopping local here at RALtoday, we love the emphasis on creating a distinctly Raleigh experience. | Photo provided by Kane Realty
Drumroll, please. After more than three years of anticipation, Makers Alley — the first retail hub of the North Hills Innovation District — is now open.

We’ve been following along since the project was first announced, and feel like proud parents watching North Hills’ newest district come to life.

The deets

The 33-acre NHID features a bit of everything, including office + residential buildings, walking trails, and huge swaths of open natural areas (including outdoor workspaces). Plus, it connects directly to the rest of the North Hills community to ensure easy access to your tried-and-true favorites.

In the center of the district sits Makers Alley, a collection of micro-retail spaces dedicated exclusively to hyper-local entrepreneurs, creators, and artisans.

You’ll find food + bev options, workout spots, and a diverse set of shopping experiences, all locally owned by female and/or minority entrepreneurs, including:
 
News Notes
 
Community
  • Sky’s the limit at the Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s Big Dream Forum tomorrow at Marbles Kids Museum. This drop-in event will facilitate a community conversation about the future of downtown, open to all Raleigh residents, business owners, and more. Register for this event.
Sports
  • Raleigh will host first and second round games of the men’s basketball NCAA Tournament in 2025, according to Scott Dupree of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance on X. This news comes after the Wolfpack’s historic run to the Final Four — we can’t wait to welcome more basketball fans to the 919.
Show
  • Stand-up comedian Pete Davidson is coming to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts on June 30. Grab tickets to see the former “Saturday Night Live” star this Friday, April 12 at 10 a.m. (WRAL)
Cause
  • Wake County Animal Center is once again at full capacity and urging the community to take in animals in need of homes — adoption fees are waived for most of the ~100 pets in the center’s care.
Plan Ahead
  • Plan way ahead. The May 11, 2078 total eclipse’s path of totality includes Raleigh, and we’re already getting impatient. You’ll find septuagenarian City Editors Allie + Cat hanging in Dix Park with eclipse glasses that can be donated, recycled, or reused — just like the ones you wore yesterday.

Try This
  • Attend the Social Equity Book Club on Thursday, April 25 to discuss “Disability Visibility” by Alice Wong via Zoom and talk issues of accessibility and understanding. Find a copy at your local Wake County Public Library branch.
Home
  • Psst — When’s the last time you replaced your bath mat? Our favorite memory foam bath mat is on sale through the weekend.*
Question
  • Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*
 
 
The Buy
 
Gifts for the bride-to-be. The wedding gift guide features everything from homemade earrings for the bachelorette party to a facial roller for necessary self-care days.
 
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The Wrap
 
Allie Remhof Today’s edition by:
Allie
From the editor
During Earth Month, I like to consider ways to reduce my carbon footprint. One way is to take public transit, and GoRaleigh and GoTriangle are easy to use and free, or travel via rail. Read more about what’s coming soon for transportation in Raleigh, including RUS Bus and more.
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