ABOUT US
The Sisterhood Boutique was developed by East African women between the ages of 14 and 23 who reside in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, and participate in the Brian Coyle Center Youth Entrepreneurship Program. More than a year ago, program participants decided they wanted to build something positive for other girls and women in the neighborhood, and the Sisterhood Boutique was born. Young women involved with the program are learning a variety of personal and professional skills from business development to event planning, while the colorful variety of clothing and accessories available at the shop provide affordable clothing options for residents of the neighborhood.
Our Story
Beginning talks
A group of East African girls began discussing the gaps that they were seeing in their community as high school students. The youth program they participated in at Brian Coyle encouraged a deeper reflection and an entrepreneurial spirit. And then they went a step further, making a youth run business a reality in Cedar Riverside!
Beginning talks
A group of East African girls began discussing the gaps that they were seeing in their community as high school students. The youth program they participated in at Brian Coyle encouraged a deeper reflection and an entrepreneurial spirit. And then they went a step further, making a youth run business a reality in Cedar Riverside!
Open for business!
We first opened our doors right above the African Development Center. Thanks to the ADC’s support, the youth were able to continue expanding the idea of the boutique. A few months later Mary Laurel True and Augsburg College stepped in and brought attention to Sisterhood’s need of a retail space. Wonderfully, Fairview came to offer the use of our current location! Youth worked diligently to get everything moved over in the middle of the MN winter and now we utilize the space for a myriad of activities, from sewing to mock interviewing.
Open for business!
We first opened our doors right above the African Development Center. Thanks to the ADC’s support, the youth were able to continue expanding the idea of the boutique. A few months later Mary Laurel True and Augsburg College stepped in and brought attention to Sisterhood’s need of a retail space. Wonderfully, Fairview came to offer the use of our current location! Youth worked diligently to get everything moved over in the middle of the MN winter and now we utilize the space for a myriad of activities, from sewing to mock interviewing.
More merch
Our Augsburg partnership continues to build Sisterhood’s potential. For instance, a young man volunteering at the store noticed the absence of clothing for men. And how did he respond? By collecting a pile of donations to start the Sisterhood Men’s Rack!
Onwards and upwards
Our programs and services continue to grow! Keep an eye out for new happenings by clicking on our news page, finding us on social media, or joining our newsletter. This year we celebrated our 4-year anniversary with a Fashion Week March 12-20th.
PARTNERS
We are operating today because of our wonderful donors, community members, and partners. Sisterhood gives a big thank you to all that have, do, or will support us!
