When the nonprofit system didn’t seem to work for it, Seattle-based Wa Na Wari found another way.

“As a Black business owner, often I’m asked to share a little bit about my story, or my journey, or my background. And so I get to facilitate conversations around these things while making candles,” said Colina Bruce of Noir Lux Candle Co.

Ahead of March retail sales numbers, a Seattle candlemaker shares how her economy is doing.

“We’ve had a huge increase in co-working memberships and demand for that, as well as meeting room rentals,” said Audrey Hoyt, co-owner of The Pioneer Collective.

Originally started in her kitchen during the pandemic, candlemaker Colina Bruce talks about moving her business into a brick-and-mortar store and how things are shaping up through the holidays.

Laurie Stewart, CEO of Sound Community Bank in Seattle, says she’s seen a “real uptick in demand for deposits.”

Last year, a busy Administrative Professionals’ Day assured florist Miles Johnson that his business would survive the pandemic.

Things still feel strange for Cat Wilcox, co-owner of women’s boutique Velouria. She misses day-to-day interactions with customers.

“Almost overnight, we essentially almost had to shut our business down,” said Audrey Hoyt, owner of The Pioneer Collective.

Monika Mathews started QueenCare to provide mentorship and economic opportunity to young people in her Seattle community.