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A Week of Firsts for The 3rd


 

Welcome to The 3rd.





The 3rd is a 501(c)3 non-profit, co-created, community of Women of Color entrepreneurs. We believe Women of Color need a space to build, execute, and thrive. We need access. We need skill building. We need funding. We need collaboration. We need accountability. We need sister friends. We need a community that understands our unique gifts and the unique challenges we face. We need The 3rd.  - - “Our Story”, The 3rd website

Yesterday was one of the soft opening events for The 3rd, a venture I’ve been following for a while now. It’s been fascinating to see them move from concept to their brick and mortar location at the Columbia Lakefront. They’re located where Lupa and Petit Louis used to be. I was fortunate enough to be invited and especially grateful to have a friend to bring along with me.

There were signs to read and things to learn.




There were delicious treats and hot drinks to try.




And, most of all, there was the beautifully designed and decorated space to enjoy.





The artist of the murals is Melanie Melroy.  I snagged the photo on the lower right from her website, because I didn’t get a decent shot of it while we were there. I started following her on social media when I saw pictures of the first mural going up at The 3rd. You can see more of her work on Facebook and Instagram, and TikTok.

While I’m at it, the delicious Brandy Apple Bread pudding I enjoyed came from Apple Core’s Bake Shoppe , one of The 3rd’s members who was on site for the soft opening event. My lovely companion had something decadent that had chocolate in the title. We were both quite happy. 

Speaking of baked goods, you’ll be pleased to hear that The 3rd’s own Chef Jamila will be offering her amazing sweet potato pies again this year. Learn more here and place your orders. This is time sensitive, so don’t wait. Jamila Wright is the in-house chef and culinary manager for The 3rd, and her sweet potato pies have won hearts all over town since The 3rd’s pie sale began in 2020. 

My friend and I enjoyed the warm and comfortable space and appreciated the chance to talk with founder Laura Bacon, who stopped by our table to chat. You can easily see how this place will bring people together. I can imagine all kinds of positive work and engagement happening at The 3rd. This description from their website gives you an inkling:

The 3rd is bringing a mixed-use community hub that provides a gathering place for the entire community while showcasing and incubating WOC owned businesses. 

Even better, look at this page to see how the various pieces will come together as a whole that’s clearly bigger than the sum of its parts. What’s fun for me is that these photos were taken before the transformation. When you make your first visit you’ll see how beautifully they’ve updated the space.

Speaking of making a visit, put this date on your calendar now. On December 17, from 1 pm to 5 pm, The 3rd will be hosting a Holiday Bazaar. 






I went to the Bazaar last year and discovered YOLO Health and Wellness . The plant-based, all natural cleaning products I bought that day have become my new favorites. I was thrilled to discover that the gift bag I received as I left the event yesterday held some Lemon Room Spritzer from YOLO.




Possibly my favorite sight yesterday was a poster that read: Look how far we’ve come!




It was a reminder of how much vision, love, commitment, and hard work went in to the creation of the space. Not to get to the finish line, but to bring it into its beginnings.


The 3rd: 10215 Wincopin Circle  Columbia, MD 21044

Website 

Facebook

Twitter @the3rdinc

Instagram 


*****


Today’s Columbia Community Care Restaurant Week location is  Madrid Taverna.  



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