Rebel Lion Den: 910 Broad St.

A great place to experience Afro-centric influences from around the world, Rebel Lion Den brings a little bit of Africa into every part of their varied inventory. Shama Cartwright, owner and operator, says it is his passion to make people aware of the culture surrounding Africans in every part of the world, from the unique Bahamian culture to past and present Africa itself. The shop includes Bob Marley t-shirts, clothing from many different African cultures, Rastafarian colored hats and jewelry, flags from countries with heavy African populations, reggae music, hemp and seashell jewelry, and natural incense.  Business hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm.

Jessica Fuselier: A Breath of Fresh Air for Saturday Market

Springtime arrives, the weekend abounds with sunshine and warmth, and the family is looking for a way to spend the day. Downtown Augusta’s Saturday Market is the perfect setting for an outdoor family excursion.

The Saturday Market on Broad kicks off again on April 19, moving to a new location and under the direction of a new coordinator. As the market expands, so must the space and vision. Jessica Fuselier is just the woman to get the job done.

An enthusiastic woman when discussing the market, Jessica is Augusta born and bred. She spends her life meeting new people while finding time to care for her two children and her husband. A busy woman with a passion for the market, Jessica adores the concept of outdoor gatherings. She fondly recalls attending outdoor markets when her husband was stationed in Hawaii, and speaks of the Saturday Market with an eye on its potential growth.

Her first initiative as coordinator began with moving the market’s home to the Eighth Street Bulkhead (at the corner of Reynolds and Eighth). She smiles while discussing the change in the market’s structure, which “will open up space for more activities and vendors.” The move evolved out of the need for more parking and a more convenient working relationship with Health Central, which has served as a staunch supporter of the market. She also notes the enhanced safety found in an area with less car traffic and more space for parking and vendors.

Jessica’s face lights up when she begins to talk about the changes to this year’s market. She’s engaged in discussions with seafood and meat vendors, and the addition of Indian food from Bombay Central into the market setting. The market expects to incorporate organic education into its setting as well as promoting healthy habits for kids. She shines as she discusses setting up activities for children to learn about produce and healthy living habits at the market. Thanks to fantastic support from Flowers Express, the market can undertake the task of beautification by installing flowers and fountains to create a welcoming entrance to the market.

When describing her vision for Saturday Market’s future, she cites examples of Charleston and Savannah. She laments that magazines seem to mention Augusta only in context the Master’s Tournament, and would like to add the outdoor market to the tourist equation.

The sky opens up with an array of possibilities as Jessica discusses the path to her vision for the market. She speaks of a desire to incorporate organic techniques as much as possible. She sees the market’s potential as a major tourist attraction, an opportunity to educate citizens about healthy lifestyles, and a promotional tool for other businesses downtown.

Other plans of improvement, growth, and expansion rest on her belief that the market can become a staple of Augusta life. She speaks about inviting the participation of people across the river by seeking vendors of crafts and farming goods from Aiken County. The incorporation of different tastes and goods provides an experience wrapped in pleasant variety for patrons.

The Saturday Market is a solid success story. Beginning as a city-funded program, it is now fully self-sustaining. In this regard, Jessica says the success is due to the relentless support offered by the merchants of local businesses. Her voice rises as she expresses her gratitude for their efforts promoting the market to customers, joining the Friends of the Market program, and participating in coupon book drives.

Jessica speaks of one day filling the Augusta Commons due to the growth of the market and, summing up her thoughts on her position, she exhales saying “I love this market!” Through her eyes and in her voice, one will find a market of endless possibility.

by J. Edward Sumerau

Cottage Elegance

Where? 219 James Brown Blvd

Looking for antiques, unique gifts, floral arrangement, or housing accessories? Downtown’s newest retail shop, Cottage Elegance fits the bill. It’s located between Broad and Ellis Streets at 219 James Brown Blvd. Owner Joni Thurmond offers a wide array of products from china cabinets and china dolls to tea room tables and chairs and wall quilts. Cozy accessories for your home and lovely gifts abound in this tiny store. Cottage Elegance is open 10:00 am to 2:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Do not overlook this cozy shop the next time you are downtown.