Downtown Arlington has a newly renovated, vibrant blue storefront on West Street – The Mosaic Market. Born from friendship, this gem of a gift shop recently celebrated its grand opening on July 4, 2024. Owners Melina Madolora Wikoff and Derith Armbruster have been friends since the age of 10 and have always shared a passion for creativity and community.

“We like to shop and find little treasures and different things, and we had a booth space at a few places. Melina thought ‘we could this ourselves, and we can do it better,’” explained Armbruster. “She got the ball rolling and gave me the push to give it a try. It’s really her inspiration.”

Wikoff recalled that she and Armbruster always had a vision of featuring different artists and helping promote others, but lacked the space to do so. The development of the Urban Union area on Front Street and in downtown Arlington attracted their attention when prospecting locations for their business. Wikoff had her eye on a 1950s building at 204 N West Street which had been on the market but was under contract at time. 

“We thought if it was meant it to be, then it will become available. And it happened,” Wikoff said. 

“When I looked into it more, I thought this was really a special spot and that we should jump on it,” Armbruster added.  

The Mosaic Market features wares from local artisans and small business owners, currently exhibiting just shy of 50 different artists primarily from the Arlington area. 

“We’re different, and we’re fun, and we have things they don’t see every day. I think it brings people joy to be in here, there’s a lot of creativity,” said Armbruster. “We have something for everyone and eclectic things that you don’t see at any other shop. We’ve got local artists, food creators, candle makers, jewelry makers and vintage repurposed things,” she said.

Armbruster and Wikoff can help customers find just the right gift for their loved one, or guide customers through the shop’s myriad offerings to find things they didn’t know they were looking for.

“Think of us when you’re looking for that unique gift for someone you love, especially yourself,” said Wikoff.

Learn more about The Mosaic Market, including how to become a vendor, at www.themosaicmarket.com or on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.  Or you can visit the One Start Development Center, on the second floor at City Hall from July 29 – August 2, 2024, during Small Business Promotion week. The City’s Planning and Development Service Department is also hosting Customer Appreciation Week during the same time and will be providing refreshments and bottled water for the customers visiting the Small Business Promotion table.

The City of Arlington is highlighting East Arlington small businesses throughout 2024. Canales Furniture, another Small Business of Arlington, who has grown substantially in the last few years, wants to give back to the community and is sponsoring this program with the Planning & Development Services Department for the year 2024. In their new headquarters at 102 E. I-20 Highway, they have dedicated a training room for their growing community, including free English-speaking classes, citizenship classes, and teaching small businesses on how to utilize social media as a marketing tool.