A loan helped a black woman-owned, small batch manufacturer move into a commercial space to increase capacity & efficiency.


Nichole's story

From a teen mom to a first-generation college graduate, I've always worked hard to achieve my goals. The desire to furnish my first apartment inspired a hobby of refinishing furniture. This is where my love for wood was formed. Taking raw materials and making something new sparked joy in me.

I created Keppel and Kismet Creative Workshop and Boutique to inspire creativity in others while encouraging entrepreneurial exploration. We began by teaching maker workshops and manufacturing craft kits for kids from 8 - 80. More than that, we wanted to demonstrate how collaboration over competition within the creative community could help everyone grow a small business.

At Keppel and Kismet, we help other micro businesses gain or increase their access to the marketplace while creating quality crafted products for our brand and the brands of artists and makers looking to generate revenue by offering products for sale. This is how Keppel and Kismet exist today, a small-batch manufacturer using woodworking and digital manufacturing to craft gifty goods made of wood and other quality materials. We are growing, increasing the number of artists and makers who seek us out as a local manufacturing partner.

My dream for Keppel and Kismet is to be a part of the resurgence of small-batch manufacturing in Baltimore, disrupting the online print-on-demand industry. We will be a workforce development partner to local public schools, and organizations with a mission of helping women survivors of trauma. We are very proud to have already partnered with organizations serving both high schools and women, creating a pathway to skilled jobs and entrepreneurship.


This loan is special because:

It supports a Black female entrepreneur in expanding their business.



Loan details


About Keppel & Kismet Creative Workshop and Boutique

Industry: Arts
Years in operation: More than 5 years
Website: keppelandkismet.com

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Loan details