Creative Currency: The Rondo Exchange Grand Opening!

For decades, Rondo was a thriving Black commercial district with shops and services owned by and designed for our community. Despite the destruction of 300 businesses in the 1960s, that vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship and commitment to collective prosperity has persevered through the years. 

In just a few weeks, the next generation of creative, cultural and commercial innovation will officially open its doors. Join us on March 21 for Creative Currency: The Rondo Exchange Grand Opening!

As the state’s first commercial land trust, Rondo CLT has been preserving affordable business spaces in Saint Paul and fostering economic equity within our community for years. But, over the past two years, we have been developing a new type of business incubator and carefully curating 2,800-square-feet at the intersection of Victoria and Selby to house it. Now the public is invited to experience this transformative project and dynamic gathering space that uplifts emerging entrepreneurs, elevates local artists and brings community together to catalyze the ongoing cultural and commercial renaissance across the corridor.  

“Unlike a traditional retail strip or co-working space, Rondo Exchange combines affordable commercial space, embedded one-on-one technical assistance, shared services, and gallery space with point-of-sale support — all under the stewardship of Rondo Community Land Trust,” said Felicia Perry, Sr. Economic Development Manager at Rondo CLT. 

“Businesses aren’t simply tenants,” she continued. “They’re part of a structured incubation model that includes ongoing one-on-one coaching, marketing support, financial training, and cohort-based learning. While commercial spaces focus on rent collection, Rondo Exchange focuses on long-term viability, ownership pathways, and community wealth-building.”

In selecting the four debut merchants, Rondo CLT didn’t just focus on traditional measures like financial preparedness and growth potential. We ensured the Exchange is deeply rooted in place, prioritizing entrepreneurs with connections to Rondo and businesses with services designed to benefit low- to moderate-income residents.

For Kprecia Ambers, being selected for the Rondo Exchange Incubator Program felt like a dream come true for her commercial illustration studio, KP Inspires, which creates bold, vibrant artwork for brand partners, art licensing, and home goods.

"The Rondo Incubator program is a meaningful step toward building community, growing my brand awareness, and expanding my collaborations,” she said. “I’m excited to share the depth of my illustrations, offer home décor items, and bring my art to life in as many forms as possible. I look forward to continuing to grow alongside my community." 

On March 21, Ambers will be joined by Briauna Williams of Briinoir, Adrianna WIllis of Mind the Crown, and Biana Rhodes of BLovely Production and Lamae Photography in welcoming customers into the space and introducing their services to community. 

But they won’t be the only artisans unveiling their work. At Rondo Exchange, art isn’t an add-on; it’s integral to the experience — both visually and commercially. 

“Art matters here because Rondo’s history is cultural as much as economic,” Perry said. “Creative expression has always been central to Black resilience, memory, and community building in this neighborhood. By embedding artists within the commercial ecosystem — rather than separating “arts” from “business” — we’re supporting creative entrepreneurs as wealth-builders and culture-bearers simultaneously.” 

Alongside the merchants, four local artists will unveil vibrant murals at the Grand Opening. Like their entrepreneurial peers, Rondo Exchange artists will also receive technical assistance tailored specifically for creative entrepreneurs, from pricing handmade goods to merchandising strategy and digital promotion.

A Rondo neighbor, Akossiwa Medowokp’s work documents the neighborhood’s history and keeps its memory alive. Art Sabine was created to turn inspiration into visual expression, using paintings as a way to connect, inspire, and communicate across cultures. “So I am honored to see my artwork installed at Rondo Exchange,” Medowokp said. “This piece celebrates joy as a source of light, hope, and healing for everyone who encounters it.”

In addition to Medowokp, Amanda Stout, Shae Maze, and Jearica Fountain will debut their murals at the Creative Currency event. 

With energizing beats from Rondo native, Glorious Martin (DJ Huh? What?), and free snacks inspired by the businesses and artists from anchor tenant Golden Thyme Cafe, the Grand Opening will be the start of an exciting new trajectory for the Rondo neighborhood. 

“Rondo Exchange is a small footprint with a long horizon. If it works, it becomes proof that community land stewardship can power not only housing stability — but commercial and cultural permanence as well.”

Join us from 1:00 - 4:00 pm for the Rondo Exchange Grand Opening!

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