Two Maryland small businesses have opened pop-up stores at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Berries By Quicha and Diva By Cindy are part of the airport’s Launch Pad program, which creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to jumpstart their business in the airport retail environment. They join existing Launch Pad operators Fashion Spa House and Fran’s Organic Body Care.
“We’re thrilled to see these micro and small retail businesses take off at the airport,” said Ricky Smith, executive director of BWI Marshall Airport. “The Launch Pad program gives local entrepreneurs the opportunity to reach millions of travelers with their unique products. The addition of these small businesses helps keep our concessions program fresh and exciting.”
Berries By Quicha, founded by LaQuicha Brown of Baltimore, brings gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries to the airport. The pink-striped pop-up shop is located in the A/B food court, near Gate A1.
Sequoia Thompson of Baltimore is the franchise owner of Diva By Cindy, a natural hair care line. Founded by Maryland’s Cindy Tawiah, the brand that offers business and franchise opportunities for women and also supports homeless women and survivors of domestic violence. Before the pop-up shop, travelers could pick up Diva By Cindy products from a vending machine at the airport. This new shop will also be in the A/B food court.
Launch Pad businesses receive 12-month leases along with training, sales, and marketing support. Since its inception in 2017, the program has welcomed nine operators to BWI Marshall Airport.