September 2026

10 MADE IN CHARLOTTE: THE SMALL BRANDS BUILDING BIG FOLLOWINGS Charlotte has always been known as a business city. Banks, corporate head- quarters and major employers remain important parts of its identity. Look closer, however, and another business community is growing alongside them. It can be found at weekend markets, neighborhood storefronts, shared cre- ative spaces and online shops operated from homes across the city. These are Charlotte’s independent brands. Local entrepreneurs are pro- ducing clothing, jewelry, skincare products, artwork, specialty foods, home décor and services with identities tied directly to the people behind them. Many begin small, sometimes with one person handling production, marketing, customer service and sales. That small beginning should not be confused with small ambi- tion. Mecklenburg County had 34,951 businesses with fewer than 500 employees in 2021, according to Charlotte’s Small Business Ecosystem Assessment. More than half employed fewer than five people. The assess - ment also found that the number of small businesses increased by more than 7,000 over a ten year period. For emerging brands, Charlotte provides something especially valuable: opportunities to meet customers face to face. Maker’s Market CLT regularly brings artisans, de- signers and independent businesses together at Photo by | Kampus Production Photo by | Elias Jara Photo by | Antoni Shkraba