A Grand Opening, A New Beginning

On March 30, 2025, Alkebulan Makers Collective officially opened its doors to the public. After months of preparation, soft launches, vendor trials, and community dreaming, we brought together creatives, families, car lovers, dancers, and curious visitors for a day that was more than just a retail launch. It was a celebration of community, culture, cars, creativity and connection.

The day was about presence — about witnessing African makers, artists, and stories take centre stage in a space created with us in mind. It was a chance to show the Melbourne community that this kind of space exists, and to spark connection between car enthusiasts and lovers of African culture.

But beneath the music, the vibrant energy, and the full room… was also quiet emotion. The kind that surfaces when something you’ve envisioned finally comes alive.

I remember pausing just for a moment. Looking around at the setup, the artists and makers talking to visitors, the DJ booth humming, the smells from the food vendor wafting through the air. It hit me: We did this.

This wasn’t just about products on shelves. It was about presence. Visibility. Soft power. For so many of us who’ve had to create in the margins, to finally see our culture, our crafts, and our stories in a space made for us—it was affirming in ways that words barely touch.

And yet, with all the joy, I also felt the quiet responsibility of it all. Hosting this collective space isn’t just about selling—it’s about holding. About sustaining. About being in service to a bigger vision, while staying grounded in the everyday.

Events like this remind me why culturally rooted businesses matter. They’re not just economic opportunities—they’re cultural ones. For many of our guests, it was their first time walking into a space where African creativity wasn’t just on display—it was central.
We also learned a lot—about timing, logistics, crowd flow, and community engagement. And we’ll carry that learning into future events. Because that’s what this space is—a living project.

To everyone who came, shared, danced, contributed, or simply cheered us on from afar—thank you. The grand opening was just one chapter. There’s so much more to come.
And if you missed it? Don’t worry. You haven’t missed the heart of it. We’re just getting started.

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