5 business openings, closings and other updates on Antique Row in Tacoma
Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization
This list of stories illustrates recent changes to the businesses on Antique Row in Tacoma.
Sunny's plant and gift shop acted as a launch point for artists until its closure. The new Art Eye Choke thrift store and mending studio repurposes old items and offers ways for artists and shoppers to connect. Café Bostwick, now under new ownership, provides a community coffee spot with local foods. Lumikha Space welcomes beginners and families with low-cost craft workshops. Tacoma Capoeira Center teaches capoeira to all ages for free, promoting community through movement and music.
'This was not an easy choice, but one we know is best for us. To be transparent, we've delayed sharing this news for as long as we could,' the owners said on social media this week. | Published January 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most
An artist by trade, the owner of 'Art Eye Choke' has made nearly every item in the store out of repurposed materials. | Published February 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most
Capoeira, an art form created by enslaved Africans in colonial Brazil, lives on today in a new studio space downtown. | Published April 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Isha Trivedi
The owner has sewing machines for rent, acrylic and oil paint, canvases, earring hardware, nice markers and pens, among other things. | Published May 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most
It's been a somewhat bumpy ride for the cafe at the historic flatiron building in recent years, but the new owner still sees opportunity in the location. | Published May 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business Insider
Unifying the world's 180 currencies: Meet the people driving Leatherback's resurgence
In line with its mission to transform global financial access for Africans and businesses at home and in the diaspora, Leatherback, a leading cross-border payment platform, has announced the appointment of four key executives to its leadership team. This development ushers in a new era of stability and growth for the company as it strengthens its approach to simplify and scale cross-border payments on the continent and across the world. Founded in 2019, Leatherback set out to unify the world's 180 currencies through an array of customer-centric product offerings that offer users seamless transaction experiences across multiple currencies and borders. Now, as the company expands to new markets and introduces exciting new features that bring it closer to this future, these appointments provide the leadership, network and core competencies required to access new opportunities, drive innovation, and reinforce stakeholder confidence. Ochebhoya Ekpete named Managing Director Ochebhoya Ekpete has been appointed Managing Director of Leatherback, UK- subject to regulatory approval. Taking over from the outgoing interim CEO. With over 15 years of experience in financial leadership, transformation, and governance, he brings a wealth of knowledge across fintech, payments, and multinational operations. He has held leadership roles at Cellulant, Interswitch, and Stripe where he focused on global financial strategy, commercial pricing, and treasury operations. At Leatherback, he will lead the team in strengthening financial controls, improving operational efficiency, and supporting the company's long-term financial objectives. Commenting on his appointment, Ekpete said 'As key players in the global financial space, Leatherback is playing a critical role in ensuring that challenges surrounding seamless cross border payments and transactions are a thing of the past. We are not just building reliable payment solutions, we're also opening doors to global possibilities for individuals and businesses. I am honoured to be coming onboard at this time and I look forward to working with the incredible team to scale our impact.' Usman Amusat joins as VP Product and Operations Usman Amusat has joined Leatherback as Vice President of Product and Operations, bringing with him years of experience building user-centric products across fintech, digital banking, and identity systems. With a reputation for his hands-on leadership style and passion for product innovation, Usman has led growth and product strategy at leading African tech firms including Flutterwave, Smile Identity, and most recently, Dot, where he served as Chief Product Officer. At Leatherback, Usman will play a key role in driving product development, operational excellence, and market expansion. His deep expertise in user experience design, strategic growth, and cross-functional execution aligns seamlessly with Leatherback's mission to simplify global payments and unify the world's currencies. Mayowa Afe-Ogundele joins as Chief Technology Officer Leading the charge at Leatherback's technology team, is Mayowa Afe-Ogundele who joins as Chief Technology Officer, bringing with him a wealth of experience in building secure, scalable, and compliant financial systems. His expertise spans digital payments, systems architecture, infrastructure, and emerging technologies such as blockchain. At Leatherback, he will oversee the company's technology strategy and infrastructure development. Speaking at an executive management meeting, Afe-Ogundele said, 'I am excited to join Leatherback at such a critical point in our journey. I particularly look forward to strengthening our core infrastructure as we advance in our mission to scale cross-border payments across the world.' Oreoluwa Ajayi resumes as Head, Sales (Digital Ecosystems) Also joining the Leatherback executive management team is Oreoluwa Ajayi, a seasoned financial services expert with over 13 years of experience in business transformation, growth strategy, and customer engagement across the fintech and digital services industries. She previously worked at Interswitch, Migo, and Prembly as Head of Commercials, where she led expert teams to drive market penetration, business expansion and revenue generation. At Leatherback, Oreoluwa will be responsible for leading sales strategy, expanding business opportunities, and strengthening customer relationships. Globally, challenges with interoperability and compliance bottlenecks still limit the efficacy of cross-border payments systems and processes. By building a platform that supports multi-currency wallets, instant transfers, and regulatory-compliant infrastructure, Leatherback continues to simplify these processes and enable financial inclusion through frictionless, inclusive, and affordable cross-border payment services. With these appointments, Leatherback has reaffirmed its commitment to excellence, transparency, and innovation. As the company scales its offerings across Africa, the UK, North America, and emerging markets, its new team of seasoned financial powerhouses will be instrumental in driving its mission with a renewed sense of purpose. Founded in 2019, Leatherback is a UK-licensed cross-border payments platform that enables users in Africa and across the world to transact seamlessly in multiple currencies. Leatherback simplifies remittance, supports business expansion, and unlocks opportunities for users across over 15 countries.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Associated Press
AYuTe NextGen 2025 Comes to Kampala: Africa's Boldest Youth-Led Agri-Tech Innovators Set to Take the Stage
Africa's brightest young agri-tech innovators are heading to Kampala, Uganda, for the AYuTe NextGen 2025 Conference, set to take place from June 17 to 19. 'We are spotlighting youth as the true architects of Africa's agricultural future and giving them the tools and partnerships they need to scale solutions that build resilient, inclusive food systems.' — Adesuwa Ifedi KAMPALA, UGANDA, June 11, 2025 / / -- Africa's brightest young agri-tech innovators are heading to Kampala, Uganda, for the AYuTe NextGen 2025 Conference, set to take place from June 17 to 19. Created and organized by Heifer International , this high-impact event is a flagship platform designed by youth, for youth, where technology meets agriculture and the continent's most promising agtech entrepreneurs take center stage. With the theme 'AgTech Generation Rising,' the 2025 conference which convenes young innovators, investors, policymakers, and development partners is a clarion call to recognize and support the game-changing solutions Africa's young minds are building to revolutionize food systems. The Challenge: A Growing Youth Population, a Stressed Food System Africa's population is the fastest growing globally, projected to reach 4.3 billion by 2100. Home to the world's fastest-growing youth population—with more than 60% under the age of 25— the continent is simultaneously grappling with a food system strained by climate change, market volatility, and outdated infrastructure. Young people are often locked out of the agricultural sector, facing barriers to capital, mentorship, and viable markets. Many young Africans also view agriculture as outdated and unprofitable, resulting in a skills shortage in a sector critical to continental food security. AYuTe (Agriculture, Youth, and Technology) is Heifer International's strategic answer to these critical challenges. By focusing on youth-led innovation, the initiative reframes agriculture as a modern, profitable, tech-enabled industry, and positions young Africans not as beneficiaries, but as the architects of Africa's agricultural renaissance. AYuTe NextGen 2025: Innovation Meets Opportunity The 2025 AYuTe NextGen conference follows an intense, continent-wide competition that drew over 100 applicants from 10 countries. Through rigorous technical assessment sessions in Lagos and Nairobi, 11 finalists emerged, armed with solutions that are climate-smart, market-ready, and laser-focused on access to finance and scale. These finalists will pitch live before a distinguished panel of investors, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers, with the chance to secure catalytic seed funding, mentorship, and a place in the innovation ecosystem being provided by Heifer and its strategic partners. From drone technology to AI-driven analytics, the solutions on display reflect the ingenuity, passion, and drive of Africa's next generation. 'This is the AgTech generation rising, ready, capable, and already leading,' said Adesuwa Ifedi , Senior Vice President for Africa Programs, Heifer International. 'With AYuTe NextGen, we are spotlighting youth as the true architects of Africa's agricultural future and giving them the tools and partnerships they need to scale solutions that build resilient, inclusive food systems.' Dayo Aduroja, Africa Youth and Innovation Lead at Heifer International, added that young people are proving that Africa's agriculture can be both innovative and profitable. 'This year's competition generated many bold, creative solutions from across the continent,' he said. 'The conference provides a platform where ideas meet opportunity, and solutions gain the capital and support needed to scale.' Youth-Led. Youth-Focused. Transformational. What makes AYuTe NextGen unique is its focus on youth leadership at every level. This is not a conference where young people are on the sidelines, they are the speakers, designers, moderators, and creators. Interactive forums, fireside chats, and investor conversations will be led by youth, tackling issues from digital disruption and climate resilience to policy reform and inclusive financing. These are authentic, unfiltered conversations designed to spark investment and scale innovation. Why It Matters • For Youth: A rare opportunity to showcase ideas, learn from peers, and connect with partners who believe in your potential. • For Investors: Access to pipeline-ready innovations and the next wave of AgTech startups shaping Africa's food economy. • For Policymakers: A first-hand look at what youth-led innovation can achieve with the right policies and ecosystem support. From Local Ideas to Continental Impact Now in its fourth year, AYuTe NextGen has supported dozens of startups across Africa, whose innovative solutions have impacted more than 650,000 direct beneficiaries and over 1.2 million indirect beneficiaries across the continent. Past winners like Thrive Agric (Nigeria), Thur Biotech (Ethiopia), and Digicow (Kenya) are scaling their businesses and bringing transformative change to smallholder communities. The 2024 Uganda winner of the country level competition, Assumpta Nakalema, developed a solar-powered egg incubator that is already reducing post-harvest losses and energy dependency for poultry farmers. As she puts it: 'The AYuTe NextGen platform doesn't just identify innovations, it builds the ecosystem needed for sustained growth and impact.' SVP Ifedi acknowledged the support of Heifer International's existing partners and called for increased stakeholder collaboration to enable youth-led agricultural development. She urged investors, funders, and governments to recognize that supporting young innovators today means securing Africa's food future tomorrow. 'To Africa's young innovators, your time is now,' she said. 'Step forward with your vision. The continent is ready. To investors, policymakers, and funders, be part of this movement. The future of African agriculture is tech-driven, youth-led, and unfolding in real time. Let's work together to co-create an inclusive, resilient food future.' About Heifer International Since 1944, Heifer International has worked with more than 52 million people around the world to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way, while caring for the Earth. Heifer currently operates in 19 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, supporting farmers and food producers to strengthen local economies and build secure livelihoods that provide a living income. For more information, visit Media Contact Muthoni Ngure, Regional Communications Coordinator [email protected] Mark Foxwell Lantern Comitas email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Axios
2 days ago
- Axios
Columbus Zoo is on baby elephant watch
Talk about big news: For the first time in the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's history, two Asian elephants are pregnant at the same time — and one is due any day now. Why it matters: The species is endangered, and its population in accredited zoos is currently unsustainable due to dwindling numbers and a lack of genetic diversity, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The calves' father — Sabu, from the Cincinnati Zoo, who lived here temporarily — has no living offspring, so the births will bolster the gene pool. The big picture: The news comes as some zoos are moving away from keeping elephants amid increasing care standards, which require lots of space and expense. Others, like Columbus, are investing more by expanding habitats, encouraging breeding, and working with global partners to conserve wild elephants. Advocates say keeping elephants is important for research and education. A 2023 AZA strategic plan calls for increased collaboration among zoos, including transferring animals for breeding. Threat level:"If we don't do something as a group, we're not going to have elephants in 100 years," says Adam Felts, senior zoo curator and head of the AZA's Species Survival Plan. At last count, there were 157 Asian elephants in 27 AZA institutions. Zoom in: Felts took Axios behind the scenes to meet 38-year-old matriarch Phoebe, who is expecting her sixth calf. She's "all business," with a big appetite. The 7,400-pound pachyderm calmly used her trunk to funnel biscuits into her mouth while a veterinarian scanned her with an ultrasound probe. Her calf is likely the size of a Great Dane. It's impossible to see the entire thing in one image, but vets can view ribs, a skull or a beating heart. All appear healthy. Another elephant, 16-year-old Sunny, is due with her first calf between now and August, while Phoebe is due in the fall. Keepers hope the experienced mom will show Sunny the ropes. They're encouraged by her bond with Phoebe's 3-year-old calf, Frankie, who still lives at the zoo. The arrangement should mimic wild herd behaviors, in which females raise the young together and males are mostly solitary. The intrigue: The new calves will make history in another way, as Columbus' first to be vaccinated for elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). The devastating virus is the leading cause of death among AZA elephants, and calves are especially at risk. A vaccine became available last year. What's next: Elephants are pregnant up to 22 months, so expect lots of fanfare when the 200-plus-pound bundles of joy finally arrive. 1 fun prenatal ritual: elephant yoga Impress your friends with this fun fact: the Columbus Zoo's herd is trained in "elephant yoga." How it works: The elephants follow a target and maneuver into various poses, such as stretching their feet and trunks, kneeling, and lying on the ground. Between the lines: Keepers say practicing the moves keeps them limber and engaged. It also helps them learn to get into positions for routine health monitoring, such as blood draws, exams and ultrasounds. 😅 Alissa's thought bubble: I definitely couldn't move as gracefully during my pregnancy as 7,400-pound Phoebe does. Impressive.
