Check Out Jennifer Cox’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Cox.

Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Make.Do. soft-opened right during the height of the COVID pandemic, but we have used that treacherous time as an opportunity to learn how to reach local crafters and makers, offering a variety of yarn, fabric, and supplies in a comfy, welcoming space that just happened to be digital.

With the reopening of the physical location at 6200 Montgomery Road in Cincinnati’s Pleasant Ridge neighborhood customers are able to feel that same welcoming vibe in person.

Supporting and amplifying makers of color is a focus for Make.Do. The owner, a native of Cincinnati, who recently returned to the area has been to craft stores, classes, and conferences around the country and the world for years, often searching for the community and camaraderie she ended up having to create herself at Make.Do.

Make.Do. is about building a community for the novice and experienced maker, both online and in the shop. Whether it’s knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery, every interest is available to explore with Make.Do.

Many local craft shops across the country serve as a gathering space for community. Few are Black-owned, let alone offer inclusive and equitable spaces for BIPOC makers. Make.Do. fills the gap. Make.Do. is a physical manifestation of what inclusion looks like.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There’s no such thing as a smooth road these days — COVID has changed the landscape for how we work and how we live. For an operation like Make.Do. where that in-person connection is not just important, but often demanded, we’ve struggled to bring that to life at a distance.

We’re lucky to be in a community that is very supportive and engaged in our work. We couldn’t be more grateful for their presence, guidance — and, yes, sometimes complaints! — that makes us better!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I own my own consulting company, The Ministry of Culture, dedicated to building marketing insights from communities on the margins (Black, Hispanic, First Nations, LGBTQIA, Elderly, Disabled, etc.) I use that background to fuel my passion for making creativity accessible to everyone in my other business, Make.Do., a retail yarn, fabric and creative learning experience.

As the only black-owned yarn/fabric store in the state, I’m proud to be an inspiration to others who are pursuing their creative endeavors and provide a welcoming space for them to come shop, learn and be in community with one another.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The most important lesson we’ve learned is that it IS possible to create an environment and experience digitally that’s just as inviting and collegial as in-person experiences. It requires using multiple platforms and multiple channels, and willingness to help customers understand the technology sometimes!

Contact Info:

• Email: infoatmakedo@gmail.com
• Website: heymakedo.com
• Instagram: @heymakedo