Out & About: Eastern Market, 8 Mile Trade Center & Downtown Ferndale

The Eastern Market via Winder St

Every other Saturday, the day after payday Friday, I like to go on my shopping excursions in the city and the metro area. I have an affinity for independent business owners, especially those who are unique and hand-craft their designs or make things organically with care. After breakfast at Farmer’s Restaurant and my usual shopping trip at The Eastern Market (you will catch me there almost every Saturday), on my way home Mix 92.3 was airing live from The 8 Mile Trade Center. I never heard of it and since I wasn’t far I decided to swing by and check it out. It reminded me of the Russell Industrial Center aka Russell’s Bazaar right off 75 and Clay Avenue.

Mix 92.3 airing live at The 8 Mile Trade Center

The grid-like shopping center had small compartments of shops for every trade. I happened to take a liking to The Morning Glory shop and purchased a bottle of Baby Powder lotion for my purse and baby…this stuff is delightful!

Once I got a feel for my new spot to get whipped goods for my skin it was time to head out once again. Since I was crossing Woodward, I decided to go north and visit my favorite earring designer of Shionne Designs, located in The Rust Belt Market, to pick up my Whitney Houston earrings (and to check on my Minnie Riperton earrings but she hasn’t made those yet *hint hint*).

The greatest surprise was a henna artist who I hadn’t had the pleasure of witnessing before at the Rust Belt Market. Since henna is a cool art and you can even have it customized, I decided to use the opportunity to “test drive” a tattoo on my wrist that I’ve been wanting to get for a while now. I figured the henna tattoo would help me with the decision on my location .

Minus the ending swirls and dots it’s the Swahili symbol for “Hakuna Matata” (No worries)!

 There is no way I can be on the main strip of 9 Mile near Woodward in downtown Ferndale and not explore some of my favorite shops for their latest selections. One in particular is the Designer Resale Boutique which has become a personal favorite. There is always something new and fabulous in that store and this time I lucked out big time with a steal! There was a dress in the window that caught me in the rapture of its glory, instantly and the helpful associate, Deborah, even took a photo of me in it because it was just that fabulous. She also commented on how many people came in to try it on and how much it would be missed! I refuse to post that photo, however, because it is my birthday dress! It shall be revealed on the seventeenth of August!

I had a blast fluttering around as usual…supporting local businesses and designers. Care to join me one Saturday? Want to be known as a “Detroit Butterfly” and submit your own findings? Please feel free to contact us at submissions@DistinguishedDetroit.com!