Two small Maryland businesses have opened pop-up stores at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

The new pop-ups offer travellers Berries By Quicha gourmet goodies and Diva by Cindy natural haircare products and are part of the airport’s Launch Pad programme. This initiative creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to begin business in the airport retail environment.

Launch Pad businesses receive 12-month leases along with training, sales, and marketing support. The programme has welcomed nine operators to BWI Marshall Airport since its inception in 2017.

Berries By Quicha and Diva By Cindy join existing Launch Pad operators Fashion Spa House and Fran’s Organic Body Care at BWI.

Ricky Smith, Executive Director, BWI Marshall Airport said: “We’re thrilled to see these micro and small retail businesses take off at the airport. The Launch Pad programme gives local entrepreneurs the opportunity to reach millions of travellers with their unique products. The addition of these small businesses helps keep our concessions program fresh and exciting.”

‘FIRST CLASS CHOCOLATE’ DIPS

The Berries by Quicha business was founded by LaQuicha Brown of Baltimore. Various milk, white and dark chocolate-covered berries are on the menu. These range from ‘First Class Chocolate’ dips such as Milk Swizzle and Red Velvet to a ‘Favourite Takeoff’ including Strawberry Shortcake. The pink-striped pop-up shop is located in the A/B foodcourt near Gate A1.

Founded by Cindy Tawiah from Maryland, Diva by Cindy offers business and franchise opportunities for women and also supports homeless women and survivors of domestic violence. Before the pop-up, travellers can pick up their favourite Diva By Cindy products in a vending machine at the airport. The new shop is also located in the A/B foodcourt.

Gary Gilliard, Vice President of Operations, Fraport Maryland commented: “Fraport Maryland remains fully committed to the Launch Pad programme, offering small business owners an opportunity to participate in BWI’s concessions programme. We are pleased to announce two exciting additions to our programme and wish both operators tremendous success with their airport shops.”