Baltimore Business Damaged In Riots Reopens 4 Months Later
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--Her business was shut down after looters damaged her boutique during the April unrest, but on Saturday that small business owner has something to celebrate as she reopens her business four months later.
WJZ's Marcus Washington has more.
A small victory for one woman and her east Baltimore business.
On Saturday, Taylor Alexander, owner of Flawless Damsels, announces she's back in business.
Flawless Damsels was one of many businesses destroyed during riots in Baltimore, sparked by the arrest and later death of Freddie Gray.
But now, four months later, a new chapter begins.
The reopening comes as the demolition of the CVS at Penn-North, known as the epicenter of the Baltimore Riots.
It's one of the signs of a damaged city starting to heal.
"It shows one can overcome," one customer said.
For Taylor, her come back wasn't done alone.
"I was blessed enough to get a loan,a forgivable loan from the Baltimore Development Corporation" said Taylor.
She's back where she wants to be, in business and people shopping.
"It's lovely, it's well stocked, the items are fabulous, they are gorgeous, they are colorful and I'm glad to be here," said Mary Akins Afful, a Flawless Damsels customer.
It's the response small business owners want to hear as they return.
It's estimated that 285 businesses in Baltimore were affected during the unrest in April.
