Anchal is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Photo by Clay Cook
In a small boutique in Shelby Park, you’ll find Anchal Project. Anchal is a Hindu word meaning shelter and protection, but it has a second meaning as well — it’s the name for the decorated edge of a sari, which is often used by mothers to wrap their babies.
For Anchal founder Colleen Clines, this double meaning perfectly encapsulated the organization’s goal of providing training and employment to women artisans in India.
I sat down with Anchal co-founder Clines to learn about the history of Anchal Project and why she’s chosen Louisville as the home base for the organization’s global mission.
Anchal started during a seminar class trip to India Clines took while at the Rhode Island School of Design.
Clines kept in touch with nonprofit connections she made during this trip, and started what would become Anchal by raising $400 selling notebooks and notecards. In the 15 years since, it’s grown immensely.
“We work with about 180 artisans, and we have a full-time team of 20. We’ve provided training for over 400 women in the years that we’ve been doing this.”
Anchal now sells its products wholesale to 200+ boutiques, plus retailers like Anthropology, Bloomingdales, and Madewell. None of that would have been possible without the support of the Derby City.
“We’re very grateful for the Louisville community, because the early years... they were very supportive and purchased stuff at little pop-ups.” Cline said. It was this support that propelled Anchal to trade shows in New York and other, broader opportunities.
I had to know what Louisvillians were shopping for the most. The answer? Scarves.
“Our scarves have been our tried and true with the local community because that was one of the first things that started to really resonate with people.”
Racing vs. Gotham FC | 8 p.m. | Lynn Family Stadium | $19+ | Start Mother’s Day weekend with Racing — don’t miss a card craft station on site to send a special message to your mom along with a featured cocktail.*
Bob Mould Band with J. Robbins | 8 p.m. | Headliners Music Hall | $27 | Hear the former Hüsker Dü singer on tour for his new album “Here We Go Crazy.”
Saturday, May 10
Throo the Zoo 5K Run/Walk | 8-11 a.m. | Louisville Zoo | $40+ | Run or walk through the Zoo and get a free t-shirt.
2025 Strawberry Festival | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | East End Farmer’s Market | Free | Get your hands on farm fresh strawberries, enjoy live music, and bring the kids for free activities.
Beechmont Festival of Flowers | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Cornerstone Baptist Church Parking Lots | Free | Shop flowers + artisan crafts, plus bring the kids to paint their own flowerpot.
International Food Truck Festival | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Big Four Lawn & Swing Garden | Price of purchase | Taste your way around the world with local vendors, and see live cultural performances.
Sunday, May 11
Mother’s Day Rose Hand-Out | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Cave Hill Cemetery & Arboretum | Free | Stop by the Broadway or Grinstead Drive gates for a free long-stem rose, while supplies last.
Paristown Mother’s Day Craft Market | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Christy’s Garden | Price of purchase | Shop handmade goods — the perfect spot to grab a last minute gift.
Stagecraft Tools for the Apocalypse | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Actors Theatre of Louisville | $10 | Make a papercraft card and learn other handy DIY skills — members of Actors Theatre or the Louisville Tool Library get in free.
Put your business in front of thousands of daily readers. | Graphic by 6AM City
This month, we launched our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide to showcase gifts that say I appreciate you to parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends.
While we’ve already filled all our slots ahead of Mother’s Day, we’ve opened up a few more for Father’s Day.
Whether your business offers a neat product, one-of-a-kind gift, or unique service that could be enjoyed by a father figure — we want to feature it. Secure your spot by Friday, May 23.
The winner of the 151st Kentucky Derby won’t have a shot at the Triple Crown. Sovereignty will not race in the Preakness, and will instead be preparing for the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Seasonal
Derby may be over, but don’t put that Pegasus Pin on the shelf just yet. Some deals are valid until the end of the month. Peep the whole list and keep the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival going.
Community
JCPS has named two potential candidates for superintendent. Ben Shuldiner, current superintendent at Lansing School District in Michigan, and H. Brian Yearwood, former superintendent at Columbia Public Schools in Missouri, will attend two community Q+A sessions on Tuesday, May 20. (WHAS11)
Gallery
A new 7,600-sqft distillery experience is coming to Whiskey Row. Pursuit Spirits was founded in 2018 by Bourbon Pursuit podcast host Kenny Coleman, with the new tasting facility to be open by mid-June Take a peek inside.
Open
Six new businesses are now open in the Norton Commons North Village Market, including Little Mount Lavendar, Oh My Lollies, and Steve’s Woodcrafters. The market is open Friday-Sunday. (WHAS11)
Concert
The Louisville Orchestra will host its annual free Play America concert on Thursday, July 3 at America Place at River Ridge in Jeffersonville, IN. Chow on food truck fare 6-8 p.m., then settle in for a performance under the baton of Teddy Abrams, 8-10 p.m. RSVP is not required, but recommended.
Sports
Miller Moss has emerged as a key quarterback acquisition, with potential to join the ranks of Jeff Brohm’s NFL-bound signal callers. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Louisville Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Stat
$8,000+. That’s how much you could spend if your dog breaks a bone in a car crash, fall, or collision — from wound treatment and x-rays to emergency surgery and aftercare. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% of that cost.*
Category
Small Business
These are your favorite businesses’ favorite businesses
If Louisville ever feels like a small town, it’s thanks to our small businesses. | Photo by Louisville Tourism
Small businesses are at the heart of Louisville. They help create a sense of place and serve as creative hubs, retail anchors + service centers in our neighborhoods.
For Small Business Week, we asked local business owners to share their love for other small businesses that everyone in town should know about.
“Tunies Boutique is also a great place to shop when in need of accessories, cute clothes + adorable shoes. Their employees are always so helpful and kind.” — Anna’s Additions
“Misc. Goods — We love them! Tyler is an amazing creative who has started a truly remarkable company. Their fragrances smell sooooo good.” — Anchal
It’s easy to support small businesses across the globe when you shop unique + one-of-a-kind products on Etsy. One of our favorite things to browse is Etsy’s selection of custom artwork. These are five of our favorites:
As the common wisdom goes: Don’t plant your garden until after Derby.
If you’re ready to get to sowing, stop by the Jefferson County Extension for some free seeds, plus gardening info sheets, recipes, and soil testing.
Answered
Answered
What is Louisville’s oldest small business?
Stoneware & Co. was established in Derby City in 1815.
Photo by LOUtoday
Earlier this week, we quizzed you on the oldest small business in Louisville. 46% knew the answer was Louisville Stoneware, founded in 1815 (that’s the same year Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled from France).
Louisville Stoneware began as the Lewis Pottery, founded by Jacob Lewis, on Billy Goat Strut Alley. It was a major supplier of food storage for Union soldiers during the Civil War, and has been in continuous operation for over 200 years.
Here’s the scoop on some of Louisville’s other old-time businesses:
The Mellwood Tavern started as The Rendezvous in 1885, and has been in continuous operation except for a brief closure during Prohibition — we still think it counts.
Muth’s Candies was founded in 1921, and survived WWII thanks to locals bringing in their own sugar rations to share.
Walter and Leaudra Kern created the Derby Pie in 1954 at the Mellrose Inn restaurant, and Kern’s Kitchen continues to bake the confection today.
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