Urban Market Exchange
Empowering creators to
Elevate Thrive Inspire Lead Succeed
- Services
Urban Market Exchange
Urban Market Exchange (UME) offers specialty rooms equipped with industry-specific tools to support entrepreneurs, creators, and makers. These dedicated spaces provide entrepreneurs with the resources needed to bring their creative visions to life without the high costs of owning specialized equipment.
Printing Room
Step into the Printer Room at Urban Market Exchange – a fully equipped, high-performance printing studio designed to bring your business ideas to life! Whether you're printing t-shirts, banners, customizing your products, 3-D printing, marketing flyers, product labels, or custom packaging, and so much more, our space is here to help you save time, cut costs, and elevate your brand.
💡 No membership? No problem. Day passes are available, but members enjoy discounted printing, priority access, and workshop invites to help you optimize your production process.
Sign up today for an info session or to receive our email list
Let’s talk
Videography Room
Welcome to the Videographer Room, your content creation headquarters at Urban Market Exchange! Whether you're filming product promos, building a brand story, recording a podcast, or shooting high-quality content for social media, this space is designed for creators, entrepreneurs, and storytellers ready to shine.
📲 Why join? As a member, you’ll get priority access, discounted studio time, and opportunities to collaborate with other creatives and business owners.
Sign up today for an info session or to receive our email list
Let’s talk
Podcast Room
Step into the Podcast Room at Urban Market Exchange, where your ideas get the mic and your message meets the world. Whether you’re launching a new show, interviewing local leaders, or building your brand through storytelling, this space is designed for creators ready to be heard.
🎧 Ready to build your audience? Become a member and enjoy exclusive access, flexible scheduling, and creative support to help bring your content to life.
Sign up today for an info session or to receive our email list
Let’s talk
Sewing Room
Calling all makers, designers, and dreamers, our Sewing Machine Room is your new creative playground! Whether you're stitching your first prototype or producing a full product line, this fully equipped space gives you the tools to bring your fashion, textile, or handmade product ideas to life.
✨ Not a member yet? Join today and get exclusive access, discounts on workshops, and the chance to work alongside other passionate entrepreneurs.
Sign up today for an info session or to receive our email list
Let’s talk- About us
Meet our team
Quandra Speights
CEO and co-owner
Quandra Speights, a community member of Woodlawn is an attorney who has over 15 years of business experience in the fields of Human Resources and Workforce development. Her role will be to support the business by reviewing, managing, and negotiating commercial agreements, including agreements directly with contractors.
George Boykin
Property Manager & Co-owner
Boykin is an Operations Manufacturing Coach with over 25 years of progressive experience in Manufacturing and Quality Systems Management, in Foods, Steel and Automotive industries. Boykin is experienced in Operations and Quality Improvement Systems.
Ladetria Warren (Lala)
Director of Programs and Support
In 2011, Ladetria founded Twisted Rose Metal as a personal creative outlet, initially turning to jewelry making as a holistic remedy for managing joint pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. What began as a form of relief quickly evolved into a lifelong passion for metalsmithing and craftsmanship. Today, she is not only a creator of holistic jewelry but also a skilled metalsmith, artisan, and entrepreneur. Her work extends beyond jewelry to include natural body products, wholesale distribution, and one-of-a-kind leather bags and accessories. Her artistry and dedication have earned her recognition in multiple publications and live interviews, including a notable feature with the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
Yohance Lacour
Arts and Maker Director
Yohance, Artists, Designer and Creator and founder of YJLacour. He is a native of the Southside of Chicago. He has spent the last 6 years instructing, coaching and mentoring artists/entrepreneurs. He is also committed to training and mentoring returning citizens to reduce their chances of recidivism. Even outside his artistic pursuits, he works as a journalist with the Invisible Institute, investigating and reporting stories from those same communities.
- Why choose us
Flexible Accommodation and Memberships
$20 /month
Classic
- Drop -in work bench,
- Wi-fi
- Business Center Office amenities
- Use of specialized tools
- Membership workshops (discounted)
$20 /month
Premium
- All the is offered in the Classic membership
- Specialty Rooms
- Textile / Sewing Machine Room
- Podcast Room
- Videography Room
- Printing Room
$20 /month
Premiere
- All the above in the Classic and Premium plus dedicated bench and/ or office space
- 6 – 8 private studio spaces ranging from 75 sq ft – 300 sq ft
Classic
(Drop-in work bench, Wifi, business center amenities, mailbox/register agent ($20), conference room, workshop/retail discounts)
Founders’ membership
Annual (per month):
$95
Semi-Annual:
$110
Monthly:
$120
Pre- launch
(Drop-in work bench, Wifi, business center amenities, mailbox/register agent ($20), conference room, workshop/retail discounts)
Regular Membership
Annual (per month):
$75
Semi-Annual:
$95
Monthly:
$99
Specialty Room
(Access to specialty rooms for up to three hours covered in price, + classic membership benefits)
Founders’ membership
Annual:
$200
Monthly:
$250
Specialty Room
(Access to specialty rooms for three hours for free + classic membership benefits)
Regular Membership length
Annual:
$180
Semi-Annual:
$200
Dedicated Studio spaces
(Dedicated small or large office space + specialty room benefits for extra $50)
Founders’ membership
$360
$400
$315
$350
$405
Dedicated Studio spaces
(Dedicated small or large office space + specialty room benefits for extra $50)
Regular Membership
$295
$328
$258
$287
$332
- About Us
Urban Market Exchange
was born from a deep desire to empower high-potential entrepreneurs living in underserved neighborhoods—people who have the drive to grow their businesses and transform our communities.
Urban Market Exchange
Empowering creators to create
Urban Market Exchange
Empowering creators to create