about Us
Empowering
creators to create and transform their communities and the world around them
- About Us
Entrepreneurial Spirit is in our DNA
Urban Market Exchange, L3C (UME) is a creative workspace that supports artists and makers through a social enterprise model. Designed for minority-owned artisan and makers enterprises in underserved communities, UME provides specialized equipment, consulting services, workshops, and flexible, cost-effective private office spaces. Operating on a membership-based model, UME serves small businesses at various stages, including those who need strategic business
- Team member
Meet our team
Quandra Speights
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
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)
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
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.
Our Values
Growth Minded
We are always seeking to improve ourselves and our business in our journey to making the world better.
01
Passion to Serve
The core of our business is service, and that's what we are passionate about first and foremost.
02
Collaborate to Win
Go above and beyond to achieve a greater good.
03
Honor Commitments
We are self-accountable and always prioritize commitments that have been made.
04
Driven to Improve
Apply learning from success and setbacks alike.
05
- We Serve
Making a difference in the communities we serve
Our impact extends into the communities around us. We are neighbors, friend, and members of like-minded organizations whose mission is to provide economic impact to our local economy. We work with the following organizations:
Chicago Metropolitan YWCA - Breedlove Entrepreneurial Program
- Chicago Metropolitan YWCA - Breedlove Entrepreneurial Program
- Help One Save One
- Sunshine Enterprises
- State Senator Mattie Hunter office – District 3
- City of Chicago – Department of Planning
- Community Desk Chicago
- The Chicago Community Trust
- Alderman Jeanette B. Taylor – 20th Ward
- Alderman William E. Hall – 6th Ward
Our partners
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- About Us
Entrepreneurial Spirit is in our DNA
Urban Market Exchange, L3C (UME) is a creative workspace that supports artists and makers through a social enterprise model. Designed for minority-owned artisan and makers enterprises in underserved communities, UME provides specialized equipment, consulting services, workshops, and flexible, cost-effective private office spaces. Operating on a membership-based model, UME serves small businesses at various stages, including those who need strategic business