Pipe Dreamz

GOAL: $10,000.00
LEND NOW: kiva.org/lend/1771026

Business Description

In the aftermath of Freddie Grey’s uprising, Ansar Miller-Abdullah saw a need for a place where the youth of Baltimore could freely express themselves and let their voices be heard so he shifted a politically & socially charged clothing brand by the same namesake created after his 2013 graduation from Morgan State into the entity known as Pipe Dreamz, LLC. today. After five years of business, Pipe Dreamz, LLC is a viable clothing boutique, art gallery, and number one underground venue in Baltimore city, according to Baltimore Magazine. More importantly, PDZ has become a community safe haven for those who the city has constantly ostracized. Located at 407 N Charles Street, Pipe Dreamz came to relocate, from its original location on Howard Street, after the property owner tried to exploit Miller in his pursuit to acquire the property. Much like that instance, Miller has done his due diligence and sees an opportunity to acquire a property on Historic Charles Street. It is our hope that the young men and women who occupy Pipe Dreamz daily are influenced to own property and slow the tide of gentrification by taking action.

What is the purpose of this loan?

Pipe Dreamz, LLC. (PDZ) is ready to transition to the next level and we need your support to make our vision a reality. We seek to purchase the building that we currently lease in order to become one of the only black-owned properties on the block and in greater Downtown, Baltimore as a whole. We are asking $10,000 to assist with the down payment for the loan to purchase the building. Along with the storefront location, the building houses 7 residential units that are home to both artist and entrepreneurs alike.

The loan will help secure a stable space for creatives here for years to come as well as allow us the capability to offer live in work spaces for those same creatives.