Pop of Confetti, a unique gift shop that recently relocated from Carytown to Bon Air, stands out as a beacon of creativity, community, and celebration among local small businesses. Owned by Allison Smith-Mackey, a Black creative and cisgender ally, the shop thrives as a safe space for creatives to shop, connect, and create at its new location.

Allison's journey to establishing Pop of Confetti is as inspiring as the shop itself. During the height of the pandemic, amidst the anxieties of new motherhood and the tumult of civil unrest and a divisive election year, she found solace in an unexpected source—confetti. "As my anxiety rose while watching the news, I grabbed tissue paper leftover from our baby shower gifts and began to shred the sheets, unintentionally making it into confetti," Allison recalls. "As I stared at the bowl of confetti, I felt my mood shift and recognized that even though I didn't feel like there was anything to celebrate, creating and playing with the confetti instantly helped invigorate my spirit.” The therapeutic and uplifting power of confetti sparked the idea for her business.

What began as a complementary accessories collection quickly outpaced her previous ventures, leading Allison to pursue a brick-and-mortar presence. Pop of Confetti showcases the work of 25 local creatives, with a focus on women-owned and LGBTQIA+ businesses. A staple feature of Pop of Confetti is The Confetti Bar, a joyful space where customers can engage in the playful act of creating and enjoying confetti. "Everyone deserves to be celebrated with confetti," says Allison. "It's a mindful moment for adults and children alike, to play and experience joy." The new location at 2743 Buford Rd, Bon Air, VA 23235, includes a creative classroom and outdoor event space for community art and wellness activities.

Allison carefully selects her predominantly female and/ or LGBTQIA+ vendors based on design, quality, and uniqueness, believing in "community over competition." She actively funds vendor markets, fostering genuine connections and partnerships among artisans.

Despite challenges as a minority business owner, including limited financial resources and overcoming biases, Allison perseveres. "Everyone should have accessible avenues to share their gifts and talents, and Pop of Confetti exists to break the mold," she says.

Pop of Confetti enriches Richmond’s cultural fabric by providing a joyful and safe space for the creative community. Visit Pop of Confetti in Bon Air to experience its magic and support a business dedicated to celebrating and empowering local artisans.