Two women-owned businesses set to open in Eastern Market

Two new women-owned businesses will soon open in the heart of Eastern Market. And they’ll both be located a building owned by controversial developer Sanford Nelson.

One is the wellness studio Fauna Holistic, started by licensed massage therapist Fiona Maier. Coming from a blue-collar family, she says the studio is “geared toward working class individuals.”

“I was raised by a carpenter father and a mother who worked odd jobs and is now a librarian,” Maier said in a release. “I believe everyone should have access to massage.”

According to Crain’s Detroit Business, “Prices will range from $20 to $90 for service workers on Mondays, depending on the length of the session. ... Regular rates are $45 for a 30-minute session to $120 for a 90-minute session.”

Maier also told Crain’s that she put over $10,000 into the 1,015-square-foot space on the building’s third floor and signed a three-year lease. The studio is currently open from Monday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with hours to soon expand.

The other businesses is coworking space Seat Detroit, founded by Que Roland. Geared towards entrepreneurs and freelancers, monthly plans will cost between $50 and $325 with $15 drop-ins also available. Roland told Crain’s that there will be six private offices with rates still to be determined.

Roland also signed a three-year lease for the 1,875-square-foot space.

Firm Real Estate, owned by Sanford Nelson, bought the building at 1337 Division Street in June 2018. Several businesses have closed in buildings since his purchases, including Russell Street Deli, and many have worried that he would find new tenants that didn’t fit the character of Eastern Market.

But the last few businesses to open in his buildings have all been locally-owned, including Jose’s Tacos and Discount Candles.