Entrepreneur Emily Slagel opened Mid-Atlantic Mercantile in Lawrenceville in 2013. With a focus on an ethical supply chain, Mid-Atlantic specializes in established and emerging independent designers. Emily takes a break from the holiday hustle to share her cool plans for the week.
Monday, December 15
Monday is the only day that the shop is closed (unofficial Lawrenceville rule) but when you own a business, you’re always “on.” I start most of my mornings very early at Espresso a Mano, which is both ritual and social for me. Then I’ll head into my studio, located in an old factory behind the East End Food Co-op, which is always a convenient stop along the way. I’ll pull design references and begin to research trends for our Fall/Winter 2015 collection. I have an afternoon meeting at noon with my photographer, Laila Archuleta; we are building out our plan and sketches for our spring look book. Around 7 p.m., I’ll meet up with friends at Bar Marco for Csilla Thackray’s No Menu Monday.
Tuesday, December 16
I have a meeting with Michael McAllister to discuss plans for the spring edition of Trade Union. In the evening, I’ll head over to Brillobox for Matt Buchholz’s Right On! Funk and Soul Holiday Party. I’ll end the evening with a late dinner at one of our favorite spots, Dish or Butterjoint.
Wednesday, December 17
I’m grabbing an espresso and stopping by Kicky Feet Vintage’s Holiday Pop-Up at Constellation Coffee to chat and grab a few last minute gifts. I have a lunch meeting at noon to discuss another upcoming project. I’ll meet up with friends visiting from out of town at The Park House and then head to the legendary Banjo Night at The Elk’s Lodge #339, something everyone needs to experience to really “get” Pittsburgh.
Thursday, December 18
The holiday hustle continues. Mid-Atlantic will be open late, until 9 p.m. for Manta Claus, a Lawrenceville-wide event for last-minute shoppers. I’m planning ahead to have a mixed 6-pack from Atlas Bottle Works, Spak Brothers pizza and slippers waiting for me at home. I will try to reserve as much energy for the weekend as possible.
Friday, December 19
I have an early morning meeting at Commonplace Coffee to consult on branding and package design for a friend’s new business. I’ll grab a few pastries and treats for weekend customers at La Gourmandine. My Saturdays are always so busy—this is the night that I order take out from Taste of India and curl up with my dog, Mustard, and catch up with a book. I’ve been reading a lot of Seth Godin marketing books. My Friday schedule looks a lot different than it did in my early 20s.
Saturday, December 20
My boyfriend, Joey, is in the service industry, which means we usually miss Saturday nights together. So tonight will be pretty special since we have plans together. We’ll be stopping by a chef friend’s holiday party and then doing what we both really do best—grabbing drinks at Kelly’s or Gooski’s.
Sunday, December 21
I will sleep in (a little bit) and then make a quick run to Marty’s Market to get ingredients to make a huge breakfast and try to perfect my home pour-over game. I want to stop by Phipps for the Winter Flower exhibition and Winter Light Garden. And as always, my favorite way to wrap up a week is to spend the later evening at Allegheny Wine Mixer, catching up with friends and eating lots of cheese and toasties.