The Brightside: Prodigal Creations
CAMBRIDGE, Md. – A small business in Cambridge is creating a unique shopping experience while holding to family-owned and inclusive values. Prodigal Creations is somewhat new to the community, but with deep values, it’s also creating a new kind of welcoming environment. “We take it to the core, spread that acceptance and that love. If you’re having a bad day, stop here,” says Co-owner Chris Phippin.
A one-stop shop for gifts, crafts, and gospel needs, Prodigal Creation is keeping a family-owned small business at the forefront with a mission to spread kindness, love, and acceptance. Chris and CJ Phippin, who’ve been married for 11 years have made the store their livelihood. “I want people to start supporting the small businesses and know that there’s a face behind that business, there’s a family directly behind that business that is using this as their livelihood,” says Chris.
Prodigal Creations began as a crafting business, but we’re told Chris and CJ found a greater need in the community, and in their own family – growing with a total of five adopted kids. “Two are on the autism spectrum and it’s really hard to find somewhere that they feel comfortable, that they don’t feel overstimulated so that’s why we really started the crafting portion,” says CJ.
“Starting in a little building here in Dorchester County and being able to expand to 4000 square feet and then having a second location with talks of expanding the business more. It’s just been something that was a dream,” says Chris. Part of that dream was not just creating a unique retail store with crafting elements, it was about creating an environment the owners say was much needed. “A lot of our mission behind the business is just spreading that acceptance, the kindness, we want to be a one-stop shop no matter who you are or how much money you have in your pocket, there’s going to be something in our store for you.” Chris adds, “No matter what your walk in faith is, you’re able to shop with us and are accepted by our staff and by the product that we carry.”
We’re told they wanted to bring the gospel into the community, but also create a safe space for people from all walks of life. As an LGBTQ-owned business, that concept is at the forefront. “It’s just being very open-minded and accepted and just giving everybody that equal opportunity, don’t judge a book by its cover,” says CJ.
Whether shopping for books, gifts, skincare, spices, or shopping for popular brands from brands; we’re told the shopping possibilities are endless. According to the owners, their mission and passion are being welcomed in the community. “It really is a family-owned and operated business and having those families be able to be a part of our family, has really been just amazing,” explains Chris.
Prodigal Creations has garnered a large following on social media, with the owners hosting live events, crafts, and chats, to offering a space for kids to play while parents shop in a welcoming environment. The space is becoming the epitome of an inclusive store, and Chris and CJ say they hope to pass that legacy on to their kids – and those in Delmarva. “We have gone through a lot of ups and downs and doing this has just brought us closer together, our families closer together because it’s something that we have wanted to do since day one of meeting,” says CJ. Chris adds, “Support small, stay local and I promise you’ll have a much better shopping experience.”
The owners also tell WMDT, they have a warehouse with over 8,000 ceramic molds and it’s part of their goal to continue to expand to eventually open up a ceramic shop.
You can check out their products and online events on Facebook. You can also find them at 3147 Ocean Gateway in Cambridge Maryland.
