Good Neighbor: Fostering Community and Creativity in Baltimore - A Conversation with Co-owner Shawn Chopra
S4:E10

Good Neighbor: Fostering Community and Creativity in Baltimore - A Conversation with Co-owner Shawn Chopra

Welcome to "The Truth in This Art." I'm your host, Rob Lee, and I’m thrilled to introduce our next guest: Shawn Chopra, the co-owner of Good Neighbor, a unique café and retail concept in Hampden, Baltimore. Originally from Canada, Shawn and his wife moved to Baltimore for graduate school and immediately fell in love with the city. Good Neighbor is not just an ordinary coffee shop; it combines an intimate café setting with a curated collection of housewares and, more recently, a charming greenhouse. As a community-driven space, Good Neighbor serves as a platform for both local and international makers to showcase their creations and foster a warm and welcoming environment for customers. Join us in this enlightening podcast episode as Shawn shares his journey as an entrepreneur and navigating the challenges of opening a business during a pandemic. Learn how his background as a physical therapist and his passion for art and design have greatly influenced the concept and atmosphere of Good Neighbor, creating a space that fosters creativity and a sense of community.

Coming up, a deep dive into:

  • The unique blend of coffee shop and community-driven space at Good Neighbor in Hamden, Baltimore.
  • The creative talent of Baltimore as Good Neighbor proudly showcases the work of local and international makers.
  • In this episode, Shawn Chopra shares the significance of patience and dedication in building a successful business venture.
  • Learn about Baltimore's supportive business community, where experienced owners generously offer advice to newcomers.
  • Good Neighbor's commitment to social responsibility and ethical practices in sourcing and business operations, making a positive impact on the community.

Join us for an engaging conversation as Shawn discusses the concept and vision behind the shop. Good Neighbor aims to create a community-driven space that brings together local and international makers, showcasing their work and providing a welcoming environment for customers. Shawn emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses and highlights the creative talent in Baltimore. He also shares his experience as an entrepreneur and offers advice for those looking to pursue their own business ventures.


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This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

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Creators and Guests

Rob Lee
Host
Rob Lee
The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.
Shawn Chopra
Guest
Shawn Chopra
Co-owner of Good Neighbor, a unique café and retail concept in Hampden, Baltimore.