With eight shops all committed to bringing the whole community together on a Tuesday afternoon, the Shops at Agora, also known as Agora Market, is alive with the sounds of laughter and conversation. Each of the vendors, from baristas that sell coffee to vendors that sell computer games to a Tarot Card reader, comes with a variety of unique items. Customers at Agora Market said it’s full of hidden gems.
Halcyon Videogames, Oscar Martinez-Elias, owner
Martinez-Elias, a Harrisonburg native, said he wanted a cool shop for the area.
“A huge part of gaming is hanging with others,” Martinez-Elias said.
He said he started gaming when he was nine and his favorite console is The Super Nintendo. Some of his favorite games include Mega Man X, Yoshi’s Island, Mario Kart and Castlevania.
“I enjoy these games because they bring a sense of nostalgia from my childhood,” Martinez-Elias said.
Martinez-Elias said his favorite memory is just playing with others and collecting video games.
“It’s just been a hobby I’ve had,” Martinez-Elias said.
Johnathan Alston
Crucible Coffee Roasters, Drake Miller, barista
Entering Agora Downtown Market through the side entrance, the smell of coffee grounds captures shoppers’ attention from Crucible Coffee Roasters.
Drake Miller, a senior at James Madison University, works at Crucible Coffee Roasters and said he has a special connection to the community and the regulars at the shop that live in the Harrisonburg area.
“Having a community that fosters artistic culture and development is really important, especially in the modern age,” Drake said. “If you’re willing to take the risk to do things, you’re able to do things, and really kind of get out there. Experience life, and then your kind of perspective, [in] a different way.”
Gifts and Thrift Booksavers, Julia Inouye, cashier
Walking into Gift & Thrift, racks of vintage shirts hang beneath warm string lighting and boxes of board games and puzzles. The store specializes in upcycling vintage items.
Julia Inouye, a retail associate, works at the cash register. She specializes in the curation of merchandise and also manages the pricing of products. Inouye helps her community by upcycling or repairing damaged clothing. Inouye really values and respects the Harrisonburg community. ‘’I really appreciate that Harrisonburg really supports artists, music, and I think it’s the community doing a good job of trying to be a welcoming space for people, there’s a lot of people who care about people in Harrisonburg.’’
Anca Creations, Manuel Gilly , owner
Manuel Gilly and his wife Andrea Becerra own Anca Creations which has a variety of custom gifts. Becerra was a graphic designer when she lived in Columbia and wanted to make custom and creative gifts for others. While still working as an accountant, Gilly does the behind the scenes work as he manages the business for his wife.
“[Owning such a store] was her dream since we moved to the United States,” Gilly said. “I just try to match whatever she needs,” Gilly said.
He tries to help Becerra as much as he can because she always gets excited making the intricate custom gifts and seeing the joy when they receive them.
Sacred Hazel, Jessica May, owner
“It was after the election that I really had to decide what I wanted to do,” Jessica May said.
May owns a metaphysical shop that has grown into more than just a retail space. After considering moving to Canada following the election, she said meditation and reflection led her to stay and create a welcoming place for marginalized people and those seeking spiritual guidance. As a combat-wounded veteran, May said expanding her shop into what she calls a “First Amendment shop” was her way of honoring her oath by promoting freedom of religion, freedom of speech and self-expression.
One of May’s favorite parts of running the business is giving tarot readings. She said she enjoys helping people trust their own intuition, especially during difficult times.
“When people break down in tears of joy because they heard something they really needed, it helps them trust their own inner guidance,” May said. “Every time that happens, it gives me chills.”
Grace Dudley, Paige Linton, shoppers
The friends of 15 years grew up in Winchester, Virginia. Grace Dudley and Paige Linton have known each other since preschool and their friendship grew and blossomed all the way to graduation. Linton is visiting Dudley, and getting a feel for Harrisonburg as Linton described it as being cute and containing a lot of hidden gems.
“Even though I know it’s been a really short time, 30 minutes, I’ve been here. The rating has gone up,” Linton said.
Dudley goes to James Madison University and often invites Linton to Harrisonburg to have a piece of home with her.
“I love Harrisonburg. It’s my favorite place. It didn’t take long for me to call Harrisonburg home, and I feel like there’s still so much to learn and see, though,” Dudley said.
