Today we’d like to introduce you to Taco Beltran.
Hi Taco, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Business partners Greg Lyman and Taco B, with more than 25 years of retail/ customer service between them and being fans of vintage, collectibles and the local art scene wanted to combine their passions and create something magical.
With this town having no shortage of thrift stores, it needed an artsy flare so Woodrow Marketplace was born. With the shop about to celebrate its 1 year in business, this gem has captivated the attention of the community. Nestled on the corner of Mosley and Woodrow st, taking its name from said street they reside on.
A vendor marketplace with over 50 different booths hosting items from antiques to local artisans such as hand made sopes, lotions, beard oils, gifts and BBQ spices. Each vendor in their market comes from all walks of life. With former service members and teachers, every booth brings a unique and eclectic charm to the shop.
Not only has Woodrow Marketplace found their home in the heart of Irmo, they have also joined with a few business and service groups to promote the community. They are currently Sharing God’s Love consignment shop. Selling donated items to fill the organization’s pantry for the Irmo community.
To quote the owners Greg and Taco:
“Here at Woodrow Marketplace, we love supporting and celebrating local artists in our community and promoting a welcoming environment to shop a variety of antiques and collectibles. We currently have over 50 vendors along with 2 charities (Sharing God’s Love and Union United Methodist Church Joy Class) and are open 7 days a week. We are also happy to be involved with The Greater Irmo Art Guild, a local art group and also partner with other local businesses to put on family friendly events throughout the year such as our annual May Market. We hope to bring so much more to the Irmo community for years to come.”
Links:
Town of Irmo business of the month:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=woodrow%20marketplace%20business%20of%20the%20month
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, the challenges for a small business with no start up savings is very tough. We rely on each other, our families and our friends. We worked hard with the community to bring in vendors to grow with us.
Every ounce of our time and effort is given to our business. Long hours and sometimes sleepless nights were a constant from the first day we opened March 8th, 2025. But, we had no idea how much of a following we would gain. It has been extraordinary.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Both owners bring creativity to the business in such a blended way. Greg has worked for over 25 years in the music industry with his passion being vinyl records and Taco being a mix media artist ranging from repurposing furniture to large pallet art. Their collective talents make it easy to incorporate themselves into the business.
What matters most to you?
People. Both owners are community driven. They do not want to just be a business in Irmo, they want to be a pivotal pillar for bringing local commerce to the city, connecting local artists to the community and encouraging more sustainable buying such as the purchase of antiques and vintage, keeping them out of the landfills and making personal and lasting connections.
But, nothing beats a long conversation, a connection with a customer over a memory of nostalgia. The atmosphere is inviting and welcoming.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.woodrowmarketplace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodrow_marketplace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573077601703
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WoodrowMarketplace
- Other: https://bio.link/woodrowmarketplace
