Local LEX Market in Louisville Supports Over 70 Makers

In Louisville, Kentucky, entrepreneurs Merritt and Benjamin Monroy have set up a one-stop shop that caters to more than 70 small businesses. Known as the Local LEX Market, this marketplace provides a venue for local small-scale makers to sell their products, ranging from handcrafted items to specially designed clothing.

Providing an Outlet for Small Businesses

The Monroys own a clothing design business, El Gato Azul, and have been designing shirts for eight years. However, when the pandemic struck, they saw its devastating impacts on small businesses and decided to take initiative. As she explained, “We decided to open one in Lexington to provide a space for others that couldn’t afford to open their own business.”

Personal Struggles Fuels Drive to Assist Others

Merritt’s role in managing the market is just one part of her busy life. She is also a mother and is currently battling stage three colon cancer. In spite of the hardship, she remains steadfast in her endeavors and uses her personal journey as a platform to educate others on the importance of early screening.

“I never thought at 43 I would ever have colon cancer, especially with no family history of colon cancer so I definitely say, you know, go get your colonoscopy, please,” Merritt urges.

Combining Celebrations with Awareness

On March 23, the Local LEX Market will be hosting a dual celebration. It marks the company’s third anniversary, but also falls within Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to educate the public about this disease.

The Kentucky Cancer Program will be offering a free colon cancer screening program, which will extend to those who qualify. This initiative aligns with the Market’s spirit of community support, further emphasizing the importance of health and early detection alongside its celebration of local commerce.

Related Stories:

• Kentucky Cancer Program hosts ‘Incredible Colon’ tour
• The need for colorectal screenings
• Kentucky becomes first state to offer colorectal screenings kits through pharmacies
• The effectiveness of colonoscopies