Baltimore Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month by Showcasing Local Businesses

BALTIMORE — In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a Baltimore organization is highlighting small businesses that contribute to the community with products made in the city. One of those businesses, Baltimore Print Studios in Woodbury, offers a variety of printing services.

Kim Bentley, co-owner of the print shop, described their offerings. “We do screen printing, letterpress printing, and risograph printing. You can make multiples of it because we’re a print shop,” Bentley explained.

Bentley and her husband, Kyle, opened the studio 15 years ago, fostering a creative space for themselves and other artists. They also provide workshops for anyone interested in learning the art of printing. “We have the heavy equipment and a power washer, stuff that you can’t really fit in your own home. You can rent it hourly and go home with something you made,” she said.

Baltimore Print Studios is part of the Baltimore Development Corporation’s “Made in Baltimore” program, which assists local small businesses. Andy Cook, the program director, noted, “We also have makers of furniture, jewelry, and food and beverages, pretty much the whole gamut of what an average person might buy.”

This May, the BDC is focusing on AAPI-owned businesses, providing exposure and support to its members. Membership in Made in Baltimore is free and designed to promote local entrepreneurship.

<p"You have to apply to be a member. We promote them and help them grow through marketing, social media channels, and public events," Cook stated.

Made in Baltimore also operates a physical store at the Inner Harbor, offering locally made products. Bentley expressed her appreciation for the support. “It’s great to be featured and have people know about us. Our reach is limited, but Made in Baltimore helps a lot,” she said.