A neighborhood urban bodega is a cornerstone of city life — compact, colorful, and endlessly convenient. It’s the place where you can grab a morning coffee, a late-night snack, or that one ingredient you forgot for dinner, all within a few steps of home. Beyond the shelves of essentials, a bodega carries a certain charm bred by the familiar faces behind the counter and the comforting sense that you’re surrounded by neighbors.
That’s what makes La Bodeguita the perfect name for local artist Michelle Fernandez’s business. The community vibes are there. The daily staples are there. But at La Bodeguita, those life essentials aren’t food items; they’re crafts. Fernandez draws from her background as a therapist. In doing so, she crafts a concept that invites people to slow down, make something by hand, and rediscover joy in the process. Expect to find creative workshops, a rotating craft menu, and opportunities for authentic social connection. La Bodeguita encourages participants to engage their senses, share stories, and support one another in a welcoming environment.
A Welcome Expansion to La Bodeguita
La Bodeguita opened in June 2025, operating out of an Airstream in Camp North End’s Boileryard. By October of the same year, the craft café had moved into its first brick-and-mortar location, tripling its footprint. The new 835-square-foot studio (also located at Camp North End) blends artistry and ambiance. It features lounge-style seating, a dedicated workshop area, and a design aesthetic Fernandez describes as “mid-century modern meets Old Havana.”
“The community’s support of our Airstream has been so generous. This new studio allows us to put down deeper roots,” says Fernandez. “Having a larger, permanent space means we can host more classes. Plus, we can expand our craft café hours and continue building a home base for creative wellness in Charlotte.”
An Assortment of Refreshments
In addition to locally sourced craft kits and Fernandez’s creative wellness card decks, the café offers rotating bodega-style snacks and Caribbean sodas. Events like Parallel Play Fridays offer a mindful twist on co-working. During this time, guests can work side-by-side in a creatively charged setting that encourages presence without pressure. Other programming at La Bodeguita includes Creative Wellness Cohorts. In these groups, participants explore universal themes such as love and connection through guided art and reflection. Additionally, workshops led by local artists provide a platform for Charlotte’s creative community to teach, share, and grow together.
Even after the new space opened, the original Airstream—affectionately known as Limoncitos— remains in use for private events and Fernandez’s therapy practice. Even still, it maintains the personal, mobile spirit that started it all. Its connection to Fernandez’s continued therapy practice offers a reminder of the healing potential on which this entire enterprise is centered. Its success is a testament to Fernandez’s vision. But also to the area’s hunger for destinations rich in culture and community – a hunger that this little bodega is eager to feed.
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