Fueled by curiosity and the thrill of the hunt, we seek out makers with a story to tell and inspiration to share. We collect thoughtful, artful, uncommon goods for you and your nest from emerging and independent designers from North Carolina, across the country, and around the world. We carry jewelry, women’s and men's clothing, leather goods, one-of-a-kind clothes for babies and kids, accessories, art, and treasures for you and every room in your home!
Never one to pass up the opportunity for adventure, in 2002, Jessie Williams packed up her belongings and moved from Chicago to Wilmington, North Carolina. Opening up shop in a tiny 400-square-foot space (let’s be honest, it was a storage closet), Jessie started selling handmade clothing accessories designed by her and her friends. Offering a valuable retail and makers space to other local designers, her business model acted as a launch pad for like-minded, risk-taking, passionate designers, creators, and artists. Now, a handful of years later and with a second retail location opened in the fast-growing Person Street neighborhood near downtown Raleigh, Edge of Urge hosts classes and workshops, trunk shows, special events, and more!
But it doesn’t end there. In 2019, two new concepts were launched.
Edge of Urge’s men’s offerings were bursting at the seams. We had so many requests for more, more, MORE just for men and even more of that vintage, motorcycle, Americana, utilitarian vibe. So we created a new concept altogether: Unlikely Professionals. Unlikely Professionals is located directly across the street from Edge of Urge Raleigh. Walking through the garage door, you’re greeted with a mix of retail, dive-bar, and workshop rolled into one. Stop in to shop a mix of clothing, shoes, apothecary, self-care, curated vintage, to enjoy the full beer/wine bar—or do it all! While the clothing assortment trends for him, no doubt there is something here for everyone.
Just like Edge of Urge, Unlikely Professionals was built on the mantra of making something from nothing. This space speaks to anyone who believes in their vision to do the damn thing and make themselves proud no matter what the profession. It’s a family vision and execution from Jessie and Derek—even their 2-year-old daughter June painted a wall in the shop. Both Jessie and Derek collectively built businesses from nothing and this space is the culmination of their vision and their own workshops.
While Unlikely Professionals was in its early development, Jessie embraced her journey into self-care. Caught up in the hustle of entrepreneurship, Jessie drove herself to exhaustion, isolation, and constant stress. She wanted a change of pace, and to take the time to take care of herself, to build meaningful relationships and introduce new loving rituals into her daily life. In this search for self-love, she discovered she wasn’t the only one craving a transition for the better.
And so, she launched Renew, House of Self-Love. When the pandemic hit she was forced to pivot her operations and close the physical doors of the Renew storefront in Downtown Raleigh. But alas, she found that now more than ever we were all in need of the little haven of positivity that was Renew. So the Renew concept lives on in the online store with products featured in both Edge of Urge locations and Unlikely Professionals. The illumination of the neon pink Renew sign reading “You deserve to be here” shines on in our hearts and our minds as the constant reminder we all need.
The Renew products offer a glimmer of respite and invite you to step away from the hustle culture for a moment and find that One Perfect Thing to help you - or a loved one - on your journey to a better self. The curated assemblage of items includes apothecary, books on a multitude of topics relating to wellness and spirituality, food and beverages, incense and candles, and gifts to bring delight into the mundanity of everyday life. We are all so busy that it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself first. Renew aims to help bring you to the top of your daily list.
Together, these three concepts make up the Edge of Urge family. A little something for everyone, curated with a ravenous joy by the wild at heart for you. We love everything that we do, and we know that you will too.
You are free. You collect experiences, uncommon objects, stories and friends. Your home is your haven, and you fill it with love and plants and beautiful things that bring you joy. You have at least one recipe that slays at parties, an ever-growing record collection, a long list of books to read, and an even longer list of art openings to attend. You’re curious about where design and pop culture intersect. You are thought of amongst family as the risk-taker, the one who does what she or he wants, and is unaffected by the opinions of others.
You turn to Edge of Urge, because like us, you appreciate the story and the passion of the independent maker. You value authentic design and the unique expression it allows. You know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that while shopping with us, you’re going to proclaim, “This is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for!” be it clothing, accessories, gifts for your home or treasures to share with your friends.
And even though we already know you, we can’t wait to finally meet you.
XOXOXO,
EOU