Celebrating 2 Years at Bok

At the core of our journey at Minimal Chaos lies a story of rugs, a vibrant community, and a drive to create an impact. As we approach our 2-year anniversary at the remarkable Bok Building in Philadelphia, we want to share with you the essence of how we arrived here, why we chose the Bok Building, and why this celebration means so much to us.

Two years ago, I took a momentous leap and established a shop at the Bok Building, leaving behind my rug-filled home to create a welcoming showroom. The decision to be a part of the Bok community was a no-brainer. As a small business owner, the early stages can sometimes feel lonely; you have no idea what you’re doing and you’re just kind of winging it and hoping for the best. I chose Bok for its vibrant community, a home to makers and entrepreneurs, just like me, to share ideas and collaborate with, a supportive family to learn from. As we prepare for our 2-year anniversary, we're not only celebrating our own journey but also the incredible growth of our team and community, which is a significant part of who we are.

Our 2-year anniversary event is more than just a party; it represents our brand's core values. We are passionate about sharing the beauty of Middle Eastern culture, from homemade delights to the intricate artistry of henna. However, we also understand the importance of giving back. Given the current circumstances in the Middle East, we have decided to seize the opportunity to raise funds for a cause close to our hearts – the children of Gaza through the Palestine's Children Relief Fund (PCRF). Every aspect of this event, every gesture, reflects our commitment to making a positive impact.

As we look forward to this special evening, we invite you to join us in commemorating our journey, embracing community, and making a difference. Our 2-year anniversary event is more than just a celebration; it's a celebration with a purpose, and we can't wait to share it with you. Keep reading for more details on this memorable night, save the date, spread the word, and mark your calendars – this is a celebration you won't want to miss! ❤️🎉

When: Friday, November 10th 6–9PM
Where: Minimal Chaos Showroom / Bok Building / 821 Dudley St. Phila, PA 19148
Free to attend with pay as you go services

Tintype Portraits

CJ Harker Tintype Portrait

Our first guest popping up for the event is local craftsman and photographer, CJ Harker. The showroom rug wall will serve as the perfect backdrop for your portraits through the historical Wet Plate Collodion process, bringing you a physical heirloom printed on tin. We love the clash of old and new aesthetic that this process creates. Whether you arrive solo, with a friend, or a loved one, simply come camera-ready and witness the magic of tintypes!

We highly recommend making reservations, as this process can take up to 30 minutes to ensure the perfect shot. Your final image will be beautifully presented on a 5x7 piece of tin, similar to the one shown above. Please allow up to 10 days for your final image to be prepared for pickup at the Minimal Chaos showroom. Each portrait is priced at $90, a small investment for a timeless keepsake.

Reserve your spot here

Henna Art

Minimal Chaos Bok Building Anniversary Party Philadelphia - Henna

Step into the ancient world of henna art with our second pop-up featuring, the talented henna artist, Sushma Manchana. Sushma is bringing her talent to our event with her mesmerizing henna designs, adding a touch of tradition to our celebration. And what better complement to your tintype portraits, right?!

Henna, a paste crafted from the dried leaves of the Henna shrub, boasts a rich history spanning over 5,000 years. Originally cherished for its cooling and medicinal properties in desert regions, its exquisite staining capabilities became a delightful discovery. Henna's accessibility and endless creative possibilities have made it a timeless favorite for all types of celebrations, symbolizing love, hope, and unbridled joy.

No appointments required; first-come, first-served. Designs range from $20 to $40.

Raffle for Gaza

Image by Motaz Azaiza

Our journey at the Bok Building has been an incredible ride, surrounded by a dynamic community of passionate makers and doers. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we're thrilled to introduce a raffle that pays tribute to this extraordinary community. It's our heartfelt way of giving back, with every single dollar raised dedicated to providing urgent medical relief for the children of Gaza through The PCRF.

At our event, we'll launch our "Raffle for Gaza," offering you the chance to purchase raffle tickets, starting at just $5 per entry. You'll have the opportunity to win an array of amazing prizes generously donated by our fellow small businesses in Philadelphia. To make the raffle accessible to all, it will be open virtually, running from November 10th through November 17th. The winners for each prize will be announced on November 20th, so stay tuned for more details on this exciting opportunity to make a difference.

A few of our participating donors include:

The past two years with Minimal Chaos at Bok have been nothing short of thrilling and rewarding, and we owe it all to your unwavering support and encouragement. Whether you're a familiar face or brand new to our journey, we'd love to celebrate with you in person. Join us for a good time, savor some delectable homemade Middle Eastern bites, and perhaps indulge in a bit of shopping with our retail floor friends.

We hope to see you there, sharing this special milestone with us. Your presence would mean the world 🎉🙏