Shop Local Initiative Profile: The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange

The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange is a creative shop located in the heart of Downtown Aurora. We carry a variety of products that are either handmade or designed by local artists and creatives. The store is home to a variety of creatives. While browsing the shop you can find anything from candles to skincare, art and jewelry made by a local calligrapher, and much more. You will also find Chicago and Aurora-themed items such as coasters and wall décor made from vintage images. The store is proud to carry Bamenda Coffee which is a coffee company from Hyde Park and ran by an 18-year-old high school senior and her dad. The coffee is fair trade and sourced from their coffee farm in Cameroon, Africa. Store owner and Navy Veteran Yvonne Toney enjoys providing opportunity to other small businesses by bringing them on board to sell their items in the shop. “We often describe our shop as artsy and eclectic” The shop also has a nice selection of vintage vinyl available to browse. The Cotton Seed is always looking for new creatives to join our growing list of amazing vendors. The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange can be shopped in person at