Aviatra Accelerators opens shared marketplace for women-owned brands

A Northern Kentucky nonprofit is launching a new retail concept aimed at helping women entrepreneurs test and grow their businesses without the high costs of a traditional storefront.

Aviatra Accelerators has opened a shared retail marketplace in its Covington headquarters, giving budding brands a lower-cost path into opening a brick-and-mortar. The concept, called Muse Boutiques, also functions as a business incubator.

The marketplace brings together 22 women-owned businesses under one roof on Pike Street. Each business maintains its own brand while sharing overhead expenses, staffing and operations.

The model reflects broader shifts in retail toward smaller, more flexible storefronts, said CEO Jill Morenz. Participants can operate in the space for nine months as they test products and refine their business models.

The current cohort features a range of products, including books, apparel, food items and handmade goods. Aviatra said a limited number of vendor spaces remain available.

“The retail incubator is about meeting women entrepreneurs where they are right now,” Morenz said. “We’re seeing more women build incredible retail brands, but they need flexible, lower-risk ways to get into the market. Muse Boutiques is designed to do exactly that — give them an authentic storefront experience combined with the opportunity to test, learn and grow, while surrounding them with the support, community and tools to succeed.”

More than just a space to sell

The concept builds on Aviatra’s broader mission to help women launch and grow their businesses, expanding that work into a retail setting. By combining affordable storefront space with built-in support and accountability, the model is designed to help entrepreneurs scale more quickly and with greater confidence.

Beyond shared retail space, participating business owners receive access to Aviatra’s programming, including classes, coaching and networking opportunities. The space also includes classroom and event areas.

The shop is open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. A centralized checkout system allows vendors to track sales and inventory in real time.

Staffing is provided through a partnership with the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission’s Senior Workforce Program.