Pink Moon Goods | Photo by Bethany Althauser | The Wright State Guardian
Pink Moon Goods is a small business dedicated to providing ethically-sourced and sustainable products to the Dayton community and beyond. Located in the historic district, owner Kathleen Hotmer is passionate about enhancing the community and living in a more mindful way.
How it started
Kathleen Hotmer, a Dayton resident, started Pink Moon Goods in 2020 as part of Downtown Dayton Partnership’s outdoor sidewalk sales. After two years of doing pop-ups, the shop moved to a permanent location in the historic district of Dayton.
The shop focuses on providing goods that are ethically manufactured and sustainable from both local and worldwide sources.
“My goal is to reduce waste as much as possible in my home and in my business, and I want to help other people do that,” Hotmer said.
The shop sells a variety of items, including homegoods, paper goods and giftable items. Hotmer notes that the items are more on the feminine side, but she would like to expand to include more products for everyone.
Charlie Greene, a longtime customer of Pink Moon Goods and friend of Hotmer, highlighted one of the reasons he likes shopping at the store: he does not have to worry about doing the research to find out if products are ethically manufactured and good for the environment.
“It’s no nonsense because you know [Hotmer’s] standards are high,” Greene said. “We’re not in a hopeless state, you know, and it’s just like starting one thing at a time helps us build better practices in our daily lives.”
Pink Moon Goods also has an online store that ships both locally and internationally.
Small business economy
Buying locally helps support not only the owners of small businesses but also the community as a whole.
“I think that it is really important to support the things in Dayton that are helping Dayton to thrive and become, you know, a vibrant city,” Hotmer said. “I live in this community, so any money that you spend in my store supports the community by virtue of not only the local markets and artists I support but also I go to restaurants…and the [college] culture programs, like art shows and music.”
Shopping at Pink Moon Goods, however, adds another dimension to where your money is going.
“Not only are you promoting small businesses that are coming up with creative ideas and bettering the economy, but [when] you’re also shopping more local in our area, it’s eliminating waste,” Greene said.
Community impact
Hotmer also focuses on giving back to the Dayton community. She works with YWCA Dayton on two events, contributing both products and profits. The YWCA provides assistance for women and children of domestic abuse and emergency shelter, crisis support and counseling services for victims of sexual assault.
During Valentine’s Day, Hotmer runs the YWCA Galentine’s Day: Pay It Forward Chocolate Giveaway in which customers buy chocolate bars for women in the YWCA shelters.
“I just thought this is a nice way to let these ladies know that someone in the community is thinking about them and that they’re loved, and my customers love doing it,” Hotmer said.
Location and hours
Pink Moon Goods is located at 2027 East Fifth Street in Dayton and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m.
Throughout the year, the shop participates in community, pop-up and guest vendor events. The next event is an Earth Day celebration on April 20 from 12 to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit the Pink Moon Goods website.
