by Amber Helsel
Photo by Stephen Wilson
Duling School experienced a resurgence around 15 years ago. These days, it is home to local businesses such as SMoak Salon, restaurants such as Babalu Tapas & Tacos and Saltine. But not only is it a hub for local businesses; it also became a hub for entrepreneurs when Christopher Lomax opened Mantle. in April 2016.
The name Mantle. comes from the part of an oyster that helps pearls form sand. When Christopher Lomax launched the venture, his vision was to create a proverbial sandbox to help people turn their ideas (sand) into established business (pearl). Members get perks such as access to shared spaces, and coffee and Internet. The city club is currently working to expand its offerings to its members. Photo by stephen Wilson Mantle. gets its name from the part of an oyster that helps form pearls from sand, which is fitting for Lomax's vision to create a proverbial sandbox to help ideas (sand) eventually grow into established business (pearls). Along with the Duling Hall location, Lomax opened Mantle. Suites in Fondren Corner in May 2017.
Photo by Stephen Wilson The first thing people will see when going up the stairs of the Duling location, besides screen-printed designs of membership logos from Studio Chane, is a photograph by local photographer Anne Bryant.
Photo by Stephen Wilson "For me, I just believe in the whole eat local, shop local (idea)," says Rick McKnight, who serves as Mantle.'s concierge and operations manager.
Mantle. Concierge and Operations Manager Rick McKnight (right) says that when the business begins its expansion (the second location will be in Oxford, Miss.), it will add local elements from the cities. Photo by Stephen Wilson He says that Mantle. has an expansion plan (the next location is Oxford), and everywhere the business goes, it will add in local elements.
Photo by Stephen Wilson Many of the rooms in both locations include art work from local artists such as Bryant and abstract artist Elizabeth Fowler, whose work is on the walls of Mantle. Suite's lobby.
Photo by Stephen Wilson All members have 24/7 access to shared spaces such as the living room at the Duling location, and coffee, Internet, lockers and more; however, higher memberships give patrons more access, including offices and workspaces. Lomax says they aimed for Mantle. Suites to be for more established businesses.
For more information, visit growatmantle.com.
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