David Kowalski has core memories of going to estate sales and auction houses with his grandmother when he was young. Early on she instilled in him her design sensibility and love of the hunt.

“My grandmother was one of the most influential people in my life,” says David. “She led with compassion and had a deep appreciation for travel, culture and history. I definitely share her passions, which led me to create Brick + Mortar.”

Unexpectedly laid off from his job, David began selling treasurers he collected from his travels in antique warehouses and online marketplaces. Realizing he could make a living doing what he loved, he opened Brick + Mortar in Atlanta’s Westside Provisions District, which specializes in vintage and antique décor, as well as hand-poured candles.

David’s candle collection, which features nostalgic southern scents, quickly grew to consume 90% of his time and 80% of his profits. This success opened the door for David to pursue yet another venture – partnering with City of Refuge to create a jobs program for women transitioning out of crisis and homelessness.

David says programs like his offer a critical pathway to sustainable employment, income and most importantly, dignity. “It’s always been a dream to scale a product and create a jobs program,” says David. “Candles proved to be the perfect product. It’s the hardest thing I've ever done but definitely part of my purpose.”

David was a recipient of the Invest Atlanta Resurgence Grant Fund, which helped him continue payroll during the economic challenges of COVID-19. The grant, which was created in 2020 to support economic growth and recovery from the effects of the pandemic, helps qualifying city of Atlanta businesses pay for COVID-related business changes and costs. The fund was relaunched in 2022 and was expanded to include nonprofits and payroll.

“Throughout the pandemic, it’s been so important for me to continue paying employees who can’t support themselves without this jobs program,” explains David. “This grant freed me from that worry. I’m grateful to have received it.”