LEXINGTON, Ky. — A new business in Lexington is making it easy for Kentuckians to support the community. Local Lex Market opened its doors Saturday morning with goods from over 75 different local vendors and small businesses. 

Karen Gomez and Merrit Carbajal are two local business owners who wanted to give back and support other small businesses. That's why they created a location for vendors to grow within the community. 

“It’s just amazing what's happened in the last two and a half weeks here because with COVID, a lot of businesses closed and we are thriving in here and we want to continue that so just come out and support each other," Carbajal said. "I mean it is Team Kentucky, whatever you believe we're here to help each other so just come out and help each other."

Many businesses have struggled during the coronavirus pandemic, and Carbajal said bringing vendors together has built a strong sense of community. Gomez and Carbajal hope their shop encourages Kentuckians to support their neighbors.

“Even makers are saying that they're feeling the community they're supporting, they're feeling that they have a space that they can grow, and it's just that connection, like that untouchable love that we all need, that we missed and just happy to see each other," they said. "Because we've all been inside for so long with a pandemic that it's been really hard to really get out and your element but actually be visible."

Saturday was the ribbon cutting for the opening of the Local Local Lex Market, with over 75 different vendors within the location. Gomez said they plan to expand, creating classes and working with more local businesses.

Currently accommodating 75 vendors, Local Lex Market hopes to fill around 120 vendor spots total. Any local or small business can find more information on their website.