Our Mission
Matchstick Goods is an arts-based social enterprise in North Lexington, KY committed to employing and mentoring youth. Through a fair-wage job we provide a springboard for growth and space to explore ideas, abilities and passions.
Who We Are
We are the Social Enterprise Arm of Common Good, a non-profit community development corporation in North Lexington, KY. We are a culturally diverse and community-centered group of students, graduates, and creative professionals all working together to develop a sustainable and unique business. Our hope is that Matchstick Goods can serve as a springboard for the artists and business owners of tomorrow. All of our ceramic products are designed and handmade in our three room basement studio located at 1015 North Limestone Street.
Meet the Team
Student Employee
Malipo Mapigano
Malipo has been working with Matchstick off and on (Covid and all) since December 2019. He is 6' tall, 17 years old, and is a senior at Frederick Douglass High School.
His favorite thing about working at Matchstick is being able to work with his hands.
Student Employee
Ben Mulangiro
Ben is the newest employee at Matchstick, starting with us this summer at the beginning of June. He is 5' 7" tall, 15 years old, and is a Freshman at Frederick Douglass High School.
His favorite thing about working at Matchstick is being able to see the pieces he formed from scratch out of brown slabs of clay become beautiful glazed and finished pieces of art!
Creative Operations Manager
Jonathan Gomez
Jonathan is the Creative Operations Manager at Matchstick. Along with Malipo, Jonathan was one of the original group that dreamed up and worked hard to bring Matchstick Goods to life.
Jonathan's favorite thing about working at Matchstick is being able to create things that end up in people's homes and bring smiles to their faces.
Director
Jason Rueger
Jason is the Director at Matchstick Goods. He is 31 years old, has his Bachelor's in English Literature from Asbury University, and has been working at Matchstick since July of 2019.
He has two favorite things about working at Matchstick: seeing the awesome and unique designs of his coworkers and being able to have a flexible schedule.
