Posted on December 27th, 2025

This holiday season, Express Yourself DMV, located inside Westfield’s Wheaton Mall, proudly partnered with Shea Marne Luxury Collection to support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign in Montgomery County, Maryland. Together, we joined forces with our customers, supporters, and community members to help bring joy, hope, and holiday cheer to children and families throughout the community. 

The toy drive demonstrated the power of community when local businesses and shoppers come together for a shared purpose. This also exemplifies what it means to shop with small businesses who reinvest in the communities in which they operate. Being a local, small business in Montgomery County, Maryland means that we count on our customers to support our ability to work together and drive change in our community. By reinvesting our time, talent, and treasures we can ensure that all members of our community thrive. 

Shopping local means choosing to buy goods and services from locally owned, independent businesses within your community rather than large national or international chains. When you shop local, more of your money stays in the community. Local businesses are more likely to: hire local residents; support community events and schools; partner with other local businesses. This creates a positive ripple effect that strengthens the local economy. Shopping local is personal. You often: know the business owners by name; receive personalized customer service; and build trust and long-term relationships. Local businesses care deeply about their customers because the community is their foundation. Local shops offer: one-of-a-kind items; handmade or small-batch products; and curated selections you won’t find in big-box stores. You’re not just buying a product—you’re buying a story. Many local businesses are owned by: entrepreneurs; women-owned and minority-owned businesses; and creatives and makers. Shopping local helps turn dreams into sustainable livelihoods. Local businesses often reinvest profits back into: community development; charitable initiatives; and neighborhood growth Every purchase becomes an investment in your community’s future. Shopping local means choosing community over convenience and impact over impulse. When you shop local, you’re not just making a purchase, you’re making a difference. 

The founder of Shea Marne Luxury Collection is a native DMV’er who has deep roots and ties to the area. She attended high school in Silver Spring, and resided in Clarksburg, Chevy Chase and Potomac, MD. Following in the footsteps of her parents who were both entrepreneurs, she could not help but follow her natural passion. After working for both of her parents as a teenager, she leveraged a career in retail management to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. She firmly believes in empowering women to create their own “seat at the table” is a powerful strategy to transform the dynamics of power in our local communities. 

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, dozens of toys were collected and donated to Toys for Tots, helping ensure children across Montgomery County experienced the joy of the holiday season. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated. Whether you donated a toy, shared the initiative, or stopped by Express Yourself DMV to show support, your generosity truly made a difference. Because of you, more children will receive gifts and smiles this holiday season. 

Express Yourself DMV is a dynamic retail and community hub dedicated to showcasing local entrepreneurs, creatives, and small businesses from across the DMV area. Located inside Westfield’s Wheaton Mall, Express Yourself DMV is more than a shopping destination—it is a space for collaboration, creativity, and community development through pop-up shops, special events, and charitable initiatives. 

Shea Marne Luxury Collection is a fashion-forward brand offering elevated, stylish apparel and accessories designed to inspire confidence and self-expression. Rooted in quality, elegance, and community impact, the brand is committed to giving back and supporting initiatives that uplift the community. Visit us at Wheaton Mall; we are located on the first floor across from Victoria’s Secret. 

You can expect to find us working with other community based organizations to make a meaningful impact in our community. We are looking forward to making a greater impact in 2026. We will be focusing initiatives that address the needs of 7.2% of families living in poverty and the 11% of children living in poverty. In particular, we want to address the gaps that exist in the access to education, housing, and health outcomes of the 40% of individuals of color who call Montgomery County home. We plan to prioritize those initiatives that address the socioeconomic inequities that exist in our community. 

The Toys for Tots toy drive is just one of many community-focused initiatives led by Express Yourself DMV and Shea Marne Luxury Collection. We are committed to continuing efforts that support families, uplift local businesses, and strengthen our community. Be on the lookout for our next community development initiative, and thank you for supporting businesses that believe in giving back. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community—one initiative at a time. Thank you for your support because it means so much to us.