Jungle Gems and REFRESH Presents: Blac Market MKE
/Jungle Gems and REFRESH Presents: Blac Market MKE
Celebrating Black entrepreneurship and artistry through community vending events is and will always be one of the best ways to support Black business. As Black History Month came to a close, Jungle Gems and RefreshMKE in collaboration with No Studios, curated a pop-up shop dedicated to highlighting Black-owned businesses in Milwaukee. Featuring about 20 unique vendors, food, drinks and music, this event was the best part of Black History Month for me.
Starting off with Funk2Fashion by Kyndal J, this Milwaukee-based fashion brand is truly one of a kind. Her “Black Barista, Black Coffee, Black Errthang” bags stole the show and her inviting energy gives you an even bigger reason to support. Alongside bags, she also hand makes earrings, coffee cups and has an entire collection of bags that go great with your morning cortado.
Emmanuel’s Mix is a Black-mother and son owned snack brand that I like to call “black trail mix”. Chex Mix, pretzels, and nuts mixed in a sweet but spicy glaze….it’s a HIT! Ms. Jacqulyn Turner created this sweet snack as a gift to her son Emmanuel and a treat for him to share with his friends. Now, it’s turned into a house-favorite snack that just recently became available in Pop’s Marketplace and on DOORDASH! Go Ms. Turner and Emmanuel!
As I walked through the maze of vendors, I was halted by Niche Book Bar LLC. Now, if you don't know, in 2019 Niche Book Bar was actually a mobile business. Cetonia Weston-Roy, founder of the bookstore, used to hand deliver books on her bicycle in the summertime. Fast forward, she’s now opening her first storefront on MLK! Roy promotes Black literature through distribution of books by Black authors and artists, and these are the perfect books to read and share with your friends and families.
Khemistry Cosmetics is a Black owned non-profit organization that specializes in beauty. Jakayla Bridges has her hands in many pots, but her FOOT must’ve gone into that lip gloss because let me tell you!! First off, it’s made with essential oils so it’s not super sticky but it’s very long lasting.It smells AMAZING, and she has so many different scents. I purchased one myself and I haven’t been able to put it down. She also sells handmade jewelry and collects formal wear to provide free styling services for highschoolers.
Last but not least, Art by Nile Nandi Lloyd. Nile creates hand painted pieces of Black art that captivate every passing eye. From small hand-crafted paintings to large canvas paintings, her attention to detail and creativity is admirable. These paintings were easily my favorite purchase of the night.
We know Black History Month should be every month. And we also know that Black businesses don’t get anywhere near as much support as they should from our peers. But these are things that can be changed simply by understanding the value of Black art and the importance of Black creativity. We need representation in every form and I love these pop-up shops because that’s what you get, a little bit of everything; clothes, music, food, paintings, jewelry, networking opportunities, etc. Pop-up at your next pop up shop and support your locals!
/PEAZY, Media and Productions Coordinator for CW
