The Top Five Reasons Black Women Vendors are Joining FTCM 2020

We’ve got the receipts! The verdict is in and we’re here to share why so many women have chosen to embark on this virtual adventure with us. We could spend all day telling you why we think For The Culture Market is so special but how about hearing from our incredible vendors?

We asked all of our vendors what excites them the most about participating in our annual marketplace and here are the answers. Their responses are ranked in order of how much they made us smile.

5. “I participated last year and I was overwhelmed by the community support and the attention to detail and selection of the vendors and quality merchandise.” - Latisha Baker, Latisha Baker Artworks

Latisha Baker Artworks is a creative handmade art business based in Oakland. They have collections consisting of wearable art jewelry, stationery and original artwork using pyrography or woodburning as the main medium. They incorporate a variety of metals and color that adds value aesthetically and originality.

4. “As a new business I want to sell my products in an environment of like minded entrepreneurs. I believe this event is great for networking and empowering the black woman.” - Candice Newson, Slick Body Butter 

Slick Body Butter was founded upon searching for high quality skincare products for sensitive skin. Unable to find them, Candic took matters into her own hands and created products that nourished her skin. With overwhelming and positive feedback for all-natural, organic products, she created Slick Body Butter in order to share her products with people sharing her desire for a non-irritating yet hydrating all-natural experience.

3. “I am excited to return to For the Culture Market because of the love and support I experience when participating in this event. JustBe provides an uplifting and empowering environment and I feel blessed to be part of this community of Black women entrepreneurs. This is my favorite market.” - Efiya Asabi, Iyoba” 

When Efiya is not concocting new formulas for our next Iyoba bestseller, she’s working with clients in her Transformational Health Coaching practice. Efiya also enjoys spending time with her family, studying herbology, hiking, yoga, travel, and good ol' wholesome fun.

2. “I participated last year and it was such a beautiful experience being around so many black entrepreneurs. It was inspiring and I made a lot of connections and sales. Even though this year will be different I know it will be a success.” - Ashely de Ramus, The BLK Alien

The Blk Alien is an illustration and clothing brand celebrating the misfits of the world as well as promoting mental health awareness, existentialism, POC and womxn liberation.

1. “I have made so many community & business connections and had so much growth by being involved with FTC Market. It's exciting to see the market take on COVID and pivot to a digital space where the reach is beyond local, beyond the Bay Area, beyond the state!!! I mean how cool is that, no other market has risen to that challenge and to see a market do this in support of female black-owned businesses is phenomenal.” - Evie Dondi, Urembo Asili

This is Urembo Asili; Kiswahili for Natural Beauty.
Urembo Asili taps into the very essence of deep-rooted African rituals, to create luxurious skincare products using a thoughtful blend of modern science & Africa's most powerful, unique ingredients. 

0. “Black on Black on Black on Black” - Zakiya Harris, Sh8peshift Your Life

Sh8peshift Your Life is a holistic wellness brand that supports purpose-driven women in moving from stagnation to activation through intuitive coaching and wellness.

Be sure to support our amazing lineup artists, makers and business owners this Black Friday for our 5th Annual For The Culture Market celebration. Tickets are still available!

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