By China Boynton
Pompano Beach – The first small biz pop-up shop by the Smallbiz Community and Economic Development Corp (CEDC) was held on August 24 at the E.Pat Larkins Center in honor of National Black Business Month.
The Small Biz CEDC is a non-profit organization established to promote economic development and self-sufficiency by providing assistance to start-up businesses, micro-businesses, and small businesses.
The executive director for the Smallbiz CEDC Mary Scofield-Phillips wanted the event to have the networking energy of a Chamber of Commerce but with community support.
“I really liked the idea of being able to pop up, sell items, and network while presenting other products you might have for sale,” Phillips said.
Eleven vendors filled the Larkins auditorium with handcrafted items like RRA Beads. Locals Robert and Ruky Afanu have been selling hand-beaded purses, shoes, and earrings since 2017.
Small businesses like Crafted by Design, Sophia J’s Jewelry, and Peace and Harmony Candle Co. started in Pompano Beach.
Shaniqua Rolle owner of Peace and Harmony Candle Company was present with her 8oz Coconut Apricot Cream Wax candles for sale.
“I did everything before bringing my business to market, I let the candles burn around my house, I did testings and a focus group,” said Rolle. “My candles are homemade with 24 hours of burn and I’m very proud to share something I created with the public.”
Scented Candles like Blossom, Exuma Shore and, Mahogany Teakwood are available for $20 on her online Etsy shop.
The event had everything from natural to supernatural products like all-natural vegan handmade skincare line Supernatural Beuti.
“We mostly try to target busy working-class entrepreneurs because we’re always working so we lack the time to pour into ourselves,” said one of the co-founders of the brand, Ashaunti Williams. Williams along with business partners Ashley Pierre and Sade Clarke hand make affordable products like turmeric soap, rose hip oil, and honey oat scrub for affordable prices online at supernateralbeuti.com
The pop-up shop served multiple purposes, one of which was fundraising efforts for the program that the Smallbiz CEDC is hoping to launch in October called ‘The Teens Chasing Dreams’ program. Which is an after-school program for high school students where they will receive assistance with scholarships, summer jobs, and discuss topics such as entrepreneurship, mental health, and gun violence.
“We will be reaching out to the community to get young people to sign up and meeting weekly to pour into our youth,” said Phillips.
The free program will be held at the Northwest Branch Library.
For more information on the Small Biz CEDC or the Teens Chasing Dreams program go to smallbizinfo.net
