black market
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Black Market Offers Alternative To Black Friday Shopping; Spectacular Vendor Picks

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

Durham, NC – The Black Market, taking place on Friday Nov. 23 in the Durham Armory, is an annual marketplace for local, regional and national Black-owned businesses to gain exposure to new clientele and network with one another. It also provides educational opportunities to prospective business owners and offers an alternative to the hustle and bustle of Black Friday shopping

Organized by Black August In The Park, the Black Market is designed to provide a platform for Black business owners to reach new audiences and network with other small businesses in the region. Anyone who believes that Black businesses deserve a platform and wants to see them grow is welcomed at the Black Market.

Attendees should expect:

  • A diverse group of Black business vendors from around NC and the region. 
  • Delicious local food from Black restaurant vendors
  • Upbeat and soulful music as a sound track to your experience
  • An opportunity to fellowship and build with local business owners and the Durham and surrounding community. 

Spectacular Magazine has selected the following vendors to highlight:

Black Market

Vendor: Mike D’s BBQ

Items: BBQ Sauces, Dry Rubs

Availability: On-site; On-line

Proprietor: Michael De Los Santos (Mike D)
About: Specializes in BBQ Sauces and Dry Rubs; spicy and mild versions that are made to compliment but not overpower any meat or vegetable. These products are award winning with their all purpose dry rub winning world champion and in 2018 won grand champion from the North Carolina Specialty Foods Association. All sauces and rubs have won awards.
Website: www.mikedsbbq.com

Vendor: With a Capital M Publishing Group, LLC

Proprietor: LaMonda Sykes

Items: Current releases:

– Her Voice ($11.00): Children’s Book  written by LaMonda A Sykes, Illustrated by Gherdai Hassell
– Serenity of the Heart, Tranquility of the Soul ($16.00): Collection of poetry by Donald Thompson II
– Angel in the Outhouse ($16.00): collection of short stories by Kathya Alexander
– Steps and Missteps ($16.00): collection of poems by Worthy Durgin
– More than Words: My Life, My Thoughts, My Journey ($13.00): collection of poetry written by LaMonda A. Sykes
Deal: Black Market special:  purchase of two or more, receive 15% off of your purchase

About: Offers support to authors, amateur and veteran, who are wanting to self-publish their literary works.
Website: withacapitalm.com
Instagram: @withacapitalm  
Facebook: @withacapitalmpublishing

black market

Vendor: Healthy Pads R’ Us

Proprietor: Melita Quick

Items: Healthy pads, Organic Herbs/Yoni Spas, Yoni Eggs

Deal: Black Market special: 40% Off

About: Line of products of healthy Pads that are natural, made with modern technology where women are testifying that the bloating, cramping and aromas are heavily reduced. They are having wonderful cycles and feeling bonafide amazing –period. Also focuses on and provides the education for all natural women’s womb wellness using organic herbs/yoni spas, and yoni eggs. These items can be found in our digital Feminine Hygiene Specialist Located at Southpoint Mall lower level near Belk along the escalators.

Website: healthypadsrus.com

Facebook: heathypadsrus

Instagram: healthypadsrus

black market

Vendor: Bougie Luminaries

Proprietor: Erika Parker-Smith

Items: Candles

About: Bougie Luminaries was born out of a love for candles, culture, romance, and beauty in 2014 after a candle making workshop reignited Founder, Erika Parker-Smith’s childhood passion for the art. Flames always fascinated her. Initially, she made candles for family & friends who wondered why she & her husband, Illustrative Artist, Jamaul Smith, weren’t in the candle business. The idea was considered & shelved until 2016. The couple toyed with the idea, again. Bougie Luminaries came to life in 2017 when the duo Erika Parker-Smith and decided to just go for it. They began brainstorming names & concepts. Eventually, their focus narrowed when two themes repeatedly emerged: pinup art & pop culture. Those themes inspire all that they do. Bougie Luminaries is an amalgamation of passions: candles, art, movies, music, & a life lived full of experiences mingled with the tradition of Black Excellence. Our Story They wondered if anyone wanted to see or celebrate melaninated beautiful women in the same ways & they do! The couple figured out how to merge their eclectic tastes with visually stunning art and fragrances to create arousingly decadent candles. In 2018, founder, Erika Parker-Smith walked away from Corporate America to launch Bougie Luminaries. Today, the family is owning bougie-ness and learning to be comfortable in it. This business reminds and reflects daily the varied beauty that exists throughout the African Diaspora. It teaches self-love and to take bougie as a compliment. What’s next? They’ll continue celebrating the Culture & the Quaintrelles who make it pop with effortless style & grace. In 3-5 years, Bougie Luminaries will be a boutique staple & continue being an excellent gift for the culturally inspired.

Website: bougieluminaries.com

Email Address: info@bougieluminaries.com