GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — On its sixth year, the Small Business Saturday Black-Owned Pop Up Shop was held at the Baxter Community Center in Grand Rapids.
Dawn Brown, a participant, said being involved in the expo meant a lot. Her daughter, Maneeka Beasley, owns Cakes By The Jar, a small bakery business in West Michigan.
"When the pandemic hit, we had to come up with a way to sell our cakes so we came up with Cakes By The Jar," said Brown.
The company, originally starting out as flavorful pound cakes and treats, had to adjust their business plan during the COVID-19 pandemic, switching to single cakes in jars to accommodate gatherings and social distancing.
"For the pandemic to happen and for us to come up and keep our business going, it's very important and this is really an awesome event that they have to keep it going."
Cakes By the Jar was only one of 15 businesses showcased at the Baxter Center.
Business owner Della Marie Levi is one of the showcase's four organizers.
"A lot of us do not have brick and mortar locations, so when we come together, we have an opportunity to showcase many business in one space at one time to the community," said Marie Levi.
She relayed the impact its had on the businesses and customers that show up year after year.
"They get to know all of the amazing business that are available in our community," said Marie Levi. "Sometimes when there are not brick and mortar locations, it's hard to find businesses but events like this give us exposure and oppurtunity to shop with us and even if they don't need our products and services now, they're able to get our business ards and information to shop with us at a later date."
Tiesha Hogue of Loc Royalty, also an organizer, agreed.
"It is very important that we are intentional in keeping our dollar in our community, and what better way to demonstrate that on Small Business Saturday," said Hogue.
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