‘She Did That’ holiday market at Industry City supports Black-owned businesses
Renae Bluitt, curator and founder of She Did That. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
By Wayne Daren Schneiderman
December 12, 2024
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INDUSTRY CITY — Black entrepreneurs make up 3.5% of New York City’s businesses, despite making up more than 20% of its population. Renae Bluitt, curator and founder of She Did That, a platform for Black women entrepreneurs, is attempting to alter those statistics.
The She Did That Holiday Bazaar, sponsored by beauty brand Shea Moisture and geared to amplify Black-owned brands from the New York City tristate area, took place on the afternoon of Dec. 1 and sold more than 600 tickets.
The seventh annual one-day shopping experience hosted a variety of businesses from retail sectors that included home, beauty, wellness, food and beverage and clothing. In addition, this year also debuted He Did That, spotlighting Black men-owned businesses.
According to Bluitt, 2023 and 2024 have been pretty challenging times for small businesses, particularly black-owned businesses.
“That’s why events like this are so important,” Bluitt said. “Our community and the relationships we are able to build — that is our social currency. That is honestly more valuable than someone just dumping money into your business.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
