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. 

Rising to the challenge 

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.”

Bluitt added, “It’s also about being self-sufficient, elevating each other as businesses and creating your own opportunities.” 

Bluitt pointed out that what is unique about a Black-owned business is that Black business owners bring creativity and innovation into the business world, noting that “we’ve always turned water into wine.” 

According to the Census Bureau, in 2023, there were an estimated 161,031 Black-owned businesses in New York City. In Brooklyn, Bedford-Stuyvesant has the greatest number of registered Black-owned businesses, followed by Canarsie, Brownsville and East New York.

Bluitt said, “Just because a product is made by a Black person doesn’t mean it’s just for them. These products are universal to anyone who wants to come here and shop.” 

Creating communities 

“Looking ahead, I think Black entrepreneurship will increase — in New York City, Brooklyn and beyond,” Bluitt said. “No matter what obstacles we face, we are going to continue to innovate, be creative and develop.” 

Fe Noel, a Caribbean-American clothing designer and owner of Brooklyn-based Fe Noel, said that it’s “super empowering” to be part of the She Did That Holiday Bazaar.

“I love that we can all come together and do something like this — back each other and share customers and resources,” Noel explained. “We have to stand behind each other and create communities, because we will need everyone to support this with their dollars so that it has staying power.” 

Style Eyes Optical Owner Marjie Toney previously had five stores in Manhattan, but said she deliberately came back to Brooklyn because of its “unique flavor.” 

“Brooklyn is just different,” Toney said. “It’s such a melting pot. Plus, I have roots in Brooklyn. And I wanted to bring my experience to Brooklyn so my customers don’t have to travel to New York City to get a nice pair of glasses.”  

Vince Jamael, co-owner of Never Settle, a premium Brooklyn-based streetwear clothing brand, described She Did That as having “a great energy.” 

“Today means a lot,” Jamael said. “To come together with other businesses, share ideas and help each other get to the next level is really special.”

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