Thank you to our community and vendors for celebrating Black History Month with us through the month of February! There are opportunities to support and learn from one another each and every day at the Dallas Farmers Market. As we close out the month, get an inside look at our conversations with a just handful of the remarkable Black-Women Owned businesses from The Shed as they share thoughts on Supporting Black-Owned businesses during Black History Month and all year round.
What is the name of your business, what do you sell, and why did you start your business?
My business ‘Wilder Sweets’ highlights my Grandma Rosie Wilder’s legacy of connecting people through amazing food experiences with her devotion to her service around The World in The United States Army. My Grandma Rosie would light up a room with her presence, an unforgettable smile and thoughtfulness towards bringing everyone together over a great meal, of course, the ultimate dessert was always a must.
How does your business highlight or celebrate your background and heritage?
Grandma Rosie’s infectious motivation is what drives Wilder Sweets to share the WOW factor of our Epic desserts.
As a nurse myself, I know first hand the healing of happiness, laughter, love and smiles.
Every dessert creation is a detail focused to share with you that WOW!
Why is supporting black-owned businesses an impactful way to celebrate Black History Month?
By celebrating Black History Month our community can learn that there’s legacy in each and everyone of us to carry forward and share with others. DFM highlighting businesses is an impactful way to celebrate Black History Month to bring forward our legacy motivations that started with the idea for our business.
It’s not easy to start a small business it takes determination, struggle and a self discipline like no other.
What is your advice to other Black business owners or those considering starting their own business?
My advice to others considering to start a business- if you have a dream that’s how it needs to start just the seed, roll up your sleeves and jump in… It’s a wild ride!
It will never be the perfect time, the perfect situation, the perfect outcome… but what if you took a chance on YOU? THAT’S PERFECT!!!
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SAMCO WORLD IMPORTS
What is the name of your business, what do you sell, and why did you start your business?
We are Samco World Imports, specializing in clothing, natural skincare products, and home accessories mainly from the continent of Africa. This business was started because a wife and mother of 3 liked the idea of working for herself and getting to spend more time with her family running a business. Starting with t-shirt sales out of her trunk, this business has flourished with the help of our amazing customers. Now, 27 years later this business thrives off of our excellent customer service and the joy of meeting new people from all over the world. Our customers make the hard work of entrepreneurship worth it every day we are open.
What would you like our community to know or learn by celebrating Black History Month?
So much of what makes this country great is a direct contribution of the Black community. Celebrating Black History Month is a celebration of resilience and achievement in spite of every kind of adversity imaginable. But celebrating Black History Month is also a time to remember those everyday people who were denied a chance to do great things for themselves but still managed to live a life of dignity surrounded by the love of their community and their families.
Why is supporting black-owned businesses an impactful way to celebrate Black History Month?
America has always been a place that has nourished the entrepreneurial spirit. Supporting the businesses of marginalized groups has a direct impact on the Black business owner and all the lives connected to that owner. Many of the systemic barriers Black people face are due to lack of financial stability. When customers spend their hard earned dollars locally, it not only helps the owner succeed but also the community at large. Downtown Dallas is now a thriving hub full of life compared to what it was 20 years ago all because the people come here and support the businesses, many of them Black owned that make our city so unique.
How does your business highlight or celebrate your background and heritage?
Samco World Imports celebrates the beauty and diversity of African culture by highlighting the different regions of the continent our products are sourced from. Our handmade pieces provide a connection to one of the many countries that you may have only vaguely heard about but now can be part of your home to share what you learned with others for years to come and maybe even one day inspire a visit.
What is your advice to other Black business owners or those considering starting their own business?
The best advice we can give to fellow Black owned business owners and those starting out; be dedicated, be honest, work hard, and keep your clientele at the top of your priority list. When you do right by all people they will forever come back to support you, even if it’s to simply say hello, check on you, and get a hug they need; they become family. For more engagement follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ Samco World Imports.
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What is the name of your business, what do you sell, and why did you start your business?
Newton’s has an exciting backstory; our team has been in food service for 25+. Our co-founder, Marc Newton, spent 15 years as a chef in CA, working the food scene with everyone from Bon Appétit, Visa, and corporate dining to stadiums and arenas. In 2015, he created Newton’s Sassy Sauce™️as a dipping sauce for the Golden State Warriors games. After years of requests, Chef Marc decided to market his famous hot sauce recipe but wanted to do it at home in the South. So, in 2021, Chef proudly returned to TX to launch Newton’s Sassy Sauce™️ in DFW.
What would you like our community to know or learn by celebrating Black History Month?
The contributions of Black Americans are an integral part of the fabric of society. Unfortunately, there is a significant amount of history about Black Americans and people of color that is often overlooked or misrepresented, leading to negative impacts on their lives. Instead of focusing on our differences, we should celebrate our unity by creating communities and holding space for each other. This will help humanity to thrive.
Why is supporting black-owned businesses an impactful way to celebrate Black History Month?
For over 250 years, Black people were legally considered as non-humans. They were not granted citizenship and were treated as slaves, similar to animals, which deprived them of access to commerce. After the Emancipation Proclamation, Black Americans, although still severely oppressed, began to participate in commerce by offering goods and services. This level of creativity, mastery, and resilience continues to this day, and supporting a Black-owned business is a way to take action against hate. It pays homage to the skills and talents of members of the community who are often underinvested, leading to a loss of opportunities, but whose offerings are amazing in every way.
How does your business highlight or celebrate your background and heritage?
We are honored to offer clean, plant-based pantry foods made from 50-year-old recipes. These recipes honor our ancestors and continue to feed our diverse communities. We believe that good food is universal.
What is your advice to other Black business owners or those considering starting their own business?
The advice is the same for anyone thinking of starting their own business… first, know why. Social media has marketed a glamourous version of the entrepreneur that is entirely false and it is important for potential small businesses to filter the BS. Being in business is highly fulfilling but extremely hard, and being successful does not remove the amount of blood, sweat, and tears needed to survive. Make sure you are starting a business doing something you would do for free. If not, reconsider. Remember, farmers don’t wake before dawn because they can’t sleep!
