Celebrate Black History Month this February by supporting Black-Owned Businesses and learning more about the amazing businesses located right here in your community. Thank you to the vendors who chose to share their stories with us and inspire others to accomplish any goal. Find them in The Shed on Saturdays and Sundays!
BROCKHOUSE JERKY 
What is the name of your business, what do you sell, and why did you start your business?
BROCKHOUSE JERKY is named after family patriarch Albert Brockhaus Rice. Making homemade jerky has been a much-loved Rice family tradition for generations. In 2008, Albert’s eldest son John, and his wife faced a difficult time when their first child was born prematurely. Six months later, when the baby was finally released from the hospital, John was hit with an unexpected layoff.  That’s when the couple decided to turn the Rice family hobby into their passion and pursue the American dream for their little one.
What would you like our community to know or learn by celebrating Black History Month?
Take this month to be a little more sensitive to everyone regardless of their race
Why is supporting black-owned businesses an impactful way to celebrate Black History Month?
Supporting a black-owned business is a great way to show your support for a group of folks and families that have tried so hard to not be left behind.  One of the ways to not be left behind is to try and make a mark in this life and sometimes that comes in the form of a business.
How does your business highlight or celebrate your background and heritage?
Here at Brockhouse Beef Jerky and Smoked meats, we make sure we have a diversified staff.  Our staff benefits from the life experience we each bring to the table.
What is your advice to other Black business owners or those considering starting their own business?
As a minority, I would like for folks of all races to know that if you walk into a situation with a can-do attitude there is almost nothing that you cannot accomplish. Doors open of for you when you do good business and are honest about the capabilities of the business.
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GAIA’S CUISINE
What is the name of your business, what do you sell, and why did you start your business? 
Gaia’s Cuisine, I sell blended seasoning, rumba, and smoked salts. I started this business because I want to share my way of cooking with everyone. I did seasoning because it was a way to Express the way I like to cook. I also wanted to share a way of being able to season your food without the worry of high sodium and man-made chemicals being in your seasonings.
 
What would you like our community to know or learn by celebrating Black History Month? 
By celebrating Black History Month, our community can learn about the numerous contributions that Black inventors have made throughout history. One such contribution is Black-inventor seasonings, which have added flavor and richness to cuisines around the world. These seasonings are the result of the creativity, ingenuity, and culinary expertise of Black inventors who have developed unique blends of spices and herbs that enhance the taste of various dishes. By recognizing and celebrating these inventors, we can appreciate the significant impact they have had on the culinary world and acknowledge their invaluable contributions to our everyday lives.
 
Why is supporting black-owned businesses an impactful way to celebrate Black History Month? 
Supporting black-owned businesses is an impactful way to celebrate Black History Month because it helps to uplift and empower the Black community. By patronizing these businesses, we can contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of Black entrepreneurs. It allows us to acknowledge and appreciate the talent, creativity, and hard work of Black business owners who have overcome systemic barriers and discrimination to establish successful ventures. Additionally, supporting black-owned businesses promotes diversity and inclusivity in the marketplace, fostering a more equitable society. By actively choosing to support these businesses, we can make a positive impact and contribute to the ongoing fight for racial equality.
How does your business highlight or celebrate your background and heritage? 
At Gaia’s Cuisine, we celebrate our background and heritage by honoring the flavors and culinary traditions of our elders and ancestors. We understand the importance of using natural ingredients and embracing the creativity that arises from working with limited resources. By incorporating these principles into our cooking, we are able to create bold and savory flavors that pay homage to our history. We take pride in showcasing the richness and diversity of our heritage through our dishes, allowing our customers to experience the unique tastes and aromas that have been passed down through generations.
What is your advice to other Black business owners or those considering starting their own business? 
My advice to other Black business owners or those considering starting their own business is to have confidence in your abilities and believe in your vision. Don’t be afraid to take risks and pursue your passions. Surround yourself with a strong support network of fellow Black entrepreneurs who can offer guidance and encouragement. Collaborate and network with other Black-owned businesses to build a strong community and uplift each other. Remember that success takes time and perseverance, so stay focused and determined. Most importantly, never forget the impact you can make on your community and the importance of giving back.
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VINE VEGAN BAKERY
What is the name of your business, what do you sell, and why did you start your business?
Vine Vegan Bakery. We sell a variety of 100% plant-based desserts that have the perfect amount of sweetness. We take pride in baking fresh desserts using simple ingredients with no additives, coloring, or preservatives. For Vine Vegan Bakery, less is more! We started the bakery not only for a wife’s love of baking, but to also provide to the community a healthier alternative to what is currently on the market including gluten-free, and refined sugar-free without compromising taste!
What would you like our community to know or learn by celebrating Black History Month?
This is about legacy and service to the people in the black community. It’s about giving more than you take. It’s about inspiring the warrior spirit and taking responsibility for our own life. It’s about picking each other up.
Why is supporting black-owned businesses an impactful way to celebrate Black History Month?
To support a black-owned business not only in the month of February but every month of the year means you are against the extreme hardships that black people have been forced into over many years. It means you want to see the same people who built this society be able to prosper in this society as well. Supporting black-owned helps to bridge socioeconomic gaps.
How does your business highlight or celebrate your background and heritage?
By making healthier choices when it comes to ingredients we include in our desserts as well as working together as a family. Our ancestors valued family and took care of themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. We celebrate our ancestors by representing ourselves honorably with respect and having the courage to break all boundaries.
What is your advice to other Black business owners or those considering starting their own business?
Continue down the path of what you’ve started.
Always remember that conditions will never be perfect so you must do it anyways. Have a plan for your business and make sure to report and track your numbers from the start so you will have data to analyze and see what needs to be improved. Visualize the end goal and manifest it into reality one step at a time. Do not compare your business to any other because yours is uniquely yours. Stand out from the competition. Also, you must not fear promoting yourself or rejection!