As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, the Dallas Farmers Market would like to highlight a few of our incredible entrepreneurs from The Shed who honor their heritage and create meaningful impact in their own individual way.

Coffee Creek Media Group: Sharon Jones-Scaife, owner

Founded by award-winning author Sharon Jones-Scaife, the idea of Coffee Creek Media Group initially came out of necessity after her husband passed away from lung cancer. Sharon searched everywhere for books to help her grandkids navigate their grief, but found none that truly reflected their experiences, so she wrote one herself – “I Miss You Papa.” That started her down the path of discovering a much larger issue: too many children don’t see themselves in the stories they read. She then made it her mission to create a world where everyone could find themselves in the pages of a book by establishing Coffee Creek Media Group, an independent, family-owned company headquartered in Sachse, Texas, and named in honor of her late father’s journey across Coffee Creek to get to school – symbolizing resilience, determination, and the power of education.

Since starting this journey, Sharon has published 10 storybooks, 15 activity books, and developed inclusive merchandise to enrich the reading experience. To her there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the joy on a child’s face when they connect with a story, watching them light up as they recognize themselves in a book or discover something new. It’s truly priceless and perfectly illustrates the importance of representation in children’s literature as it fosters confidence, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all readers.

Coffee Creek Media Group also supports aspiring authors through workshops and publishing services, helping to bring new, diverse voices to children’s literature.

“Our stories deserve to be told. Our voices deserve to be heard. Let’s continue to uplift, inspire, and educate through literature. Thank you for supporting diverse stories and making a difference in a child’s life. At Coffee Creek Media Group, we don’t just tell stories—we change them.”

Exciting New Titles Coming Soon:

I Am My Hair – A celebration of self-love and embracing natural beauty.

Chris Saves the Day – A financial literacy adventure teaching kids smart money habits.

Girls Can Do Anything – An empowering book proving that girls can be anything they dream of.

Dribble and Dream – A story about perseverance and chasing big dreams on and off the court.

YUCK! What’s That Smell? – A laugh-out-loud picture book that will have kids giggling from start to finish.

Sharon is available for author visits, author readings, writing workshops, and more. Let’s inspire the next generation of storytellers together! Please visit her website for contact information.

 

Pieces of Us by Us: Michelle and Reggie Risby, owners

In the midst of COVID-19 lockdowns, Michelle Risby found herself on a quest for family activities that didn’t involve screens. She knew she could find the answer in her lifelong love of puzzles, so she searched for something that was not only fun but also culturally relevant. To her surprise, she couldn’t find anything that resonated with her family. This journey led her to create Pieces of Us by Us.

Launched in October of 2020, Pieces of Us by Us is a local, family-owned business where jigsaw puzzles and cultural fine art come together to place meaningful, beautiful artwork into your hands, one piece at a time, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Partnering with six Dallas-based artists, including Michelle as the first to bring her talent to the business, each puzzle celebrates Black culture and artistry, showcasing vibrant and diverse works by Black creators. Pieces of Us by Us recently expanded their portfolio to include prints, canvases, and framed art, all locally sourced, in response to customers who requested a print for their wall in conjunction with the puzzle they complete.

“Being a small, family-owned, self-funded, minority-owned business, there’s a tremendous sense of pride to have ALL people, and especially our people, believe in us. To know, that despite our flaws and hiccups, the Community is rooting for us, that Artists believe in our vision. In our Communities, often times we didn’t see many Black-Owned Businesses growing up. So to now be one of them, and have a little name recognition, feels incredible. It gives you the inspiration to work seven days per week, even when the numbers aren’t quite what you’d hoped. You’re grateful! I’d also like to shout out the other Black-Owned Puzzle Companies and encourage them to keep going! Four years ago this idea didn’t exist, and now there are several. Lastly, another special thanks to the Dallas Farmers Market. We found them early in our journey, and they gave us a shot. We do a lot of shows in town, but we consider DFM our brick and mortar. Customers know they can find us there most weekends, and we are grateful for the support of the staff. Frankly, without them, I’m not sure there would be an ‘Us.’ Thank you!”

Please note, Pieces of Us by Us is ALWAYS on the lookout for new artists. There is an Artist Submission form on the website, plus their phone number is listed. Artists, give them a shout!

 

TUNSOUK: Mehrez Yazidi, owner

Born in Sfax, Tunisia, Mehrez Yazidi was raised surrounded by one of the largest expanses of olive trees in the region creating within him an intrinsic connection to nature and a deep appreciation for the unique beauty of olivewood. Tunisian olive trees, with their gnarled trunks and rich history, are viewed with reverence, so much so that when a tree dies, no part is wasted as the wood is used to create carved items, from kitchen utensils to tables, which last for generations. Armed with the knowledge and skills inherited from years of tending to the olive trees, Mehrez embarked on a journey to share the unique charm of olivewood with the world through the opening of Tunsouk.

Every product Tunsouk offers is a testament to heritage and supports artisan craftsmanship. Meticulously created to celebrate the unique grains and textures of the wood, collections range from elegant olivewood wine holders to exquisite cutting boards. Their handcrafted chess sets are more than just games, they’re heirlooms, as they reflect Tunsouk’s deep belief in handmade quality over mass production.

“We’d like to thank our amazing customers for being a part of our story and hope you know that we take great pride in our collective effort to bring the beauty of craftsmanship to you, straight from our hands to your homes, where every creation can pass from one generation to the next. After finding great success selling our handcrafted olivewood products, we noticed a growing interest in high-quality olive oil. This inspired us to expand and establish a new business – Dallas Olive Oil Company – right here at DFM. Our store, located next to Whiski Designs, offers premium Texas olive oil alongside Tunisian olive oil that is bottled right here in Texas. So when you’re finished at The Shed, please make sure to stop by and discover our premium olive oil collection perfect for drizzling, dipping, and cooking. Packed with antioxidants and bold flavors, it’s a must-have for any kitchen.”

 

Whether it is food, fashion, art, entertainment, or education, Black-owned businesses build community through shared experiences, as well as bridge divides by showcasing what is unique and unforgettable. Come celebrate with us the many Black-owned businesses at the Dallas Farmers Market this special month, and every month.