BLK GOLD gives young black entrepreneurs a space to showcase their creativity

By Sahana Jayaraman

Galaxy print booties and traditional African jewelry were among the items sold at an event run by Distinctly Creative Feb. 23, BLK GOLD: Black Creative Showcase + Marketplace.

For entrepreneur and UMD alumna Zakiya Shivers, BLK GOLD was more than just a chance to sell her goods or get her business’s name out.

“Not only is [BLK GOLD] good for…people of color to work together, and to see one another working together so positively and so fruitfully, but I also think it’s great for other cultures to see that [people of color] have some really awesome pieces,” Shivers said. “We have really great business acumen, we provide really good customer service and we are ready to meet the demands of the larger population.”

Shivers, who graduated in 2007, is the founder and owner of Tightfisted Fashion, a resale and consignment store. She began her business as a student at UMD, using her thrifting savvy to put together outfits for friends and teammates in exchange for money. Now, 10 years later, she has her own boutique in Baltimore and sells her goods in-store, online and at pop-up events like BLK GOLD.

Tightfisted Fashion was one of nearly 40 minority-owned businesses tabling at this year’s BLK GOLD, an event aimed at showcasing the work of black entrepreneurs and creatives. The event, held for the second time by Howard graduate Morgan Davis’ Maryland-based company Distinctly Creative, LLC, ran from 6-10 p.m.

Two women hug one another in front of a table at BLK GOLD, an event hosted February 23 in the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center at the University of Maryland, College Park. The sense of community the women embody was palpable at the event they took part in.

Davis, a black graphic designer, fashion designer, photographer and entrepreneur, founded Distinctly Creative after becoming frustrated with the lack of diversity she saw while she was doing shows across the country.

“Outside of the social element of Distinctly Creative, I always wanted to make sure that it wasn’t just kind of bringing creatives together and creating a safe space — but also ensuring that it’s helping black creatives create viable, long-term businesses through a variety of ways,” Davis said.  “When it comes to vendor events and being a creative entrepreneur, it can be hard to find events that are welcoming to black creative entrepreneurs and are also catered to them.”

There was certainly no shortage of business or product diversity at BLK GOLD. Vendors showcased everything from book subscription boxes, to natural hair-care products, to original art pieces.

“I feel like there’s something for everybody here,” said Candace Collins, who attended the event. “I like how there’s a lot of beauty incorporated with different soaps, different lotions, other than just clothing.”

This year’s event was held toward the end of Black History Month, which added to Falon Collins’s excitement for BLK GOLD.

“We should support our community throughout the year, but especially during this month,” Falon Collins said. “I  want to make it my mission to support black-owned businesses. Next time I want to buy organic soap or something, I’ll have a list of people in the area who I can [get it from].”

Artist and entrepreneur Alisha T. Styles displays some of her work at the BLK GOLD event. Her colorful, bold portraits celebrate the natural hair movement and its place within African American culture.

While the majority of people in attendance were not UMD students, several vendors were recent college graduates.

“Like life, entrepreneurship in particular has so many different journeys and paths,” Davis said. “You have to keep working at it, and overtime, you’ll get the recognition you’re looking for.”

A full list of vendors who participated in this year’s BLK GOLD can be found here.

For more information about Distinctly Creative, click here.

All Photos Courtesy Of Sahana Jayaraman.