The Black Market: Holiday Edition has transformed Downtown Pittsburgh into a festive hub for celebrating Black entrepreneurship. Now in its fifth year, the unique pop-up marketplace debuted last weekend in Market Square, featuring 20 local Black-owned businesses nestled within the Peoples Gas Holiday Market.
With a second installment set for Dec. 12-15, the event offers shoppers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover handmade jewelry, wellness products, custom apparel, and more — all while supporting Pittsburgh’s vibrant Black business community.
“This is a great way to support local Black-owned businesses while finding unique gifts for everyone on your list,” PDP president and CEO Jeremy Waldrup said in a statement. “We’re grateful to Shayla for her creative direction and to BNY for their support in bringing this incredible program to Market Square.”
Walking inside the marketplace is a great reprieve from the chill of a winter afternoon. Christmas music plays softly in the background, with songs like “Let It Snow” by Boyz II Men and Whitney Houston’s “Joy to the World.”
“We wanted to provide a space for local creatives, artists and entrepreneurs. We wanted to provide this centrally located space for those who might not have other opportunities to market to the Downtown customer base,” said Shayla Hawkins, founder and principal planner for Shayla Hawkins Events.
She founded the inaugural Black Market in the summer of 2020, and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership took notice.
“This also provides an opportunity for these businesses to end their year strong,” Hawkins said.
Most of the vendors within the marketplace do not have brick-and-mortar shops; they operate online or through social media, so the opportunity to broaden their customer base is important.
As an entrepreneur herself, Hawkins appreciates that the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has been intentional about bringing more Black businesses Downtown. “There are not a lot of (Black businesses here). Someone has to curate it and be aware that the need is here,” she said. “Even though it is a short time, it does give them the exposure that outlasts the holidays.”
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Erin Johnson’s Custom Cutees offers a variety of custom-printed items, from Pittsburgh-themed apparel to a zodiac collection and shirts with sayings like “Minding my Black-owned business.”
“I don’t think we as Black businesses always get the exposure we deserve. We have great brands that need to be pushed a little bit further,” Johnson said. “To give us the opportunity is amazing.”
For Tyler Bowe, owner of EighTea Herbals (formerly BY TYLERB Apothecary), being part of the market is refreshing, especially as a small business. This is her third year participating in the market, and she said it is always a joy. Her business is online-based, but participating in the Black Market allows her to interact more personally with her customers.
“It is nice to be in this space that is for us and interact with people because you don’t get that when you are shopping online,” Bowe said.
Bowe’s entire brand is about health and holistic wellness — warm tea samples were available for customers to try.
“Getting to understand people’s health goals is important, and it is just like a more intimate experience,” she said. “I’m always honored to be a part of it.”
Dale Jones, 36, is from the East Side of Pittsburgh. This is his fourth time participating in the market. His brand, Vallée The Brand, is centered around high-end streetwear. He credits his success to the large amount of foot traffic during the holiday season.
“A lot of us are very creative, and we put our heart and soul into this. It is not just about a money grab. We should be highlighted all year around and not just during the holidays,” he said.
Geovette Washington, from Oakland, stopped at the Black Market during a trolley tour. She purchased some tea from EighTea and juices from 24 Carrot Juice.
“It is really important for us to support people who are trying to make a difference in this city and build businesses that will sustain our economy and help it grow. Black businesses are part of that,” Washington said.
“Supporting Black businesses is something I really believe in, and I am so glad to see that there is an opportunity to showcase the Black talent that we have here,” said Steffanie Jasper, who is from the Hill District and was also on the bus tour.
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Other vendors include SheLoves Collection, Plants for Skin, Modern House Party, Miller Crochet, Goodies A Go Go, S & S Chocolate, Body Butter by Beauty, Stovetop Candles and more.
It’s open Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.