HARTFORD, Conn. — Shop Black CT is an organization that challenges social inequity in Connecticut by providing a platform for local black-owned businesses.
From beauty products to self-care items nearly 100 business owners were able to share their services via virtual showcase Friday night.
Sarah Thompson is the founder of Shop Black CT and said the showcase was held in celebration of Juneteenth. It’s a holiday celebrated on June 19 to honor the emancipation of slaves in the U.S.
“The business owners really appreciate the opportunity to have that platform to share about what they do and what they do so well because it bridges gaps and helps people introduce one another,” Thompson said.
Tiana Allman is a young Black-owned business owner in Hartford and a member of Shop Black CT. She opened her own business “Hartford Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center” in January and said she solely relies on her clients for success.
“Anytime you support a person or color one it gives them confidence that they actually can because there’s probably not a lot of people around them doing what they’re doing,” Allman said
According to the U.S. census, only about 18% percent of businesses in America are minority-owned. Allman said she hopes to be a part of the change by setting an example following her dreams to be a self-employed massage therapist.
“It’s easy to give up so every time you support a black business, you’re telling them to keep going. We need you, you’re a great contribution to this community, you matter, and you have support,” Allman said.
Shop Black CT will be hosting an in-person showcase event Saturday in Farmington from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hill-Stead Museum. You can find Friday's virtual showcase by clicking here.
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