From soothing body butters and savory oils and lotions to on-site massages, hand-made greeting cards, paintings, food and more, the offerings at Sister Spokesman’s “Small Business Showcase & Shopping Extravaganza” ran the gamut.
The Nov. 2 event, held at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Conference Center in North Mpls., centered on a panel discussion about small business resources and information.
The conversation was moderated by Shawntera Hardy, former commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and current founder of PolicyGrounds Consulting. Rounding out the panel were Yeshi G. Galata and Simon Sikulu of Wells Fargo and Renay Dossman of the Neighborhood Development Center. Wells Fargo also served as the sponsor for the gathering.
“In business, there will be mountains and valleys, but we have to make sure that we set ourselves up for success to get through,” Hardy said, summing up the conversation. “Make sure you have a plan, and make sure that plan is living. Don’t write it down on a document…and not go back to it.
“The other thing I heard today that I loved was to stay curious. When you stay curious, the creativity and innovation are amazing.” Hardy went on to applaud the 20-plus Black women vendors around the room for creating useful products and businesses that are “standing in the gap and creating things that we actually need.”
In between the discussion and shopping, attendees networked, danced and enjoyed games and prizes.
Next up: Sister Spokesman honors mothers at “Celebrating Moms of All Ages” on Dec. 7. Do you know a phenomenal mother? Submit an entry for her to be acknowledged HERE. Entries will be accepted until Nov. 15.
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