J.O Malone has created a marketplace to help Black businesses thrive
Founded in 2017, BLCK Market provides a safe space for Black businesses and entrepreneurs to display their brands and products while also supporting a vision of financial literacy, creativity, and support for the community.
This marketplace started from humble beginnings, originally holding in-person events at some of Houston’s Black museums. Now BLCK Market is considered to be the largest gathering of Black businesses in Houston. While originally, the marketplaces were held only in person, the market decided to pursue an online presence as a result of COVID-19.
Founder Jeremy Malone began this movement as a way to find a positive outlet for his creativity while also giving back to Houston in a way that will make a statement to Black businesses.
Malone also acknowledged that being a creative in Houston can be difficult compared to many other places around the country. In an effort to harness his own creativity, Malone formed a marketplace intended to help entrepreneurs sell products while also creating a brand that will elevate the significance of Black businesses and entrepreneurship.
2020 was a difficult year for many businesses throughout the country, but due to the help of the supporting community, BLCK Market was able to excel. Not only was the market able to thrive during the past year, but as a result of the support, many other black brands will remain open for business as well. The marketplace looks to resume supporting one another while they continue to grow.
Supporting over 3,000 Black businesses, BLCK Market offers customers the opportunity to buy directly from sellers while also discovering new small businesses.
This online platform has helped many businesses adjust to the rapidly expanding e-commerce space. Malone shared that one of the most important factors of BLCK Market is that vendors have the opportunity to sell their products while also learning about e-commerce. The company has also helped a select number of businesses launch their own brick & mortar locations.
As restrictions lift, BLCK Market will continue to hold events in person that cater to the African American experience by focusing on aspects like food, fashion, beauty, health, and more. The market will also continue focusing on growing its digital platform. Malone shared a statement where he shared that the goal of BLCK Market is to continue growing both their database and in-person events in an effort to become an Amazon competitor.
BLCK Market also looks to open its first retail store which will hopefully bring more structure to the company. BLCK Market is hoping to capitalize on its momentum by providing opportunities to black businesses all across the country.
