As Black History Month begins, more examples of similarities arise among Black entrepreneurs and creators.
Creativity in entrepreneurship has been attributed to thriving businesses. Brand strategist and executive producer Renae Bluitt recently held her ninth annual “She Did That” Holiday Bazaar event at Industry City in Brooklyn. The holiday Black marketplace, powered by MadameNoire, urged its customers to “shop with a purpose” and highlighted the importance of Black communities supporting Black entrepreneurs and brands.
The event also marked the second year of collaborating with He Did That with more Black men’s brands featured. Building community appeared as the leading theme, with vendors presenting products such as food, clothing, household items, and more.
One vendor whose predictions came to fruition with another year of “good vibes” was Vince Jamael and his Brooklyn brand Never Settle, co-owned with Troy D. Johnson. Jamael and Johnson expressed their appreciation for Bluitt. “We never settle when we’re together as a community,” said Johnson.
Brenika Banks photos
Visitors of She Did That. Holiday Bazaar event in Brooklyn. 
“She Did That” founder and executive producer Renae Bluitt. 
God Came Through brand apparel at “She Did That” Holiday Bazaar in Brooklyn. 
“Black Woman Can” tote bag from Black Man Can brand. 
Tribe & Oak founders Kareem Wallace and Taylor Tankinson. 
Never Settle owners Vince Jamael and Troy D. Johnson.
“I could not be prouder to have joined in fellow community with those who understand that Black business is an act of resistance,” said Verneda Adele White. Her brand, Black People are America’s Hot Sauce, promotes an anti-racist lifestyle and clothing, and celebrates Black culture and creativity.
“When I think about She Did That and the platform Renae Bluitt has created, I always think of fierce, fabulous, clear-minded, and purposeful women and purposeful brands,” said White. She referred to Black people as “America’s hot sauce” and conveyed her enthusiasm for building relationships with other brands while elevating hers.
Another thrilled vendor was Tribe & Oak, founded by Kareem Wallace and Taylor Tankinson. The celebratory day allowed the Brooklyn candle store to expand. “We have a lot of platforms for women to be highlighted, and this way [Wallace] gets to highlight himself and our business,” said Tankinson. She said her favorite part of the day was witnessing the atmosphere of community. Wallace was grateful for the turnout of supporting Black businesses despite the cold weather.
“I’m happy to be here with my brothers who I met through the Shea Moisture program,” said Wallace. “I’m happy that I can still do my part to amplify our business.”
“It’s been extremely inspiring to be under the same roof as so many different Black creators,” said Kofi Genfi, founder of God Came Through, a faith-based apparel brand self-described as “a deeply profound testimony that resonates through humanity, regardless of space and time.” Genfi experienced a life-changing incident that compelled him to start his brand. His first year left him in admiration of brands who aren’t just trying — “they’re actually already doing it,” Genfi said. “It makes you want to step up your game [and] continue your path you’re already on.” He strongly believes that regardless of whatever industry Black businesses are in, “we’re always stronger together.”
This correlates with an Advances in Social Science article from the Atlantis Press titled “The Roles of Creativity and Innovation in Entrepreneurship.” It stated the importances of both roles and how “creativity in entrepreneurship also implies the organization environment such as team climate, teamwork[,] and others.”
Dr. Brandon Frame, founder of The Black Man Can, is confident about the power of Black unity and teamwork. “Black men and Black women need each other,” Frame said. “When we work together, we only improve society, improve our communities, and that’s what we need to do more.” The Black Man Can nonprofit celebrates and empowers positive experiences to counter negative stereotypes about Black men. Frame enjoyed his first year at the Holiday Bazaar for being “around my brothers, as we all have brands and we’re building our brotherhood, but also sharing our brands with the world,” said Frame.
Frame recognized Bluitt for her hard work. “Let’s give it up for you — for what you’ve built and the opportunity to partner with you was an immediate ‘yes’!” He cited the Holiday Bazaar as an example of when Black men and Black women work together. “When that happens, our communities are better, society is better, our families are better,” said Frame.
“My belief is that when we come together in community, support each other, get to know each other’s brands and stories, there is really nothing we cannot do together,” said Bluitt. “We have all the resources in this room to thrive and prosper as small business owners — that is really the mission of She Did That.”
She Did That anticipates holding its 10th-year celebration in December 2026. For more information, visit shedidthat.co/.
Vendors’ websites:
Never Settle – shopneversettle.com/
Black People are America’s Hot Sauce – vernedaadele.com/shop
Tribe & Oak – tribeandoakhome.com/
God Came Through – odcamethrough.com/The Black Man Can – theblackmancan.org/