Hamilton Place hosts second annual black business expo

February 25, 2023

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Second Annual Hamilton Place Black Business Expo treated crowds to a selection of alternative shops. 30 different vendors and businesses were showcased throughout the mall, providing customers with a huge selection of food, products and services.

Taffany Britton, Leasing and Advertising Manager of Hamilton Place, was one of the major planners for this event. She loved the diversity of products that this event made available to the public. “You’re gonna find everything from cupcakes and cakes and peach cobbler to natural skincare and candles. We even have a crown maker. We have a variety of vendors. I mean there’s really something for everybody,” said Britton.

Taffany Britton and Nicole Burney have planned both expos. They both work towards uplifting and supporting black-owned businesses in the community.

For Britton, this is a very personal mission, “It means everything to be able to give exposure to other African Americans and people who have not had access or the capital to access places like this shopping center.”

The Expo is one of many programs that Hamilton Place provides for small businesses. For some, their business would not be the same without support like this.

Cassandra Tucker, Owner and Founder of Divine Purity Aurapothecary, is grateful for the exposure events like these provide, “It’s a great deal. We don’t have a storefront so we do various markets in and around Chattanooga and other cities as well,” said Tucker. “When we did this last year we actually had a fifteen percent increase in our overall customer base. So we’re looking to hopefully double that since we now have more exposure and this is our second year attending this.”

For other vendors, its also about the opportunity to inspire unity in the community.

Renita Johnson, Owner of The PanCake Bakery, is happy to inspire others to follow their passions. “It helps us all to see that you can do it. Some people desire to be an entrepreneur but don’t even know how. When you see people out here and you see their craft and the opportunity to really make a product and believe in it, it really helps.”

If you missed the event, then do not worry. You can find a full list of vendors below if you would like to support or share.