The ninth annual She Did That. Holiday Bazaar returns to Brooklyn’s Industry City on December 6. Founder Renae Bluitt has transformed what began with fewer than 10 vendors in a Harlem beauty shop into New York City’s most intentional marketplace for Black entrepreneurs. The event now features over 60 Black women and men-owned brands.
The gathering runs from noon to 6 pm and focuses on celebrating Black entrepreneurship. Bluitt describes this work as “the most important work that I’ve done in my entire career.” The Bazaar has evolved into more than just a shopping event—it’s become a complete ecosystem supporting Black business owners year-round.
From PR Professional to Champion of Black Women Founders
Bluitt’s journey into entrepreneurship advocacy began during her corporate PR career. She started her own consultancy, which gave her intimate access to Black women-run businesses. “I was just so impressed with how much Black women are able to do with so very few resources,” Bluitt explained.
That inspiration led her to create multiple platforms for these founders. She launched the In Her Shoes blog first, followed by the She Did That. documentary. “I was like, people need to hear these women’s stories,” she said. Today, these initiatives have grown into a thriving community ecosystem.
Holiday Bazaar Offers More Than Shopping for Black-Owned Businesses
Bluitt views the Bazaar as essential during economically challenging times for small businesses. “This has been one of the most challenging years,” she acknowledged. Black entrepreneurs face multiple pressures including tariffs, inflation, and persistent funding challenges.
The event addresses a fundamental human need beyond commerce. “At its core, the Holiday Bazaar is offering one of the most fundamental human needs, which is to be seen,” Bluitt stated. The marketplace serves as both a retail space and a marketing platform for participating brands.
Conscious Commerce Creates Real Community Impact
The Bazaar aligns with this year’s community push for a Black shopping blackout. The movement urges consumers to spend exclusively with Black-owned brands during the holiday season. Bluitt believes her event provides a tangible way for people to follow through on their commitments.
“The Holiday Bazaar is giving people really no excuses,” Bluitt explains. She challenges people to move beyond social media posts. “Posting on social is great, but then what is the action behind it?” The event offers concrete opportunities to support Black businesses while enjoying food and music.
Featured Vendors Bring Fashion, Beauty, and Purpose to Brooklyn
This year’s vendor list spans multiple categories including beauty, wellness, fashion, and children’s products. Bluitt highlighted several standout brands that shoppers can discover at Industry City. Each vendor brings unique offerings that reflect Black excellence and creativity.
Born to Roam, an LA-based accessories brand, will showcase its dramatic hats. The company gained viral attention when Beyoncé wore their cowboy hat throughout her Cowboy Carter tour. “I personally love her hat. So excited to have her joining us,” Bluitt shared.
Children’s Brands and Men’s Marketplace Expand Event’s Reach
Zuri Rose will offer a complete shopping experience for young girls and their families. The children’s brand features dolls, books, and accessories in one convenient location. “It’s really kind of like one-stop shopping for little girls,” Bluitt noted.
The Black Man Can returns with the He Did That. Marketplace partnership. This dedicated space for Black men-owned brands launched last year after consistent requests. “Since the beginning of She Did That., the fellas have been like, what about ‘He Did That’?” Bluitt recalls. The marketplace features branded totes, hoodies, and affirmation cards specifically for men.
Food and Fashion Create Perfect Holiday Shopping Experience
Never Settle will showcase apparel including beautiful varsity jackets and hoodies. The brand represents the quality and style that Black entrepreneurs bring to fashion. Shoppers can expect to find pieces that make perfect holiday gifts.
Food vendors will complement the shopping experience throughout the day. “Shopping and food go hand in hand,” Bluitt emphasized. The Crabby Shack, BCake NY, and vegan hotspot Aunts et Uncles will serve attendees. BCake NY holds special significance—”she’s actually been with us for all nine years.”
Partnership With One Love Community Fridge Addresses Food Insecurity
This year introduces a meaningful collaboration with One Love Community Fridge. The nonprofit organization fights food insecurity across Brooklyn neighborhoods. Attendees will have opportunities to support the mission on-site during the Bazaar.
Bluitt selected this partnership because it aligns with community needs. “We’re seeing a lot of people in our community dealing with food insecurity,” she explained. She appreciates One Love’s approach: “you’re able to get donations, no questions asked, on healthy foods that are really nourishing your mind and your body.”
Joy and Community Connection Drive Event’s Core Mission
Beyond economic impact, Bluitt wants guests to experience joy and hope. “That room, for me, is filled with joy from the moment the merchants come in,” she describes. The atmosphere buzzes with music, laughter, and positive energy throughout the day.
The event provides crucial human connection in an isolated world. “It’s very easy when you’re working from home to look up, and you haven’t seen or touched another human in 40 or 72 hours,” Bluitt admits. The Bazaar serves as “a beautiful reminder of the goodness in our community.”
Founder Envisions Two-Day Experience With Mentorship and Funding
Bluitt already has ambitious plans for the Bazaar’s future growth. “I would love to make it a two-day experience,” she shared. Her vision includes adding a mentorship component and funding opportunities like pitch competitions or grants.
She dreams of bringing celebrity entrepreneurs into the fold to share their stories. Tracee Ellis Ross tops her wish list of potential collaborators. “There are a handful of celebrities that I would love to bring into this space,” Bluitt added.
Limited-Edition Shopping Tote and Tickets Still Available
Attendees can purchase a special collaborative shopping tote designed with Maya Winston. The limited-edition bag costs only $20 and offers year-round utility. “It’s something that people will be able to use for shopping all year round,” Bluitt notes.
Tickets remain available through Eventbrite for the December 6 event. “There’s still time to get your tickets and join us,” Bluitt emphasizes. She encourages everyone to tap into the community joy that the Bazaar creates.
Building Year-Round Ecosystem Beyond One-Day Event
The Bazaar represents just one piece of a larger support system. “I really believe in this community,” Bluitt told BLACK ENTERPRISE. The women participating show up for each other throughout the entire year, not just during the holiday season.
Bluitt and her team provide ongoing opportunities for the community. “We are showing up for them throughout the year with different opportunities,” she explained. The goal extends beyond survival—”really creating an ecosystem for us all to be able to lean into each other and not just survive, but thrive and do it together.”
Corporate Partnerships and Customer Discovery Extend Beyond Weekend
The Bazaar creates lasting impacts that continue long after the event ends. Founders can strengthen their existing customer base while being discovered by new audiences. Corporate decision-makers often attend, leading to partnerships that transform businesses.
“We’ve seen that happen. So that’s like part of the magic of what we’ve created,” Bluitt said. These connections prove particularly valuable during challenging economic times. “Now, more than ever, we need to lock arms with each other… and make sure we’re keeping each other lifted so that we can just stay above water.”
Daily Investment in Small Business Can Shift Community Energy
Bluitt advocates for conscious commerce extending beyond the holiday season. “My vision is for us to think about each day: how can we invest in a small business in our community?” she poses. This daily intentionality could create powerful shifts in Black communities nationwide.
The collective impact of consistent support would be transformative. “If we did that, we could really be powerful and shift some of the energy around what’s happening right now in our community,” Bluitt believes. The Holiday Bazaar models what’s possible when communities prioritize supporting their own entrepreneurs.