Small Business Saturday: Jax market spotlights artists of color

The Black Arts Magic Holiday Market was held for the first time at the Emerald Station, showcasing more than 20 local artists of color.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As the holiday shopping weekend continues in Jacksonville, one local group hosted several start-ups to ensure they participated in Small Business Saturday, even if they don’t have their own brick-and-mortar.

The third annual Black Arts Magic Holiday Market was held for the first time at the Emerald Station at 2320 N. Liberty Street on Saturday. The 100-year-old warehouse sits in Jacksonville’s Phoenix Arts and Innovation District. 

The event seeks to showcase small businesses offering unique products and highlight local artists and entrepreneurs of color. 

“It’s something about that handmade product that makes it something special,” said Danielle Quigley. 

She never thought she would spend her time out of the Army as an entrepreneur. 

Now, she’s working around the clock for her business, Goddess Bath Company, crafting extra soaps and scrubs to sell during her business’ most important time of the year.

“The end of the year is always crucial for every business because everyone is shopping for holidays; they’re trying to catch all the end-of-the-year sales,” Quigley added.

She’s not the only one depending on a successful Small Business Saturday. More than 20 artists of color attended the free event to show off their work.

Alishia Lewis says the price tag on her ceramics or paintings represents more than just the item on sale.

“Before that one bowl is presented. There are like five that blew up in the kiln,” Lewis explained.

She and other business owners set up shop to take part in the local business holiday. They offer special gifts for shoppers that can’t be replicated by a manufacturer or a machine.

“It’s more than buying a bowl. It’s more than buying a painting. You’re empowering local artists to keep creating, keep going after their dream, their goal,” Lewis said.

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