ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A boutique in the South Wedge is creating a supportive space for women of color to grow their small businesses together.
Women of Color International on South Ave. offers a shared space where women collaborate on everything from rent to business ideas. The boutique began over four years ago with nine businesses and now hosts more than 20 business owners.
“It was a collaboration of our minds coming together like we always do,” Founder Connie Marple said. “So it feels like sisterhood. It feels like womanhood.”
Charlene Hall, owner of Scented Serenity Candles, joined the group a year and a half ago.
“I love that a bunch of us have come together to do that, because it is so hard for minority women to be seen and heard, and I feel like Women of Color has done that for a lot of us,” Hall said.
Patricia Mason-Williams, who owns Second Glance Vintage, has been a member for three years. She started with a small space and now has room to display her upcycled clothing and custom ties.
“All of the women support each other,” she said. “We’re always rooting for each other. We’re coming together to help out, whether it’s business ideas, marketing ideas, or just being able to push their products.”
The boutique’s shared location boosts visibility for the owners. Marple said some of the women get recognized in the community by boutique visitors who haven’t shopped with them yet.
“It’s amazing that we can do that for women and especially women of color,” Marple said. “I mean, we have our focus on going to the community, supporting the community, we’re out in the community, and we love that the community also comes to see us.”
Over the weekend, the boutique hosted a sensory experience to encourage customers to explore the various businesses. Owners set up tables with products catering to the five senses.
A directory with the businesses involved in Women of Color International can be found here.
Rochester boutique empowers women of color entrepreneurs WHEC.com.
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