Pittsburgh’s Brown Mamas Marketplace Supports Local Black Women Entrepreneurs on Small Business Saturday
In a powerful convergence of community support and entrepreneurship, Muffy Mendoza, the visionary founder of Brown Mamas, Inc. and the Brown Mamas Marketplace, is set to launch the latest iteration of her marketplace this Saturday, coinciding with Small Business Saturday. This event not only sparks the holiday shopping season but also highlights the importance of supporting Black women-owned businesses in Pittsburgh.
Since establishing Brown Mamas in 2012, Mendoza has been committed to empowering local Black mothers by providing resources for better health and economic outcomes. Initially motivated by the lack of entrepreneurial resources available to first-generation Black women, Mendoza recognized a pressing need within her community. “There was not a lot of information out there about how to start a business or how to maintain one,” she reflected.
The first Brown Mamas Marketplace took place just before the pandemic, creating a vital space where Black mom-owned businesses could showcase their products. “I did that because I needed space, and I knew other moms needed space, so why not create the space?” Mendoza said, illustrating her deep commitment to community building.
As the marketplace has evolved, so has Mendoza’s understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape. “I needed tips and tools on the legality of owning a business. I needed to find an accountant,” she admitted. This year, the event will feature professional speakers—including lawyers—providing invaluable insights for attendees.
Focusing on the interconnected themes of womb, wealth, and wellness, the Brown Mamas Marketplace aims to help mom-preneurs live holistic lives. “As a mom-preneur, you have to be holistic in your approach to living a good life,” Mendoza emphasized. Education on wellness will be a key component, with speakers like Tayler Clemm, known as DAWA Mama, who will share home herbal remedies tailored for new mothers and their families.
The choice to hold the marketplace on Small Business Saturday is intentional, underscoring the necessity of supporting Black-owned businesses that often lack storefronts. The event will showcase a diverse array of vendors, including food suppliers, jewelry designers, and clothing businesses. Several community organizations will also be present, promoting causes such as breastfeeding education and access to better education for Black women.
The presence of local entrepreneurs like Tyler Bowe of Tyler B. Apothecary highlights the event’s emphasis on connection and community. “My goal is to bridge the disconnect between our ancestral ways and the modern world,” Bowe said, envisioning a future where holistic health is celebrated and accessible.
The marketplace will take place at Emerald City on Smithfield Street from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., a choice that reflects Mendoza’s dedication to ensuring that every facet of the event uplifts Black-owned businesses. “We wanted to have it in a space where not only could we support Black-owned businesses through shopping, but every aspect of the event, from the décor to the venue, supports a Black-owned business,” she explained.
As Mendoza looks to the future, with the next Brown Mamas Marketplace scheduled for spring 2025, she expresses excitement about its potential for growth. “We just wanted all different types of mom-owned businesses to be represented and helping them get the tools they need to create community for themselves,” she said.
This initiative resonates with the biblical principle found in Proverbs 31:26, which states, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Mendoza’s efforts exemplify this wisdom, as she fosters a nurturing environment for collective growth and empowerment within her community.
As we reflect on this inspiring event, let us consider the significance of supporting one another—whether through business or community. Just as Mendoza has created a space for Black mothers to uplift each other, we too can embrace the spirit of kindness and community in our lives, nurturing those around us. What role can you play in supporting your local community?
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