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Black Owned Toronto hosts pop-up market at the Art Gallery of Ontario

More than a dozen businesses were on-site at the AGO, which welcomed hundreds of visitors to shop with Black-owned companies on Feb. 26.

Black Owned Toronto hosts pop-up market at the Art Gallery of Ontario
Sajae Elder, founder of Ruth & Gem, a Caribbean-inspired home fragrances company that sells coconut and soy wax candles, and more, at Black Owned Toronto stores and online. JORDAN MAXWELL PHOTO

Black Owned Toronto hosted a pop-up market at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) on Saturday, Feb. 26, which welcomed hundreds of passersby and buyers.

The products, ranging from designer fashion to natural foods to household items, were all on display at the AGO's lower level, and the event was free to attendees.

Check out some photos of Black-owned founders at the pop-up market.

Illustrator Sidante Currie and author Harold "Hezzy" Clarke are pictured here. The dynamic duo collaborated to create the books shown. Hezzy said the company will release a third book later this year. JORDAN MAXWELL PHOTO
Ann-Marie Moulton and Shanice Chin of The New Nostalgia, a self-care company that sells teas and scented products to customers online and at Black Owned Toronto stores, are pictured here. The owners said the business has been doing well as more people prioritize mental health services. JORDAN MAXWELL PHOTO
The Sea Moss Guy co-founders Clinton Redhead and Dezie St. Hilaire stand proud at their booth inside the AGO at a Black Owned Toronto pop-up market Saturday (Feb. 26). The company sells its products online, at Black Owned Toronto at Scarborough Town Centre and Ark Collective in Hamilton, Ont. JORDAN MAXWELL PHOTO
Veneise George, owner of Yawdi's, a company that sells marinades and jellies for a variety of foods. Its jerk marinade is one of its top sellers for the founder, who sells online and in select retail stores in southern Ontario. JORDAN MAXWELL PHOTO
Candice and Christine, founders of the Cubed Style. Camille, co-founder and sister, is not in the photo. The skin and hair care company has achieved a lot since opening in 2020 and has been featured on many platforms, including SHOP_BLK, a Hudson's Bay initiative that created an online shop page for Black designers and beauty businesses. JORDAN MAXWELL PHOTO
Abiola Desalu, second left, is pictured here. She is the owner of Modara Naturals, a skin and hair care company that also blew up during the pandemic. The station was one of the most visited booths at the pop-up market Saturday. Visitors sampled products and learned more about body care from representatives. JORDAN MAXWELL PHOTO
Diandria Wright, owner of The Chic Upcyclery, is pictured here. The creative entrepreneur sells homemade, handcrafted decor like flower pots, dinnerware, candles, coasters, magnets, trays, and more through her online store. Her products are also available at Black Owned Toronto's Scarborough Town Centre location. JORDAN MAXWELL PHOTO
Sandra-Lee Shaw, founder of the 808 Co., and Allison Shaw, founder of Exhale Breath Begin, share centre stage at the Black Owned Toronto pop-up market at the Art Gallery of Ontario. The businesses are based in Whitby, Ont., and offer wellness and healing services, as well as counselling and tarot readings. JORDAN MAXWELL PHOTO
Robert Reid, father of Courtney Reid, whose designer clothing brand took off during the pandemic. Now, Signed by Dahliah is available at select Nordstrom stores, Black Owned Toronto, and elsewhere. She recently received the Award of Excellence from the Black Designers of Canada, an organization run by George Sully that promotes Black fashion designers across the country. Courtney was overseas in Italy at Milan Fashion Week, so her dad, boyfriend and aunt were on-site representing in her place. JORDAN MAXWELL PHOTO