Far too often we look to other people and other entities to give us the opportunities we’re seeking in life, not realizing the power that we have to create them for ourselves. It was with this sentiment in mind that three black entrepreneurs, Andrea Reed, Vanessa and Veronica Wells partnered together to create a market to empower black women, Uptown Underground.

The first of many markets will feature the creations of other black women who are trying to build their businesses, expand their brands, and provide consumers with quality products.

Check out the vendors who participated at the first Uptown Underground Market on Saturday, March 4 in New York City.

AndAndNyc, Andrea Reed

A New Day, A New Dawn NYC jewelry is handcrafted with love in the Bronx. Each style is designed and made by Andrea using the carefully sourced fair trade beads and other findings from around the world.

The Batter End, Theresa Ukpo

This whisk-wielding maven specializes in cakes, sweets, and treats to delight your taste buds.

Beazy Handmade, Princess Cotton

Therapy in the form of bookmaking. Beazy Handmade, a shop specializing in journals, planners, and book covers, was birthed from the owner’s love of these items and the special relationship she shared with her mother who kept journals to house her drawings and doodles.

Cee Cee's Closet, Uchenna &Chioma Ngwudo

Cee Cee’s Closet NYC was created by Chioma and Uchenna Ngwudo in New York City. The company, which specializes in headwraps celebrates the beauty of West African prints and designs through their unique accessories.

Dimension X Boutique, Shaunna Brathwaite

Dimension X Boutique bridges the gap between science, spirituality, and fashion. All products, whether it’s jewelry, clothing or home decor, are designed to elevate your spiritual awareness, promote positive relationships and increase vibrational energies.

East Marquette Clothes, Toccara Castleman

A love letter to culture written by creatively designed t-shirts, totes, and hats.

Author, Gillian Alex

Gillian Alex's debut novel Tuesday At Three will is a story that follows Alexa Ross, a woman who, after a breakup and a cross-country move, sets aside time each Tuesday at three to muse about the rules of life and love.

Artist, Natoya Persaud

Growing up in Guyana during a time of racial tension between Blacks and Indo-Guyanese, Natoya found art as an outlet to express herself. She studied the paintings in her mother’s store and started sketching as a hobby. Today, daily experiences aid in perfecting and inspiring her riveting artwork.

Shea'wa Inc., Thaka Machioudi

Shea'wa is a Natural and Handcrafted "Bath and Body" Patisserie brand created to rekindle the romantic feel of bathing and nurturing the body. Our products are made with great care and are the perfect treat for the entire family.

Graphic Designer, Vanessa Wells

Vanessa Rae Wells is a designer in New York City working in event and graphic design. She is passionate about beautifully executing cultural content that uplifts and celebrates the Black community.

Author, Veronica Wells

Veronica Wells is committed to telling the stories of Black women, whether it's through her work on MadameNoire, her own personal endeavors or her first published work "Bettah Days."

Zenistry Candles, Alexis Barber- Davis

Every candle is hand poured with all-natural palm wax and a cotton wick. Our fragrances are carefully selected to create the most calming environment wherever you are.

Veronica Wells

Writing since February 2017 · 1 story contributed