The Blavity House Party Music Festival kicked off its inaugural event on Friday at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. Alongside the highly anticipated artists and performances, the event featured a variety of attractions that created a unique and memorable experience for all attendees.
One key element that enhanced the festival atmosphere was Tito’s Vodka’s involvement as its main sponsor.
The Austin, Texas-based liquor brand, celebrated for its exceptional quality and handcrafted approach, set a new standard in premium spirits. As the leading festival supporter, Tito’s brought its commitment to excellence to Nashville, significantly enhancing the experience for all festivalgoers. Their signature cocktails delighted the palate and provided a refreshing respite from the scorching heat, ensuring everyone could enjoy the festivities comfortably. Tito’s dedication to quality and community made them an indispensable and greatly appreciated part of the event’s success.
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A standout feature of the festival was the ‘Off The Shelves Marketplace,’ which spotlighted black-owned vendors selling diverse foods, apparel, and health and wellness products. This initiative aimed to celebrate the creativity and entrepreneurship of the black community, offering festivalgoers the chance to support local businesses and connect with new favorites.
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Here is a list of vendors who showcased their brands on day one of the Blavity House Party Music Festival:
Forever Linked by TSD
Product Category: Accessories
Instagram: @foreverlinkedbytsd
April Jones, a Nashville-based business owner, specializes in welding “forever“ or “permanent“ bracelets, necklaces, and anklets. Her pieces are available in 14K gold-filled, sterling silver, and rose gold. April’s unique approach eliminates the need for clasps, offering a seamless jewelry experience. Customers can enjoy the durability and elegance of her creations. With her innovative designs, April Jones redefines how people wear and appreciate jewelry.
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Cashville etc.
Product Category: Apparel
Website: http://www.cashvilleetc.com
Carlos Partee, the owner of Cashville Inc., is a Nashville native who launched the brand to tell the city’s most forgotten stories through “merchandise, media, and curated events.“ Since its inception in 2016, Partee has emphasized that gentrification was a significant factor driving him to entrepreneurship and creating a space for Black culture to thrive.
God Made Merch
Product Category: Apparel
Website: www.Godmademerch.com
God Made Merch transcends traditional apparel companies by embodying a movement dedicated to representing God and celebrating the millions who acknowledge that we are all Created In His Image. Their designs go beyond fashion, embodying a powerful message of faith and unity. Each piece of apparel is crafted to inspire and uplift, reinforcing the belief that every individual is a reflection of divine creation.
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No Slack Boutique
Product Category: Apparel
Website: www.noslackboutique.com
Kirsten, the owner of No Slack Boutique, is originally from Birmingham, Alabama, and now resides in Nashville. She created her jewelry line during the COVID-19 pandemic after noticing on social media how many women were dissatisfied with specific brands. Determined to offer better options, Kirsten launched No Slack Boutique as an empowering movement for Black women, challenging European standards and celebrating diverse beauty. In addition to jewelry, Kirsten also makes clothing for women of all body types.
Lustful Bath, LLC
Product Category: Candles
Website: http://www.lustfulbath.com
Takashi Kelson, owner of Lustful Bath, LLC, was born and raised in Winchester, Tennessee. She was inspired to create her line during the COVID-19 pandemic when she noticed her son with special needs had skin abrasions from the padding he wore on his legs. Discovering that bath bombs and salts worked wonders for her son’s skin. Kelson knew she had to make these products available for everyone. Today, Lustful Bath offers a variety of products for both men and women to enjoy.
Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream
Product Category: Food & Beverage
Website:www.rolled4ever.com
In June 2018, Maliyah B. and Bariangela S., longtime friends with a shared passion for culinary innovation, launched Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream. Their journey began during a transformative spring break trip to New York, where they were captivated by the concept of rolled ice cream. Determined to put their spin on the trend, they launched “The Roll Bus“ and eventually opened a brick-and-mortar shop in Historic Germantown. Today, Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream continues to evolve, promising an ice cream experience that blends innovation with adventure.
Big Bern’s Brisket and More
Product Category: Food Truck
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbernsbrisket/
Big Bern’s Brisket and More brings a taste of Savannah to Nashville with its delightful food pop-up. Fusing the flavors of these two vibrant cities, it offers a menu featuring slow-cooked chicken, beef brisket, and pulled pork sandwiches. Its signature stuffed potatoes, filled with seafood, chicken, pork, or brisket, add a unique twist to its offerings. Whether you’re craving classic Southern barbecue or innovative stuffed potatoes, Big Bern’s promises a delicious culinary experience that celebrates the best of both Savannah and Nashville.
Slim & Husky’s
Product Category: Food Truck
Website:https://slimandhuskys.com/menus/
Slim & Husky’s was founded in 2015 on a shared dream inside a garage. The clever name came from a longtime joke between the friends—one slim and the others husky. The Tennessee State University grads started the fast-casual gourmet pizza joint to serve unique pies and provide jobs in North Nashville. One of the partners, Derrick Moore, expressed their desire to integrate deeply into the community and expand their footprint on their neighborhood streets. Today, the restaurants offer build-your-own pizzas, takeout, catering services, and delivery via third-party vendors.
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Smokin Buttz
Product Category: Food Truck
Website:http://www.smokinbuttzbbq.com
Smokin’ Buttz is known for sparking culinary excitement with its Buttz Truck and handcrafted sauces and rubs. They offer memorable barbecue experiences that enhance flavors and leave a lasting impact. The focus is on using high-quality ingredients and genuine flavors and ensuring customer satisfaction, all while celebrating the essence of Southern barbecue with every dish.
The Veggie
Product Category: Food Truck
Website: http://eattheveggie.com
Chef Adyre’s vegan journey started in late 2014 when she discovered that her diet was negatively affecting her health. With guidance from a doctor, she began transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, completing the change by fall 2015. She drew inspiration from her favorite cuisines and her mother’s recipes to stay committed, creating delicious and innovative plant-based dishes.
Slutty Vegan
Product Category: Food Truck
Website: http://sluttyvegan.com
Slutty Vegan is a popular vegan restaurant known for its indulgent plant-based burgers based in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded by Pinky Cole in 2018, the restaurant quickly gained fame for its creative burger names like “One Night Stand“ and “Sloppy Toppy“ and its vibrant atmosphere. Cole’s mission with Slutty Vegan extends beyond food; she aims to promote veganism in communities that typically have limited access to healthy food options.
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CarbonBased Cell Food
Product Category: Health & Wellness
Website: http://www.carbonbasedcellfood.com
Latravious Whetstone founded Carbonbased Cellfood with a mission to enhance holistic wellness. Their products, like Blood Detox Teas, organic sea moss, and cold-pressed sea moss juice, are crafted to support a healthy lifestyle. Emphasizing sustainability and natural remedies, Carbonbased Cellfood aims to empower individuals on their wellness journey through nature’s healing benefits.
Pretty Healthy
Product Category: Health & Wellness
Website: http://www.prettyhealthyyou.com
Priscilla Joyce’s journey began with a wake-up call in her thirties. Health challenges like severe pollen allergies, fibroids, and skin issues prompted her search for safe, effective solutions. Frustrated by the lack of options that met her standards, she took matters into her own hands. Partnering with like-minded allies, Priscilla founded a pioneering business combining essential vitamins with beauty benefits.
The Black Candle Company
Product Category: Skincare
Website: http://www.theblackcandlecompany.com
Jessica Doakes, a native of Trenton, Tennessee, founded The Black Candle Company in July 2021 following a period of personal hardship that included multiple miscarriages, depression, and a ruptured Achilles tendon. Amid these challenges, she discovered a newfound passion for candle-making through a DIY kit. Her signature creation, Black Ambiance, has quickly become a top-selling product, renowned for its popularity at prestigious venues like W and M hotels.
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The Mellow Bar
Product Category: Skincare
Website:http://themellowbar.com
Andrea Shanwell, co-owner of The Mellow Bar in Nashville, Tennessee, co-founded the business in 2020 in response to her nephew’s eczema. Motivated by a need for gentle and effective skincare products, her sister embarked on creating formulations that were beneficial and safe for sensitive skin like theirs. This venture addressed a family need and provided a solution that resonated with others seeking natural, non-irritating skincare options during uncertain times.
Ordinary Odds
Product category: Apparel
Website: http://www.ordinaryodds.com
Ian Sanders and Josh Stewart launched Ordinary Odds while studying at Morehouse College in 2016. Recognizing a lack of stylish footwear and apparel options for men, these Tennessee natives decided to create a brand that combines creativity with everyday comfort. Their mission quickly gained traction, offering a unique line that fills a niche in the market for innovative men’s fashion.
