Four years ago, Alicea Arnold founded Strength in Shades, a market inspired by the experience-oriented markets and block parties in her native New York.
“I started the market because I own a skincare company,” said Arnold. “I hand make all-natural skincare, and I really wanted to find a space that I felt really comfortable in, where I saw people that looked like me and people that didn't look like me.”
At the monthly popup markets, vendors sell food, jewelry, handmade goods and much more, creating “a diverse space for people to thrive and to grow and kind of come have a community together and excel with selling our products,” Arnold said.
Alysa Whitney owns Soul Full Kitchen and has been part of the Strength in Shades markets for over a year.
“I went back to Texas and met my birth family and found a strong love for soul food,” said Whitney. “I came back here and I realized that we didn’t have it — so I decided that I just wanted to bring my taste and twist of soul food to Utah, and just see where it takes me.”
The market began with around 10 vendors and now more than 40 participate on some weeks. Arnold also hosts networking nights and coffee meetups for the business owners.
“I really want people to support Black, indigenous people of color and women-owned businesses to the fullest extent,” said Arnold. “Just hearing people's stories and why they do what they do, why they create art, why they're making pottery, why they have jewelry, you know, why I have my skincare … I just want to unite people.”
As Strength in Shades continues to grow, so will opportunities for local business owners to share their passions and products.
“It's been really incredible, and I look forward to seeing everybody thrive inside of their businesses,” says Arnold.