Minority owned businesses took one of the hardest hits during (and post) the COVID pandemic with women owned and women of colour businesses being at the crux of the downturn.
Many women owned businesses on the African continent did not receive governmental support or grants during and post the Pandemic to allow them a cushion to get through the slowing of sales (including our business) and so we decided to help where we could and strengthen our community focus.
We had started a quarterly pop up called GatHER market which started out with 10 women owned brands showcasing their products. Not long after pushing and strengthening this event we now receive an average of up to 120 applications for any one pop up but we don’t have the means to allow all brands to showcase.
The purpose of the GatHER market was to shed a brighter light on locally made, women owned brands who focus on locally crafted, eco friendly products in West Africa and the wider diaspora.
These events proved to be extremely beneficial with the Women sharing very positive reviews and sales results. There were so many opportunities to cross connect audiences of other brands, network, share stories of success and tribulations and empower the women to grow the brand strategically.
After a series of successful events across 2020-21 we decided to move into the next chapter and find a home in Lagos for 40+ women owned brands to showcase semi-permanently with a regular rotation to allow everyone a chance to showcase over a 12 month cycle.
Our GatHER Store will be a safe space where the women can showcase their products while also using the space for networking, training, meetings, empowerment and workshop related events.
We are aiming to raise $50,000 which would cover 2 years worth of expenses such as the venue, renovation of the space, staff / team salaries, international promotional opportunities for the brands and more. From there we aim to be able to be self sufficient and keep the project running for years to come.
We need YOUR help to make this dream a reality. Please join us and get behind local businesses owned by women of colour in Africa and the wider diaspora. Every bit helps!
If you have questions about the project please let us know. We are happy to share more info.
With love!