This past Homecoming, the Black Student Success Centre offered free vendor tables for student entrepreneurs to sell their unique creations
The Black Student Success Centre provided free vendor tables, located at 10 Acre Field, for student entrepreneurs on Oct. 5, 2024 during Homecoming this year. The BSSC invited makers, artists, and entrepreneurs to sell and display their creations on campus.
This provided students with the opportunity to network, market their businesses and gain significant visibility during one of the busiest days on campus. As advertised on the BSSC’s Instagram, interested students were encouraged to fill out an application form a week prior to Homecoming due to the limited spots for vendor tables.
Omolade George is a third-year student in the psychology and human behaviour program. George sold jewelry at one of the vendor tables that the BSSC offered student entrepreneurs. “My business name is Jewels by George … My business actually started earlier this year, I believe in March,” said George.
George shared that her business was inspired by her mom. “Growing up, I watched my mom dress up to go to events, parties, even church. She had this huge chunky chain necklace on her neck . . . I thought that this was very fun and that started my love for jewelry. When the opportunity arose for me to open my business here in Hamilton, I thought it would be nice to recreate that moment with other people to make them feel lovely and beautiful,” said George.
Growing up, I watched my mom dress up to go to events, parties, even church. She had this huge chunky chain necklace on her neck … I thought that this was very fun and that started my love for jewelry.
Omolade George, third-year psychology and human behaviour student
Initially, George started selling her jewelry at her church, focusing on the Nigerian community. When she learned about the vendor tables offered by the BSSC, she was eager to seize the opportunity to showcase her work on campus.
“Last year [in MUSC], I had seen that there were some vendors. I thought if that opportunity arises this year for me, I would really like to grab onto that. I had seen the posting on Instagram and I had written my bio, my name, email and everything. Then somebody reached out to me from the Black Student Success Centre to tell me I got the spot,” said George.
George was very excited to be featuring her business on campus. “I couldn’t even focus on my midterm, I was too excited . . . McMaster is a very huge campus and to have the opportunity to show students this is a part of my culture, this is a part of me that I’m showcasing on the table, was very exciting,” said George.
McMaster is a very huge campus and to have the opportunity to show students this is a part of my culture, this is a part of me that I’m showcasing on the table, was very exciting.
Omolade George, third-year psychology and human behaviour student
George felt the impact of Homecoming on her business was significant. “I feel like the black community really stepped out for me . . . I got to meet so many people. I got to hear feedback on what people really wanted. People were leaning towards bracelets and rings . . . it shifted my perspective on where my business would go,” said George.
When asked about the BSSC’s role in her entrepreneurial journey, George expressed gratitude. “I would say this support was huge . . . I definitely will be reaching out to them to see if they could support me more in the future,” said George.
I would say this support was huge . . . I definitely will be reaching out to them to see if they could support me more in the future.
Omolade George, McMaster psychology and human behaviour student
George also acknowledged some challenges, particularly pertaining to cultural appropriation. “I feel like non-black individuals feel that when they buy my pieces it’s appropriation. I would say it’s open to everybody. The pieces are definitely formal wear. So even if they don’t feel comfortable wearing it everyday I would say to still purchase it, it will make you feel lovely,” said George.
Ultimately, George’s goal is to spread joy through her jewelry. “Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they purchase the item definitely reinforced me . . . I want people to feel beautiful when they wear my pieces and that definitely inspired me to keep going and find time for my business,” said George.
As she looks to the future, George is excited about expanding her reach and establishing a more accessible online presence. “From this experience, I definitely learned that packaging and advertisement is huge,” said George.
The BSSC's vendor tables during Homecoming 2024 was a significant event for student entrepreneurs, particularly for those like Omolade George, who showcased their talents and connected with the campus community. The BSSC's initiative to provide free vendor tables not only created networking and visibility but also fostered a sense of cultural pride and creativity among participants.
Stop breaking the bank and support businesses made for students by students
By: Krissy Butler
Hair and beauty services always pose two main challenges for university students: accessibility and affordability. As students face financial and academic pressures while pursuing their degree, they deserve to look and feel their best. However, it can be difficult to find a business that is able to accommodate the hair and beauty care needs of McMaster University's diverse population at an affordable price. Here are a few student-run Black-owned businesses that are both accessible and affordable for McMaster students!
Specializing in a diverse range of hair types and hair textures, Mt is a skilled barber located within ten-minute walking distance from McMaster’s campus. This talented barber offers a wide range of haircut services to cater to his clientele’s diverse needs. Mt provides accessible and convenient services, providing clients with the option to receive a haircut onsite at his studio or, for an additional cost, a house call haircut.
Like a Princess Nailz is run by Princess, a skilled Hamilton-based nail technician. Princess works in her home studio located near McMaster’s campus. LAP Nailz offers a variety of services, including gel manicures, custom press-on nails and acrylic designs. As seen on her Instagram page, Princess demonstrates her artistry and meticulousness with every client.
Tomi caters to a variety of hair styles and hair textures. The self-taught hairstylist showcases her skills on Instagram, through videos of her process, managing a diverse range of clients with different hair care needs. Her attention to affordability can provide students with a convenient and accessible way to look their best, especially during the midterm season.
“I enjoy the whole process of doing hair, it’s a hobby for me, which is why my prices are so low. I’m also aware that students are broke," said Tomi, in an interview.
For all things makeup, Harmony has you covered. This talented makeup artist demonstrates adaptability with each client’s unique needs to achieve their desired makeup look. Harmony offers a great range of services, linked on her Instagram business page, specializing in soft and full glam makeup. For all students who want a timeless makeup look for any memorable special occasion, Harmony can make it happen.
C/O Lohifa Pogoson Acker
New Blk-Owned Hamont and BACEL training programhelping Black-owned businesses grow
Blk-Owned Hamont, started in June 2020 by Ashleigh, Alexandria and Abygail Montague, continues to model what it means to celebrate, showcase, explore and support Black-owned businesses through the new Black Youth Entrepreneurship Hub (BYEH): Trailblazer bootcamp.
BYEH: Trailblazer bootcamp was created in partnership with Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA)’s Black African and Caribbean Entrepreneurship (BACEL) Training Program. Trailblazer is an 8-week program, running from March 5 to April 14, for Black-identifying entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39.
As part of the program, attendees will have the chance to hear from guest speakers, mentors and coaches on topics such as marketing, sales, supply chain management and many more. The cost to sign-up is $200, however, the fee will be reimbursed by the BBPA upon successful completion of the curriculum.
First bootcamp day. C/O Ashleigh Montague
Trailblazer consists of bootcamp and workshop days. Bootcamp days will explore multiple areas of business operation and management.
In contrast, the weekly Workshop Wednesdays will delve deeper into more specific topics covered during the bootcamp and are optional and free for the campers. The public can also attend the workshops for a fee of $25.00 per session. Registration can be done through Blk-Owned Hamont’s Eventbrite.
“[The workshops] give the large community an opportunity to see what it is that we are teaching in our cohort program . . . We also saw it as a great opportunity for folks who may not yet be sold on the bootcamp that they could give these workshops a try,” said Ashleigh Montague.
In addition, the program offers mentorship and networking for participants.
“What we’re hoping the business owners will take away are new skills they can use to tap into their business for growth, resources they can take away and apply to their businesses for growth, as well as, hopefully an expanded network,” said Montague.
Trailblazer mentors. C/O Lohifa Pogoson Acker
The idea for Trailblazers came about last summer. The Montague sisters behind Blk-Owned Hamont wanted to address barriers for Black business owners and they conducted a feasibility study to better understand the existing gaps. From February through June 2021, the Montague sisters connected with over 100 business owners in Hamilton and ran a focus group.
The results of the survey and their focus group showed a need for Black business owners to develop skills, have greater access to resources and build networks. The sisters also found most of the Black Hamilton business owners were young, in the age group of 17 to 45.
The findings of the study led to the first Blk-Owned pop-up market in August 2021. Efforts to launch BYEH began shortly after.
In total, 11 entrepreneur and business owners signed up to the pilot program and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. The feedback form after the first bootcamp day revealed the participants enjoyed being able to engage in the program in-person, felt safe to share their experiences and enjoyed hearing from the speakers and facilitators.
“It was just so amazing to hear that our hard work over the last year was for something positive,” said Montague.
Aside from the Trailblazer program, Blk-Owned Hamont has organized numerous markets and grown drastically over the past year.
CO Rose Senat
Through counsel with their advisory team, lawyers and consultants who helped conduct the feasibility study, Blk-Owned Hamont launched their social enterprise, BMRKT, to continue highlighting local businesses while continuing Blk-Owned, which will continue to focus on education, advocacy and research.
During Black history month, Blk-Owned Hamont also organized a merchandise box in partnership with McMaster Innovation Park. Purchase of one vendor boxes allows folks to support up to nine business owners in the greater Hamilton area. It has been a success and they have already sold over 90 vendor boxes. The organization released Black History Month hoodies as well, designed by Aaron Parry, a McMaster alum. The colours in the BLK logo are representative of various skin tones.
Coming soon, Spring Ting market is scheduled to be held in St. Catharines on April 10. It is open to vendors in the greater Hamilton and Niagara regions. In May, they are hoping to organize a party event on James Street North. It will be in collaboration with local Black-owned storefronts.
With all the work Blk-Owned Hamont has done and is continuing to do, the Montague sisters continue to be at the forefront of change in support of local Black-owned businesses.
