Sixty-two vendors gathered for Columbia College’s annual Black Business Expo on Saturday, showcasing scarves, scented candles, children’s books, counseling programs and more.
For Teo Cooper, an event organizer and the assistant dean for student life at Columbia College, community support for entrepreneurs and businesses is key.
“If we can be a part of that uplifting, a part of that entrepreneurial spirit and driving that entrepreneurial spirit in our community, then that is what our mission is all about,” Cooper said.
Last year’s expo generated $40,000 in sales and saw over 500 attendees, serving as a platform for Columbia’s Black entrepreneurs. This year’s expo hosted 12 more vendors than last year and saw over 400 in attendance.
This was also the second year Columbia College partnered with the James & Annelle Whitt Entrepreneurial Development Foundation to put on the event.
“It’s about coming together as a community,” said Annelle Whitt, president of the foundation. “It’s about supporting each other.”
Sharing stories, selling solutions
Multiple vendors at the expo showcased businesses driven by their personal journeys.
Louis Gatewood, a counselor and new author, promoted his counseling service and his recently published book, “The Amazing Weekend Adventures of DJ and Khai.”
Inspired by time spent with his grandsons, Gatewood’s book teaches children coping skills and tools to regulate their emotions. He said the book is also helpful for parents and educators who work with kids.
“I know my purpose in life is to add value to kids and families,” he said. “Events like this give me the platform to walk in that purpose and share my resources with those who need them.”
Krystal Martin, owner of K&K Co. Bath & Home Collection, a plant-based, vegan brand, highlighted her body butters at the expo. Martin started her business in 2019 after experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, leading her to research ingredients used in skincare and home products.
“I realized I was slowly harming myself and my family with the products we were using,” Martin said. “Now, I help others find healthier solutions for their skin and home.”
Comfort through food and tradition
Both established businesses and fresh newcomers were able to showcase their flavors at Saturday’s expo.
Jennifer Coleman and Chad Jones-Hicks, owners of Flavor and Comfort, joined the expo to promote their meal prep and catering business. Specializing in comfort food with Asian-inspired flavors, the duo operates out of CoMo Cooks Shared Kitchen, where they prepare rotating menus for biweekly meal prep orders and catering events.
“We’re a new business, and this is a great opportunity to get our name out there,” Coleman said. “Columbia is a supportive community, and we’re excited to be part of it.”
Ronnie Mills of Mills Sisters Honey, a family-run beekeeping company, has been selling honey and educating people about the importance of beekeeping since 2014. While he isn’t new to the business, participating in the expo was a way to expand his company’s reach. Mills’ business started with just five hives and has grown to nearly 40.
“Being here is about more than just selling honey — it’s about education and representation,” Mills said. “It’s great to see more Black entrepreneurs in spaces like this and to connect with people who want to support and learn from us.”
Mills said they have showcased their business at the expo in the past and that seeing everyone help each other gives him hope.
“Seeing the community come out in support — it’s heartwarming,” Mills said. “ … It’s inspiring to keep pushing forward and to be that inspiration for someone else.”
