By Marsha B. Journalist & Content Creator @HelloBeautiful
This past Sunday’s Sip, Shop, and Photoshoot was unlike any other popup shop I’ve been to before. Between the random, colorful murals shining on the streets of Bushwick, Brooklyn, and the host of vendors selling trendy sweat suits and sunglasses, this event offered a vibe like none other.Â
Located at The Living Gallery, 7 vendors and a photographer came together to provide an art-infused shopping experience that spoke to my inner creative. When I wasn’t drifting from table to table fawning over hair products and reiki-infused candles, I was observing the mini photoshoot sessions that were conducted in the gallery’s courtyard space.
Linnea Washington is the brain behind the Sip, Shop, and Photoshoot event. The photographer and creative director wanted to provide a space where Black-owned businesses could commune with the public, while marketing their products.Â
Linnea selected 7 unique vendors to be part of her event, while she provided photography for the attendees in the back. The Moroccan-themed photo backdrop-- was set up in the middle of a leafy courtyard with walls full of colorful graffiti. After she blessed the public with her photography skills, she would dip off into the cut and reappear with a printed image placed in a white frame.
Back inside, the walls were lined with a variety of Black-owned businesses with great products to offer.
E and Company is a natural hair and skin care line that will restore and maintain both your mane and your face. I’m no stranger to E & Co products. In fact, I’m a huge fan of their Rose Gold Serum and use it often. In addition to her skin care offerings, I saw a host of hair products that sparked my interest - specifically the edge control. While at her table, I put a small amount on my adult hairs and watched it immediately lay down and act accordingly. Sold! After purchasing the edge control, I was gifted with a sample of the brand’s Vitamin Water. Not only did it define my curls, it left my hair feeling completely hydrated!
My next stop was to the Noir Optix table, where I scored a new set of frames. As I picked up each pair of specs and tried them on, the owner of the brand patiently disinfected each pair and put them back on the table. Eventually my eyes fell on a pair of shades with an installed bluetooth in the arms of the glasses. Once on your face, you can listen to music and even talk on the phone. Talk about next level!Â
I eventually drifted off to One Eleven Reiki’s table where she marketed her Reiki-infused candles. Adorned with flowers and herbs, these magical candles are full of high vibes and good intentions. She also offered zodiac candles and reiki-infused sage.Â
I paid a visit to one of my favorite vendors, Steuben Vintage Closet. I’ve had the pleasure of rocking the brand’s designs in the past, so this time around I had to invest in a few key pieces I’d been eyeing on their Instagram page. If you’re a lover of urban style with a dash of preppy fashion, then you’ll love their cotton blend pieces that are customized with your initials and sometimes feature a camouflage print for a little razzle dazzle.
I circled back around to Pretty Choclate Girl’s table to gag over the accessories laid across the table. From gold knocker earrings to extravagant necklaces and rings, this was definitely a one stop shop for all your glamour needs.Â
My last stop was to TK Boutique’s table. She also sold sunglasses, but they were nothing like the ones at the other tables. Like before, I combed through each style. A lot of the frames were oversized, stylish, and full of personality. Although I had a few favorites in mind, I walked away with a pair that spoke to my inner style goddess.Â
The 7th table belonged to a patron of the arts @iamnicoleross that displayed an array of paintings with a heavy cultural influence. The canvas and art prints originated from Haitian and Ugandan artists, owned by a private collector.Â
Events like these continue to push Black creatives in the forefront. Thank you Linnea for providing a platform so brand’s can be seen, acknowledged, and celebrated. I walked away with memories captured in a photo, as well as new businesses to add to my rolodex.
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Thank you!