Black-owned businesses took center stage at Culver City’s annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 20, as vendors gathered at Veterans Memorial Park. For organizers, highlighting Black-owned businesses is a central part of the celebration.
“We put out a call to vendors earlier in the year. The criteria is being Black-owned, and as long as we had space here, we allowed them to come and sell their goods and services,” Bibbins-McKeever said. “And I’m very happy with the turnout.”
Attendees said they enjoyed the vendors, music and food at the event.
Trinity Thompson of Highland Park said she especially enjoyed the vendor booths, including trying products at The Glow Different stand.
“I tried some of the body butter at The Glow Different stand and it was really nice,” Thompson said.
Linda Nettles of Inglewood, who runs The Glow Different stand, began her business in 2021 by making body oils, butters and perfumes for herself before it grew through word of mouth.
“My sister, you know, she would come over. She’s like, oh, what’s that, let me try. So I would give her some. She’d take it to work and so her coworkers start to ask about it,” Nettles said.
One vendor’s personal wellness journeys played a key role in shaping their paths to entrepreneurship.
Gemstone vendor Empress Dei, founder of Shappelle Designs and Events, said her business developed after she began exploring wellness practices.
“My business started in 2020, but it started with my own healing journey that encompassed meditation, a lot of crystals, a lot of changes in my life like herbs, more healthy, more organic,” Dei said.
For Love, the Juneteenth celebration offered a chance to share a business that grew out of a personal turning point. “I was in an abusive marriage and had to escape from my spouse,” Love said. “I had a long talk with the Lord, and he told me to go to Michaels and get some wax. I did, and I made my first candle.”
Sea moss vendor Erica Larae, founder of Opulent Life Sea Moss, said her products came from her search for relief from injuries sustained as a dancer and choreographer. “I wanted to start a business because sea moss was something I was using for myself that worked really well for me.” Larae said.
The Juneteenth celebration is expected to return to Culver City in June 2027. For updates on future events, residents can subscribe to the MLK Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Advisory Committee email list.
Clara Carvalho
Photo – Culver City’s Award Winning Honey’s Kettle @ Juneteenth
