Fillmore’s In The Black marketplace for Black entrepreneurs opens Friday, Dec. 9

In-The-Black-opening-flier-120922, Fillmore’s In The Black marketplace for Black entrepreneurs opens Friday, Dec. 9, Local News & Views

by Jessica Mataka, Program Manager

There’s a new shopping experience opening up in the Fillmore focused on entrepreneurship and legacy creation in the Black community. In The Black opens its doors on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, as a marketplace featuring over 20 Black entrepreneurial trendsetters and creators in the Bay Area. In the meantime, In The Black’s e-commerce website is officially OPEN for business! 

Head to intheblackshop.com to check out the selection of 150+ products available for pre-order from San Francisco Black-owned businesses, and gift cards. Get ahead of your holiday shopping and shop In The Black!

Entrepreneurs featured online and in-store include the following: 

  • CIK Apparel is a Black pride clothing line owned and operated by San Francisco native Cianni Jackson. Launched in 2020, CIK Apparel’s mission is to create something women of color would be proud to wear. Growing up around a village of people fighting for equality and recognition of Black lives influenced Cianni’s passion and direction for her brand.

Harmonic Bliss Wellness was created in 2020 by entrepreneur, healer, certified reiki master and San Francisco native Ashley Mikell. Harmonic Bliss Wellness’ product line of crystals, botanical bath soaks, candles and cleansing tools is a response to the lack of access to psychological relief for Black and Brown populations and the rising occurrences of anxiety and depression. 

Urban Valley Apparel began in 2013 by owner Charles Thomas with one goal in mind: to be iconic. Charles Thomas began the Urban Valley brand as a nod to his childhood in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. His logo, the signature “UV,” is filled with insignia that represents San Francisco, from the iconic muni bus, to symbols of public housing, resilience, style, strength and hard work.

Dreamer Boyz is urban wear that began in May 2022 by Joseph Broussard, a San Francisco Fillmore District native. By combating seldom discussed issues like low self-esteem, Broussard hopes to remind people of their royal heritage and “innate ability to innovate” through his empowering pieces.

Belle Noire is an accessories company established by entrepreneur and HBCU graduate Nicole Williams. After working in the fashion industry for over a decade, Williams saw very few designers who mirrored her reflection, style and inspiration. Her personal style includes accessories from Africa and the Diaspora.

Ice Body Skin Care, owned and operated by Vickie Brown, is a small-batch, organic skincare line specializing in providing relief to those who struggle with various skin concerns. Ice Body’s products are free of chemicals, synthetics and preservatives, and can be used by people of any skin type or tone.

Check out the full list of businesses and shop by vendor or category at intheblackshop.com.

The ground breaking ceremony for In The Black took place in early September and was a celebratory morning for longtime Fillmore community members and Bay Area Black leadership. The opportunity for increased Black wealth is at the forefront of San Francisco Housing Development Corp.’s core initiatives and the ultimate goal of the new marketplace. In The Black is a space where creativity and financial freedom will flow seamlessly and go hand in hand. 

“We can’t wait to open our doors to the public in December. Luckily, you don’t have to wait until then to start enjoying these beautiful products – you can start shopping right now from your computer or phone,” says SFHDC’s Economic Development Program Director Pia Harris, the visionary behind the In The Black marketplace. 

Being located in the heart of Fillmore, In The Black is a community destination that will also be utilized to host a plethora of events inclusive of civic engagement, healing and activism. In The Black opens on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. The operating hours are from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. for everyone to enjoy a Black legacy building shopping experience during the holidays and throughout the year. 

Seed funding for the marketplace has been made possible through the support of Mayor London Breed, the Human Rights Commission, the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and the City’s Dream Keepers Initiative.

Vendors-for-In-the-Black-Fillmore-stores-1222, Fillmore’s In The Black marketplace for Black entrepreneurs opens Friday, Dec. 9, Local News & Views
Vendors getting the space ready for the big opening at 1567 Fillmore.

About San Francisco Housing Development Corporation (SFHDC)

SFHDC was formed in 1988 by San Francisco residents who were interested in combating the widespread displacement of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Governmental agencies removed residents through ‘redevelopment programs’ that disproportionately affected African Americans and other people of color. Formed by African American community leaders, SFHDC continues to focus on serving people of color and the traditionally African American Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood. SFHDC has developed or preserved over 1,200 affordable housing units, with another 700 units in the pipeline. Additional information may be found at www.sfhdc.org.

About the Dream Keeper Initiative

The Dream Keeper Initiative is a citywide effort launched in 2021 to reinvest $60 million annually into San Francisco’s diverse Black communities. This Initiative is part of Mayor London N. Breed’s roadmap for reforming public safety and addressing structural inequities in San Francisco.

SFHDC Program Manager Jessica Mataka can be reached at jessica.mataka@sfhdc.org.