MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – At least 20 black business owners showcased their products and services at a trade show at the ALOE Center on Sunday.
Businesses included cosmetics, jewelry, hair, clothing stores, candles, soaps and financial services.
Some business owners, like Larry Davis of Lux D’aire Cosmetics, traveled to be a part of the show.
“I came to this one in particular because it’s always a great turnout,” Davis said.
Expo host and owner of Posh Brand Management Jessica Jones-Boggan said she tries to hold the expo several times throughout the year to give small black businesses exposure to the people of Montgomery.
“A lot of them don’t have stores or an online presence, so we just want the community to know they’re here,” Boggan said.
Business owners at the show said it’s important to present yourself in person to gain the trust of potential customers.
“You want to build that relationship so they know they can trust you,” Erica Blowe of Staying Classy Boutiqu, LLC says.
Blowe noted that as a small business owner, she has been able to overcome adversity since starting her business online.
However, Blowe said she has had some trouble keeping her prices down for her customers, adding that the cost of goods and services has risen due to inflation.
“I still like my customers to be able to shop reasonably,” she said, “I really don’t want to be the place where you pay the Louis Vuitton price.”
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