Empower Black Women This Small Business Saturday at Brown Mamas Marketplace!

Get ready to shop local like never before! Muffy Mendoza, the visionary behind Brown Mamas, Inc. and the exciting Brown Mamas Marketplace, is gearing up for a fantastic event this Saturday that perfectly coincides with Small Business Saturday. It’s the ideal kickoff to the holiday shopping season, and the spotlight is on empowering Black women entrepreneurs!

Since launching Brown Mamas in 2012, Muffy has been on a mission to uplift local Black mothers by equipping them with the tools they need for better health and economic success. In a landscape where resources for aspiring Black women business owners were scarce, she took matters into her own hands.

“There was a void when it came to guidance on starting and sustaining a business,” Muffy shared. Just before the world turned upside down with the pandemic, she hosted the inaugural Brown Mamas Marketplace—a vibrant platform for Black mom-owned businesses to showcase their products.

“I created this space because I knew I wasn’t alone in needing it. If I needed it, others surely did too,” she explained.

As her entrepreneurial journey unfolded, Muffy recognized the importance of additional support.

“I needed resources—tips on the legalities of business ownership, guidance on finding an accountant. But there was no one-stop shop for that information,” she noted.

This year’s marketplace will be a treasure trove of knowledge, featuring speakers and experts, including legal professionals ready to share their wisdom.

“The Brown Mamas Marketplace is all about crafting a nurturing environment where moms can not only sell their unique products but also receive invaluable support from the Pittsburgh community while learning essential business skills,” Muffy said.

The event will focus on three key pillars: womb, wealth, and wellness.

“As a mompreneur, you have to take a holistic approach to living well,” she emphasized.

Attendees can look forward to insightful talks from speakers like Tayler Clemm, known as DAWA Mama, who will dive into womb wellness, and Kahlil Darden, the innovative founder of Young Black Motivated Kings and Queens.

Tayler will share her expertise on home herbal remedies, including crafting tinctures and plant-based medicines for everyday challenges like colds and headaches.

“This session is tailored for new moms and their families, and I can’t wait to share this knowledge with my sisterhood,” Tayler expressed.

Muffy intentionally chose Small Business Saturday to shine a light on the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses in Pittsburgh—especially those without a storefront. Attendees can expect an array of vendors showcasing everything from delicious food to stunning jewelry and unique clothing, along with community organizations like the Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle and Black Women for a Better Education.

“What Muffy is doing in the city is truly inspiring,” one local entrepreneur remarked. “Her ability to bring women and mothers together to foster community aligns perfectly with my brand’s mission.”

Tyler Bowe, the creative force behind Tyler B. Apothecary, is a dedicated birth worker, herbalist, and holistic health educator focused on community and reproductive health.

“I aim to bridge our ancestral wisdom with modern practices,” she shared. At the Marketplace, she looks forward to connecting with others and shedding light on the challenges surrounding reproductive health, including food system issues and the effects of endocrine disruptors.

Also featured is Tanya Willson, the mastermind behind Secret Saks, who designs chic bags for discreetly carrying personal care products.

“Without community support, local businesses like ours struggle,” she noted. “We face tough competition from giants like Target and Walmart, yet we strive to share our unique offerings.”

The event will take place at Emerald City on Smithfield Street from 12 PM to 4 PM. “We chose a venue where every aspect—right down to the décor—supports Black-owned businesses, ensuring a complete shopping experience,” Muffy explained.

The next Brown Mamas Marketplace is already slated for spring 2025, and Muffy is thrilled to see how the event will continue to evolve.

“Our goal is to ensure varied mom-owned businesses are represented while providing them the tools to foster community,” she said with enthusiasm.