As we closeout Black History Month, we leave you with a presentation from August Spree on “Intentional Inclusion: Creating More Opportunity for Diversity in Vendors” that first aired at The Vendor Summit 2021. 

This session is particularly important this month because it reminds planners and organizers of ways to change our thinking and be intentional about seeking out vendors and businesses owned by historically marginalized people for the purpose of building and supporting a diverse community.

Watch the full session below and check out our list of black-owned vendor recommendations. This is just a reference list to get you started but hopefully gets you thinking in the right direction. For more black-owned vendors to work with, visit our marketplace. 

Service Vendors

1. Chef David Stample
   
   David Stample is a trained chef and certified Reiki practitioner who believes in the healing power of food. Throughout his career, David has been guided by the idea of “culinary philanthropy,” his belief that food is a powerful medium through which we can take care of ourselves and others. His passion for community involvement and bringing people together around the table has informed his work as a chef and culinary instructor, as well as in food banks, and other nonprofit organizations and purpose-driven food brands.
   
   
2. Venue56 Event Spaces
   
   Venue 56 is a rich, elegant facility that can be used for: Weddings, Family Reunions, Class Reunions, Retirement Parties, Corporate functions, Church Services, training classes, and Concerts
   
   
3. Fansub
   
   Fansub is an all-in-one tool for fan engagement, live streaming, and event ticketing. Fansub was founded in Atlanta in 2020 as the simplest way for creators and organizers to create special, ticketed experiences for their fans — no matter where they are in the world.
   
   
4. Pink Sugar Vegan Cupcakery
   
   PinkSugar is a vegan cupcakery preparing cupcakes fresh to order! All of our cupcakes are deliciously prepared fresh to order using all-natural, plant based, vegan ingredients. We refrain from using any dairy, and animal by products in our desserts!
   
   
5. Kamon Sheriff
   
   Kamon Sherriff is an Atlanta-based visual artist; painter, illustrator, and designer. Throughout his life, Kamon has always had an interest in drawing and creating. But after suffering a spinal cord injury in 2010 while in school for software engineering, he found himself with a lot more time to focus on art. After a journey into creating music, Kamon has settled into and found his purpose through creating visual artwork.
   
   
6. Melas Media
   
   Melas Media, LLC. is an innovatively ground-breaking media production company created in 2010 under the Melas division of Myriad Entertainment Group, LLC. Boasting a diverse portfolio of photography, video production, and design projects, Melas Media is poised to be one of the world’s cutting edge media companies. Centered around developing captivating creative content and high definition videos with high quality special fx, Melas Media caters to all industries looking for effective and strategic marketing campaigns.
   
   
7. Pretty Luxe Picnics
   
   Pretty Luxe Picnics & Affairs Atlanta is a full service luxury picnic company, that specializes in creating luxurious and upscale picnics settings and beautiful table-scapes for any gathering, whether large or intimate. We love nothing more than creating beautiful designs for each of our clients, from a sophisticated high-class afternoon tea picnic with the girls to a romantic & intimate evening that ignites the love between two people.
   
   
8. Ideal Media
   
   As a DJ/Audio-Visual Technician/Music Producer, DJ-HD can creatively combine Sound, Lighting, and Video to get you the outcome that you’re in search of.   “My aim is to combine skill, technology, interactivity, fun, and quality to provide a professional service for all of my clients. Being passionate about the craft of DJ’ing, assisting others with their important moments, and getting a kick out of seeing people have fun, is what makes this the best profession (for me anyway).
   
   
9. TableMade
   
   TableMade is your one stop shop for all your entertaining needs. Our assortment is expansive and unique. We have everything from 24K lined charger plates to specialty dyed glassware. Simply rent from our collection of curated collections and return once the party is over! So, call an old friend. Treat your loved one to an at-home dinner for two or dream up the most amazing tablescape at your reception. Bring together the gals, or guys, and reconnect at the table.
   
   
10. Machee Creates
    
    Machee Creates is a creative business owned by Machee Kelly. Machee is a Washington DC native and creative enthusiast.  Since her youth, creating has been her passion. In high school, she would design fashion illustrations and transform them into garments, but soon realized she enjoyed illustrating more than sewing textiles. Her entrepreneurial journey began in college, as she worked to create extra income for education expenses and her daughter. During that time she focused on print design and
    
    
11. Amarachi Ikeji Photography
    
    Amara Ikeji, the woman behind the lens of Amarachi Ikeji Photography, first picked up a camera during a fashion internship in college and hasn’t put one down since. She serves clients in New York City, Philadelphia, and Europe and strives to capture “stylish moments of love and beauty.” She has been featured BRIDES, New York Times & more and was also named Best Wedding Photographer in America by Brides.
    
    
12. Get Plated
    
    GetPlated is locally owned by a husband and wife team: Keyon & Alexandria Hammond! This duo shares a love for the kitchen and family. Keyon is the leader of the squad, a classically trained chef with an edge that brings bold flavors, refinement, approachability and more than 12 years experience as a platinum country club chef.
    
    
13. The Jam Band
    
    The Jam Band is a Port Saint Lucie, FL-based wedding band that services the coasts of Florida and beyond. Owner Jamilia Anderson, otherwise known as Jamilia Hall, started this band in 2013. Since then, this group of talented performers has thrilled wedding guests with a high standard of live musical entertainment.
    
    
14. Sister Fitness
    
    We are Daneka and Karadai we are 2 sisters and qualified fitness coaches who have come together to bring soca power fitness to you, we run fitness sessions and instruct online to power music that gets people moving.
    
    
15. Party Starter Photo Booth
    
    We are a photo booth and photo installation company that specializes in brand and corporate events.  The company is run by a photographer who has a high level of attention to details, highly organized, with the creative expertise to develop the best photo experience for your event. We have digital booths, virtual booths, printing booths, event photography, and 360 video booths.
    
    
16. Encaptivating Events
    
    Encaptivating venue is perfect for: Bridal Shower, Baby Shower, Corporate Meetings, Pop Up Shops, Private Dinners, Rehearsal Dinner Tailgate party, Wedding Reception, Wedding Ceremony and so much more!
    
    
17. Axum Creative
    
    Great photographers visually reflect truth, inform or educate audiences by making images which provoke thought and promote “Life-Stylized” as well as narratives of hope, beauty and culture rather than highlight ugliness or mockery. Axum Creative is for community-conscious businesses using social-first strategies to redefine the negative visual landscape, represent identity and cultivate community. We champion advocacy for equity in education, entertainment and social justice sectors by crafting distinct photographic images which result in positively shifting societal perceptions of the mis-represented.
    
    
18. Nina Lei Images
    
    Lesia is a freelance photographer beginning her journey on September 1, 2018. She has been an integral part of grand openings, engagement sessions, graduations, maternity shoots, etc. where the clients are most full of JOY! We pride ourselves on quality customer service and lightening fast return on images.
    
    
19. Quinn Conyers Emcee Extraordinaire
    
    Quinn Conyers has over 16 years of in-person and virtual public speaking and event hosting experience. She has served as an engaging Event Emcee for organizations such as Nike, Tedx, Black Speakers Network, Maryland Public Television annual Women’s Conference, and the Better Business Bureau to name a few. Quinn’s superpower is her E-Factor which includes a beautiful blend of Energy, Engagement, and Excitement resulting in the transformation of an average event into an epic experience.
    
    
20. Acute Inflections
    
    A velvety mix of Erykah Badu & Billie Holiday paired with the cool grooves of her 007 on bass” is how one reviewer described Acute Inflections, New York’s sultry duo led by a former Broadway singer. They can often be found entertaining their clients (United Nations, Mercedes-Benz, etc.) at high-end events across the country. They have shared the stage with Jennifer Hudson, Keith Urban, and other notable artists at some of these events. Their albums are always favorites on the jazz charts, and their shows are both fun and enchanting. Just prepare yourself, because these sassy artists love engaging their audiences!
    
    
21. Innovative Specialty Gifts, LTD.
    
    Promotional Products are tools used to market, create visibility and generate conversation about a Brand. Branding is about what you’re known for and who you are.  It’s about the style in which you market yourself and how your distinct from everyone else.  Think of a Corporate Gift as not just a gift but an investment in your Brand! Unlike other advertising media, Promotional Products are much more than simply a way to publicize a business or Brand. Their physical presence and long-lasting usefulness increase recipients’ engagement with the team, reinforcing the logo or message through multiple impressions.
    

Marketplace Vendors

22. Nywele Luxe
    
    Nywele Luxe is a luxury haircare company where your crown is our inspiration. We believe that there is a better, easier, and more affordable way to keep your protective styles and natural hair preserved, fresh, and most importantly long-lasting with our long bonnets, shower caps, and refresher kits. Our hair products refresh, soothe, stimulate and speak to all senses.
    
23. Forever PRG
    
    Make customizable metal tumblers, keychains, pens, and badge holders. I make bariatric gowns that are customizable w/the option to add vinyl images 3D mask and scrub caps
    
    
24. Leap Forward Publishing, LLC
    
    We are a black and woman owned book publisher dedicated to developing and promoting books with a focus on diversity and inclusion. We also offer self-publishing coaching services.
    
    
25. The Emerald Effect Co.
    
    The Emerald Effect Co. was started from a love a crafting and creativity. The month of May is near and dear to my family. From this an EMERALD was born. The Emerald is a symbol of inspiration, patience, embodies unity, compassion & unconditional love. Wouldn’t you like to experience The Emerald Effect?
    
    
26. Diane’s Dazzle
    
    Diane’s Dazzle sells beautiful 100% nickel and lead-free Paparazzi jewelry, that will make your heart glow with happiness.
    
    
27. Mommies Beauty
    
    Mommies Beauty is the creator and maker of the organic rice water, hair oil, shampoo and conditioner.  Made with love and care,  our products ensures and promotes blood circulation and hair growth.
    
    
28. Oil On My Hands’
    
    Oil On My Hands’ creates organic ingredient items to soothe the body and soul. Organic ingredients such as Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, Sweet Almond Oil to name a few that will help nourish and moisturize your skin with their natural properties. Oil On My Hands’ products are handmade with love for every “Beautifully Flawed” person!   We hope that you love our organic-made to order products just as much as our family and friends.

Ways to support these vendors: 

• Book them for an upcoming event. 
• Refer them to an organizer or agency that plans events. 
• Follow, like and share their work. 
• If you’ve worked with them, leave them a review.
• If they are product based, buy something! 
• Invite them to speak, sponsor or vend at your event where they can meet potential clients and customers.

These are just a few examples but there are several ways to support. Let’s be more intentional with our vendor relationships and help make events a more inclusive industry.