By: Haley Bosselman By: Haley Bosselman | December 9, 2021 | Lifestyle, Television,
Issa Rae on Insecure, Season 4 Episode 5.
On Insecure, Issa Dee really found her place once she decided to take on her own venture that supports her community. A Los Angeles native herself, it’s no surprise that the IRL Issa Rae has the same priorities, as we will see this weekend.
From Dec. 11 to Dec. 12, American Express will open the ByBlack Bazaar in downtown Los Angeles. The pop-up marketplace comes just in time for the holidays and is curated by none other than Rae.
The lineup features Black-owned, ByBlack-certified businesses and highlights those that do not have a physical store presence in an effort to help them connect with customers during the year’s biggest shopping season. Across 16 national and local brands, shoppers can choose from fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle gifts for their loved ones (or even something special for yourself!).
According to American Express’ Shop Small Impact Survey, pop-ups like these are the third most popular activity sought out by consumers during the holidays. The event is going to make the experience extra special by offering complimentary gift wrap from Black Paper Party for any marketplace purchases and they will have live music from DJs LIV.E, Oh M.O.S. & KISS, NU, DJ Millie and Brian Henry.
Shopping during the holiday season is crucial for the viability of small businesses. In the same survey, 78 percent said holiday sales will impact their ability to keep their doors open next year, not to mention that shopping small can contribute $695 billion into the small business economy across the country.
The ByBlack Bazaar by American Express will be located at 1005 Mateo St., which you can enter from Bay Street. Saturday hours run from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
See the full lineup of businesses below.
See also: What to Do Over the Holidays in Los Angeles
Photography by: Merie W. Wallace/HBO