Issa Rae-Curated Black-Owned Business Bazaar Coming to DTLA

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.

• DANZY - Danzy Design Studio, founded by Marshall Danzy Taulbert in 2018, is a vintage shop where Danzy uses his inspiration from his childhood and his grandmother to create unique, long-lasting pieces
• SKNMUSE - Sknmuse is a beauty brand that utilizes West African beauty practices to elevate the beauty experience for the modern black woman.
• Ascension Earth - Ascension Earth, founded by Max Hemphill in 2018, is a skincare brand that useless raw, high-quality plant-based ingredients to help users focus on spiritual and physical wellness
• SammyB Designs - Sammy B, created by Samantha Black, is a women’s ready-to-wear clothing line that is feminine with an eclectic edge.
• Miletree Candles - Miletree Candles, launched in November 2020 by Shanice, is a candle company that draws on Shanice’s Caribbean heritage to provide a tranquil and relaxing experience for consumers.
• Mel D Cole - NYC based, Syracuse NY raised, self-taught photographer Mel D Cole is one of Hip Hop's most accomplished and celebrated photographers, having worked with Hip Hop and R&B stars Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Erykah Badu and more. Aside from music, Mel’s interests include sports, nightlife and travel photography, and most recently, documenting the pandemic.
• QUEEN LA - Queen Los Angeles is a Black-woman owned creative plant store and e-commerce company specializing in premium, healthy plants & designer pots. Our mission is to enhance the lives of our customers & community with our offerings.
• no free coffee - No Free Coffee, founded by Mario Kristian in 2020, is a cafe that doubles as a streetwear pop-up shop concept in Los Angeles.
• UNION LOS ANGELES - Born in 1989 in NYC, Union is a boutique that is now based in Los Angeles, bringing its customers a curated selection of up and coming designers mixed with off-the-beaten-path high-end brands from all over the globe
• mandana blvd - Founders Cristina Ramos and Nu Goteh began vintage and contemporary decor shop mandana blvd. To be a go-to source for home goods for modern living.
• glorimer flower & company - Glorimer flower & company is a sustainable boutique floral studio based in LA.

• Jeblanc - Created by designer Jeniece Blanchet, JeBLANC is a jewelry brand focused on offering unique, well-made pieces that encourage wearers to purely express themselves artistically and channel their own sensuality and confidence.
• MILLERSROOM - Millersroom founder LA-native Marquise Miller sources unique vintage garments and objects from around the world, making Millersroom a go-to vintage supplier in the LA area.
• Babes and Felines: Created by Houston native Ciera Rogers, Babes gained popularity when it was first worn by Kim Kardashian. The brand was initially begun from a desire from Rogers to provide on-trend clothing for plus-size women, along with stylish maternity clothing.
• Eddie’s Liquor - A bookstore and creative agency that serves as a staple in the Long Beach community, offering support and a safe space for local creatives.

See also: What to Do Over the Holidays in Los Angeles