Tiger Takeover: "Black Market"

TSU Student Jonalyn Fair, Business The J. Spot Experience

Student Life and Engagement hosted a Black Market at Ernest S. Sterling Student Center.

The Black Market was a one-stop shop for students to support each other's businesses. Sweet treats, cool clothes, custom pieces, art, and more were available. Services such as financial consulting and tutoring agencies were also present. The campus entrepreneurs had their tables set up, ready to make money and get business exposure. There was also a live DJ to keep the vibes rolling.

Marketing major Richard McNack brought his brand One Take Collections to the Black Market to "get my brand out there. It's always good to get brand recognition and let people see that I do sell clothes." McNack said every event TSU throws for entrepreneurs is always a good opportunity.

Graduate student Jonalyn Fair, creator of the J Spot experience, handcrafted purses with colored pencils. "My brand was birthed out of me being a multidisciplinary artist, and the purses component of the business was created because while I was studying physics, I didn't have much time to do art unless I was coloring in my coloring books; that inspired the color pencil purses and was the only purse I wore for years. After getting compliments, I decided to create more and sell them."

Janelle Watts, executive director of Student Life and Engagement, said they wanted to promote Black and minority entrepreneurship. All of the vendors were registered TSU students. "It looks like they're making money! I see lots of students with bags," said Watts.

Ms. Janelle Watts, Executive Director of Student Life and Engagement, also said the Office of Student Life is considering hosting the Black Market twice a month and opening to faculty and staff members.

Written By: Lealer Sims