tevShop Update: A Day at the Sistahs in Business Expo

It was a beautiful April Saturday, one of the best weather days thus far in 2018. The ballroom of the Ramada-Newark Airport in Newark, NJ was bustling with activity, as businesswomen from all over the region were preparing for a day of sales, demos, exhibitions, and networking during the inaugural Sistahs in Business Expo. I was one of those excited (but nervous) vendors. My post was Table #20, my wares - an eclectic mix of vintage and new clothing and accessories. As a side project, I started the tevShop on Instagram to satisfy my love of finding unique pieces to add to my wardrobe. Growing this business has been a labor of love, some sweat, and an ever-increasing number of happy customers. So when my fellow Gamecock sister, Aisha Taylor-Issah, announced that she had started a new business for businesses, I decided to take that leap of faith and purchase a table and support my friend in any way I could. To prepare the tevShop, the weeks leading up to the Expo consisted of late night Amazon shopping, last minute Vistaprint orders (though I still forgot my business cards at home), and lots of vintage hunting (my favorite part). I had to make sure that the first ever tevShop display was appealing to potential customers!

I guess I underestimated how many people would have been interested in my items, which is a good thing. Once the doors opened, the wave of shoppers was an energy jolt that kept coming and shopping all day long. Stylish ladies bought earrings, bracelets, mesh tops, a sparkly cocktail dress from the 70s, a few clutch bags, and much more. My super-supportive husband was the best (and cutest) sales associate ever, as he helped me with hanging earrings, bagging items, set up and breaking down. It was a long day, but we were so happy to have participated in such an important event.

It is easy to have dreams or goals that you think about and pray about. What really proves strength and grit is the action that one takes to put those dreams and goals in motion. Throughout the Newark Sistahs in Business Expo, there was so much encouragement, unity, and positivity. Speakers included Hip Hop Legend and Philanthropist MC Lyte, Finance Expert and Motivational Speaker Lynn Richardson, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Radio Personality Jasmine Sanders, and many others who shared advice about self-care, business development, credit, etc. for women, specifically black women who are creating businesses at rapid pace. Fellow vendors were diverse in their businesses, but shared the common denominator of pushing towards creating their success on their own terms. The planning and coordination were on point and remarkably professional. As a budding business owner, I sincerely appreciate Aisha Taylor-Issah's vision for the Sistahs in Business Expo. Her determination and drive are matchless, and I look forward to applauding all of the many successes in her future! 

Join the Movement! Support Sistahs in Business!!

My beautiful booth! tevShop at Sistahs in Business expo - April 14, 2018

We need events like the #SIBExpo to flourish! Support these Sistahs by attending the event when it comes to your area. If you are a business owner, please sign up for a table, you won't regret it! 

Upcoming dates are listed below. Click the links below for more information on the Sistahs in Business Expo.

Philadelphia, PA - July 14, 2018 

Columbia, SC - August 11, 2018

Atlanta, GA - October 13, 2018

Instagram @SIBEXPO  #SIBEXPO  #SistahsinBusinessExpo