On Saturday, August 6th, LISC Toledo hosted the first-ever Multicultural Twilight Market, a free showcase of more than 60 local immigrant-, BIPOC-, and woman-owned businesses. Around 500 shoppers converged on the Toledo Farmers Market despite very hot, humid weather. Besides a great variety of local vendors selling everything from lotion to cookies to clothing to leather goods, shoppers enjoyed an energetic music mix from local DJ Amjad Doumani, as well as a dance performance from the UT Persian Student Association and a merengue lesson from Michael Bulger of The Ballroom Company.
The event was designed to provide opportunities for disadvantaged small businesses to make sales and reach new customers, connect those small businesses with free local business development resources available to them, and celebrate our vibrant, diverse Toledo. Additionally, thanks to generous event sponsors, two deserving small businesses received grants of $2,000 each.
Asmaa Chahine of Choco Couvert received the first grant, winning a tally of votes from shoppers at the event. Of Lebanese descent from Brazil, she came to Toledo in 2017 to be with her husband, Hussien, who grew up here. Baking became a way to feel more at home in a new place. She started with Brazilian treats that aren’t available here, but soon expanded to more desserts due to popular demand. This snowballed into the dessert and party business that Choco Couvert is today! Asmaa and Hussien are using the grant funds to keep up inventory and update appliances. In the future, they hope to expand their wholesale business and eventually open a café. Asmaa encourages other small business owners to believe in themselves and their goals: “Quem acredita sempre alcança” is a Portuguese saying that roughly corresponds to the English “Believe to achieve!”
Sharon Jackson of Deflame Candles was the winner of a random drawing to receive the second grant. Sharon always loved candles, to the point that she decided to try a candle making kit. As she continued experimenting with candlemaking, Sharon was frustrated that her favorite scents were frequently out of stock. The rest is history and the result of a lot of research, experimentation, and hard work! Since 2020 she has grown a dedicated local following for her incense sticks, wax melts, and more. In the future, Sharon aspires to expand the reach of her online store worldwide. Her advice to fellow small business owners is to take things one day at a time, and always take time to rest!
Participating small business vendors were also able to connect directly with business development organizations that provide free services to help entrepreneurs grow and sustain their businesses. Two vendors were referred for and have received KIVA loans, and many more connected with local organizations to receive more 1-on-1 training and support.
This event was made possible by generous sponsorship from Clark Schaefer Hackett, the Board of Lucas County Commissioners, ECDI, City of Toledo Department of Economic Development, the Human Relations Commission, and Thermatru. Dedicated volunteers from Leadership Toledo’s Signature Program were instrumental in planning and executing the event.
Due the success of last month’s event, plans are already underway for a repeat in 2023. Save the date for May 20th, 2023 at the Toledo Farmers Market (hopefully it’ll be cooler)! LISC Toledo would like to extend one final thank you to all the vendors, partners, sponsors, performers, shoppers, and volunteers who made this event happen. We look forward to seeing you next year!