Note from BW of Brazil: The so-called Afro-Brazilian entrepreneurialism has seen an enormous surge in recent years with a number of initiatives targeting the specific market tastes of the black community and led by small business men and women. And in Salvador, Bahia, the city with a reputation for its large black population and being the epicenter of Afro-Brazilian culture, recently we saw yet another example of this entrepreneurial spirit.
It is an absurdity that in the city known as ‘Black Rome‘, Afro-Brazilians still see such few images of themselves, which was echoed in the words of Bahian designer Carol Barreto when she said, “to construct a globalized image still today is to photograph a model as blond as possible, even being in Salvador, a city with great black majority.” This is the reason a 2014 beauty contest held in 75% black Bahia turned heads when 75% of the models were in fact white. These are the reasons why we need to see more initiatives such as when “entrepreneurs in Salvador, Bahia joined forces for a new online venture that uses 100% black business owners and models!” or the “beauty box” offered by the group Afrô BOX, that proves the market demand is there. Let us always remember: power will NEVER be ceded by one’s oppressors!
Salvador gets it first multi-brand Afro-Brazilian fashion box
By Donminique Azevedo of Correio Nagô
Ever thought of a place that brings together only marcas afro-brasileiros (Afro-Brazilian brands)? This business model exists and will be inaugurated in Salvador this Saturday (01).
This is Afrobox, the first box in Salvador to bring together only brands focused on moda afro (afro fashion).
The initiative promises to revolutionize the fashion market by giving the general public a new perspective on aesthetics, with innovation, quality and identity itself.
For founding Soteropolitan (Salvador native) businessman Yan Ragede, the business is a new development path, especially for black entrepreneurs, since Afrobox works collaboratively, and is based on the Ubuntu philosophy, coupled with the precepts of Economia Criativa e Colaborativa (Creative Economy and Collaborative).
“It is a moment of celebration not only for the innovation in launching the first afro multi-brand in the Bahian capital city, but also for being able to value ancestridade negra (black ancestry), beyond the standards. This is also breaking paradigms,” says Yan Ragede.
“Fashion is not only a matter of ostentation, but also of expressing your identity, it is a particular manifestation” – Yan Ragede
The official release will feature several artistic events starting at 2:00 pm, in front of the Afrobox store, in the parking lot of Shopping da Gente (Avenida ACM, in front of the Detran subway station)
MARKET
More and more consumers are concerned about the recognition and appreciation of the clothes and accessories they use; this public that sees in clothing a way to display their identity. On the other hand, the Afro fashion market is growing significantly, led by black entrepreneurs.
According to Sebrae data, in Brazil, blacks represent a majority in the entrepreneurial sector. Between 2002 and 2012, 50% of micro and small entrepreneurs declared themselves pretos ou pardos (black or brown), 49% self-identified as brancos (whites).
JUNTOS SOMOS MAIS FORTES (TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER)
The box model is designed through a chain of shared services and products, bringing together entrepreneurs willing to contribute their skills and knowledge to the development of each business, thus offering not only a space for entrepreneurs to sell their respective products, but a place that enables and help in understanding the market, the target audience, and the business plan.
Source: Correio Nagô
This story is what I love to read about people doing their own thing and not taking a handout from others. These stories are what the young people should read about and take cues as a lesson.
I was just in Salvador, Brazil and was so enthralled to see such a vibrant community of people with such pride in themselves! A complete contrast from Afro-Colombians!