a year ago, they hoped to raise enough money to build a mobile trailer that would serve as a Black farmers market and a food truck. While waiting to see if their dreams come to fruition, they’ve hosted a series of pop-up events around Southern California, from Inglewood to Malibu.
The cosmetic chemist had traveled to her native Ghana in 2019, but when she returned to Los Angeles, she couldn’t find shito anywhere and realized she missed the flavors of home. She’s formed a community within Prosperity Market as well, and other vendors have helped her find a commercial kitchen space.
He created the California Coffee Company in December 2020. Coffee, he says, is often separated from the people of color who harvest it, so he named his single-origin beans after geographical locations where they’re grown. Addis Ababa, his light roast , for example, nods to Ethiopia’s capital and what is considered the birthplace of coffee; his earthy, medium-dark roast was christened Saan Sumatra.
“People were like, ‘How can we help you get more supplies to make more of these cookies? Can we buy these cookies?’” Mariah recalled. “From there, people wanted more and more cookies, so we ended up getting a business license and now we rent a [commercial] kitchen.” The sisters are interested in expanding their business, which can deliver in the west San Fernando Valley and ship nationally and internationally. “We hope that we can spread to the top 14 allergens and get in some local grocery stores and cafes,” Mariah said.
They decided to start Prins Wellness, an organic juice company that produces cold-pressed and whole-fruit juices. Ingredients like sorrel, passion fruit and dragon fruit make it in their drinks, and they use produce from Prosperity Market vendors like Imani Gardens, IGH Gardens, and Crop Swap L.A. Briann Battle is known for her unique plants and fresh lemonade that she makes from her grandmother’s recipe.Briann Battle was supporting a friend and vendor at Prosperity Market last February when she met Dianne and Still. The seed harvester and produce grower found herself pitching her new business, Here We Gro Gardens, to the Prosperity Market founders. By the following month, she was a vendor.