Black Woman Market exceeding expectations in Montreal retail
A small shop in Montreal that opened for Black History Month will be staying open longer after it exceeded expectations and is drawing customers interested in unique and locally owned businesses.
Amina Sall is the co-founder of the Black Woman Market, which gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to show their wares.
"It was a dream coming true and it was a little bit surprising for us," said Sall.
The idea for the story was to give Black-owned businesses more visibility for their products by opening in Place Versailles for February.
"Our products are amazing," said Sall. "These products cater primarily to black women, but they are suitable for any type of woman or man. We have spices that can be used by women or men. It's just that they remind us of where we come from. They're made out of ingredients that we know."
The concept gives business owners like Gagnissiry Mbow the opportunity to get personal with her clients without huge overhead costs like rent and utilities.
"It's amazing," said Mbow. "I heard I'm the number one seller of the store, so that's a beautiful thing, so I'm glad that people are loving my products."
Aisha Temfack said that despite the increase in online sales, customers enjoy coming in person to a brick-and-mortar store.
"I have a website, and I sell online, but people always ask me where can I see the bags, where can I feel the texture? Can I put my laptop inside? And now I have a place," she said.
In addition, the space creates a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
"We always say alone, you go fast, but together you go far," said Temfack.
The owners say opening hours may be extended further.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | Majority of MPs vote for foreign interference special rapporteur Johnston to 'step aside'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's efforts to assure Canadians that his government is adequately addressing the threat of foreign interference took a hit on Wednesday, when the majority of MPs in the House of Commons voted for special rapporteur David Johnston to 'step aside.'

UPDATED | 'I heard a cracking noise': 16 children, 1 adult injured in platform collapse at Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar
Seventeen people – most of whom are young students – were hospitalized after a falling from a height during a field trip at Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar. However, many of the children are now being discharged and sent home, according to an update from the hospital.
Federal Court of Appeal: Canada not constitutionally obligated to bring home suspected ISIS fighters
The Government of Canada has won its appeal and will not be legally forced to repatriate four Canadian men from prisons in Northeast Syria.
What you may not have known about bladder cancer
Although bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Canada, experts say there’s a significant lack of awareness surrounding whom it affects the most — statistically, men — and that the most common risk factor is smoking.
Canada is first to require health warnings printed on individual cigarettes
Canada will soon require health warnings to be printed directly on individual cigarettes, making it the first country to implement this kind of measure aimed at reducing tobacco usage.
Study identifies the rise and fall of lifestyle habits during pandemic
More than three years after COVID was declared a global pandemic, a new study is looking at how the international health crisis has changed the lifestyle habits of Canadians.
Ottawa sends minister to Nigeria inauguration after accusing party of terror link
A year after arguing Nigeria's ruling party is responsible for terrorist acts, the Trudeau government has sent a cabinet minister to celebrate the swearing-in of its new president.
What slowdown? Economy outperforms, raising odds of a rate hike
The Canadian economy grew faster than expected in the first three months of the year and likely expanded again in April, fuelling speculation that the Bank of Canada will raise interest rates again.
Canada saw decline in fresh fruit, vegetable availability in 2022: StatCan
Statistics Canada says fewer fresh fruits and vegetables were available to Canadians in 2022, due to factors such as ongoing supply chain issues, labour shortages and price increases.