CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) — While many businesses are struggling to survive, one New Jersey resident is stepping up to improve Camden’s economic outlook.
Tawanda Jones is the founder of Masked Melanin Market. The market is an initiative launched to bring small businesses under one roof and help local economies get back on their feet during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When we first started, this vision came from none other than God,” Jones said.
Jones says he’s grateful he was able to make this idea happen when it first came to him.
“‘How were we going to do this?’ So it was basically just an afterthought,” Jones added.
The idea later blossomed, and other local businesses joined in, with the first week of the market launching on August 30th in downtown Camden on South Broadway.
However, as Jones explains, the launch site was not as well-received among other Camden neighbors, which forced Jones to decide to find a solution.
“It worked fine for a little while on Waterfront South, but then neighbors started complaining that there were too many people in front of their homes,” Jones said. Let’s move on or see what else is out there. ”
Jones said at the time that Camden County Police Officer Gabriel Rodriguez and Chief Joesph Wysocki presented the waterfront as an alternative.
“What’s next for Tawanda is really exciting,” Chief Wysocki said. “She was able to do it on Broadway and it was very successful. She could have gone beyond the Broadway area, so it’s really great that she was able to come here.” think.”
“When she first started this on Broadway, I think it was a great event,” said Officer Rodriguez, who calls Jones “family.” We’ve done it. It gives us hope that people can come here outside where it’s safe and they can make a few bucks.”
Jones is also an active youth leader. Camden Sophisticated Sisters Training Team Over 34 years as a founder.
Even when faced with obstacles when the original practice facility closed permanently in 2014, Jones continued to persevere and become a much-needed resource for the community.
“If you bring all these beauty people together, there’s a bigger vision here. This is kind of the first step,” Jones said.
The Masked Melanin Market is held every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2 Riverside Drive in Camden, New Jersey.
Other small businesses are encouraged to participate, and the cost for vendors to participate is only $40.you can Learn more about.
