A Milwaukee neighborhood is getting a first-of-its-kind market, highlighting the work of underrepresented business owners and artists.
Mercado Magic was started by Mariyam Nayeri, a Milwaukeean and entrepreneur who wanted to cultivate an inspiring space for the many talented local entrepreneurs of color who may not necessarily have a brick-and-mortar home just yet.
Mercado Magic rotates different businesses every weekend at its storefront inside Botanica Galactica, 719 S. 5th Street.
Here are just a few of the businesses rotating through the Mercado Magic space:
Ruby’s Bagels
Owned and started by Daniella Varella, Ruby’s Bagels offers a variety of freshly made, hand rolled bagels. Ruby’s Bagels got its start earlier this year and has already sold out multiple pop-ups at Mercado Magic and other local markets.
Algo Dulce
Algo Dulce offers "culturally conscious" Mexican sweets. From healthy conchas (Mexican sweetbread) to vegan tamales, Domonique Alvarado’s take on traditional Mexican meals is a uniquely dope spin on traditional Mexican food and desserts.
Conxa Apparel
Described as “streetwear para nosotros,” or “streetwear for us,” the Conxa Apparel brand sells stickers, shirts, and prints inspired by Mexican leaders and culture. One of their popular pieces remixes Frida Kahlo, Rosie the Riveter and the traditional concha sweetbread.
Penelope Irene Vintage
This contemporary resale pop-up shop curates sustainable vintage clothing for the modern woman. Run by a young Latina woman named Vanessa and her daughter A. Penelope Irene. Penelope Irene Vintage also sells its clothing online.
MaShe’s Shea & Botanicals
Started by Maleisha MaShe, this Milwaukee business offers handcrafted, high quality botanical body butters, traditional African waist beads and organic beeswax candles for meditation and self-care.
Rumaneh Nourish
A woman named Bisan started this self-care brand which is inspired heavily by her Palestinian heritage. Rumaneh Nourish offers a number of skin and face care products such as face masks, oils, lip balms and mists.
Xeroine Illustration
Yessica Jimenez - who goes by her artist name Xeroine – is a Xicana visual artist and designer whose work focuses on the female identity and spirit. Her art empowers women of color through representation, she says. Jimenez also recently worked on artwork for Milwaukee rapper Zed Kenzo.
Find these businesses -- and many more -- at the next Mercado Magic on Saturday, May 4.
For details on which vendors will be selling at the next market, visit the Mercado Magic’s Instagram page here.