A first of its kind winter market held in Brampton

BY: KAYLA KARIM 

A one of a kind local market was held this weekend in Brampton to promote local businesses in Brampton.

Christilene Elie and Marva Squires came up with the idea to hold a Winter Market as the two of them are both entrepreneurs and wanted a space to showcase their talent and products. They knew that there was a demand for an event like this one in Brampton and decided to have fellow entrepreneurs come out for a day of exposure and networking. The event, Jétique was held at the Terry Miller Recreation Centre in Brampton, Ontario on Saturday, December 8^th from 10am-7pm where anyone could walk through and take a look at the various stands and the products that were offered.

The local entrepreneurs had products such as jewellery, clothing, hair and skin products, arts, crafts and Christmas desserts.

Marva Squires, the founder and owner of Afrotique, is a company that sells pillowcases, bonnets, headbands, headwraps and more. Products are made from satin that is known to hold moisture in your hair. It also promotes growth and prevents breakage.     

There also were nutritional food stands, A + Smoodees and Natures Butter. A+ Smoodees is a smoothie company that creates “healthy deliciousness” in ready to consume drinks and smoothing mix powders. A + Smoodees creates mixes that contain all natural ingredients and are personalized to each individual. Their mission is to help everyone understand what they consume, why they consume it and how it will better their performance or health. Their motto is “where nutrition meets taste” as A+ Smoodees take pride in creating a healthy and good tasting drink.

Natures Butter made its debut at the Winter Market showcasing their vegan and all natural homemade butter. They are hoping to expand to various kinds of butters – ranging from unflavoured for baking use to flavoured for snacking.

Bashy’s Jewellers and Sanaa Zuri were the two jewellery stands at the market. Bashy’s Jeweller had jewellery that was imported on sale from necklaces to rings to earrings, all handpicked by Kareen Smith. Kareen is also in the process of expanding her company to various accessories and clothing in the near future.

Sanaa Zuri a company ran by Christine, who after visiting Kenya decided that she was going to learn how to craft handmade beaded pieces. Christine is still in the process of learning all of the skills of beadwork, but she sells the pieces that she creates. “Sanaa” is the Swahili word for “work of art” and “zuri” means beautiful.

Some of the other products on display included self-care items. Both Ahima Essentials and Pampered Post sell items for a healthier lifestyle and healthier skin.

Ahima Essentials, started by Angela Donkor creates lip balms and body butters made of all natural ingredients. The products are sold in care packages that can be scented, unscented and holiday themed.

Milveen Eke-Allen, the founder and CEO of Pampered Post started compiling subscription boxes designed to help moms press pause on the daily grind and focus on themselves. Each box comes packed with premium products chosen to help moms create and maintain a simple yet satisfying self-care routine. Boxes are delivered monthly with the opportunity to discover and fall in love with exciting new products.

Other booths included a printing company and wearable technology. Eli-Vate, a new printing company had t-shirts on display that had custom prints. The company is in the process of printing on all types of items from clothing to coffee mugs.

VoxxLife’s motto is “the Greatest Breakthrough in Wellness in the past 50 Years”. They create wearable neuro-technology socks, insoles and patches. The proprietary tech pattern on the bottom of the sock and insole simulates neuro points in the bottom of the feet that creates equilibrium in the midbrain. The socks and insoles are proven to increase energy, build muscle and relieve pain among many more benefits.

Brampton’s notable representatives attended the event throughout the day including, Mayor Patrick Brown, Peel Schools Trustee, Kathy McDonald and NDP representative Sara Singh.

Sara Singh browsed through all of the vendors, tasting some of the snacks that were for sale as well as purchasing some jewellery. After addressing the crowd, Singh commented on the event saying that it is the “first of its kind” to be held in Brampton.

The organizers of the event, Christilene and Marva shared that this is only the beginning of markets such as this one and there is another in the works for the New Year already.