Foregrounding inclusivity and community, BIPOC-led markets across the greater Seattle area have been thriving in recent years, and many will be showcasing local talent this summer. These markets have sought to redress the staggering absence of markets centering BIPOC entrepreneurs and to reduce the often high barriers to entry such as application and vendor fees, bias in selection processes, and lack of mentorship. These markets support diverse communities of vendors with businesses that range from food and drinks to arts and crafts, apparel, beauty, and even performance. Here is your guide to several BIPOC-led markets in the Seattle area and beyond.
When you walk into Noir Lux Candle Bar in Belltown, you are greeted with a unique ambiance. Colina Bruce, CEO & chandler (maker of candles), has put together a space that feels like an Instagram-worthy living room, but this space is for more than socializing. Here, you can sit with friends and create a one-of-a-kind candle as Beyoncé plays in the background.
San Fernando’s Roasted Peruvian Chicken restaurant on Rainier Avenue South was known for its pollo a la brasa and crispy-skinned roast chicken, as well as for hosting joyous parties and live music. The walls were adorned with posters of Peru and art that owners Walter Diaz and Nancy Bautista had collected over the years. But after occupying the space for a decade, their restaurant has been forced to relocate to SeaTac. Soon their building will be demolished and replaced by an 8-story apartment building with retail space.
