Black Businesses Thrive at Lake Eola Farmers Market
By Rhetta Peoples
Even in a time when many businesses have shifted online, Downtown Orlando has become a hub for successful brick-and-mortar businesses. But, that’s not the only way businesses can make big profits. Lake Eola Farmers Market has been around for years. According to orlandofarmersmarket.com, the market began in 1987 by the Downtown Development Board to provide a shopping opportunity for residents living downtown.
Two Black businesses say they have been successful as vendors at the Lake Eola Farmers Market.
Jo Carter is a florist and former wedding planner who owns No. 1 Flowers by Jo. She sets up her business at the Winter Park Farmers Market on Saturdays and again at the Lake Eola Farmers Market on Sundays. Jo also has a brick-and-mortar version located in Windermere. In addition, they offer online shopping and deliveries. Jo told The Florida Sun, “All of our product is shipped in mostly from Ecuador and Colombia. We also teach flower workshops.” Jo started off as a Wedding Planner in 2006 and then expanded her business to offer both planning and floral. Eventually, she said, “I got burnt out with planning and stuck with floral.” Jo admits the bread-and-butter of her businesses is providing floral for weddings. They have been tremendously successful with wedding floral serving around 30 weddings a year.
Teal Kitchen is a Caribbean soul food restaurant which is attached to one of their other restaurants, Donevette’s Confections, which is a bakery. The business is family-owned and is also very successful at the Lake Eola Farmers Market. Their business started with the bakery and then grew to add hot foods to the menu. T, one of the owners, told The Florida Sun, “It was kinda like a transition. We baked first and now we’re doing food together.” T added, “We are very successful. We are here at the park every Sunday from 10 to 3.”
Photo Credit: Oscar L. Peoples
There is more to a successful business than profit. Supporting Black businesses can contribute to the economic growth of Black communities by creating jobs and generating wealth.
Also, thriving Black-owned businesses can foster great social cohesion by networking with other businesses. Networking can offer opportunities to cross-promote with businesses and that promotion can drive sales. Black business owners also serve as role models and sources of inspiration for budding and veteran entrepreneurs.
Presently, Black-owned businesses located amongst mostly white businesses often offer culturally diverse foods, products and services that people of all ethnicities enjoy. The success of Black-owned businesses in a predominantly white city or market can also contribute to more inclusivity and a vibrant and diverse economy.
