From Finance to Fashion—Guess What Inspired Me the Most at the Black Business Expo in STL?

My family and I jumped into the mix of super dynamic bankers and entrepreneurs such as Gretchen Griffin, creator of Sonder Candle Co., at the 4th Annual Black Business Expo organized by Delmar Main Street STL.

Pulling up to the 4th Annual Black Business Expo in St. Louis this August 30, my family and I knew we were in for something special. Friendly golf cart escorts whisked us from the parking lot into the lively heart of the event, where music pulsed through the air and vendors lined a perfect patch of grass in the Delmar Loop. Everything—from the warm reception to the impeccably organized vendor market—inspired an atmosphere of possibility.

With more than 35 small business booths, the expo, hosted by Delmar Main Street STL, truly showcased entrepreneurial brilliance. You name it, local banks mingled amidst fashion designers, top chefs, and candle crafters, offering up resources and product magic. 

While I didn’t visit every booth, I wanted to share a few highlights that inspired me — mind, body and spirit. By sharing with you, I hope to encourage you to keep investing in and growing your unique offerings, because you’re not alone, and the world is waiting to indulge in your solutions and designs.

Banking for all Generations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiXuVpwlnL0

The first two vendors we spoke with were actually local banks: First Mid Bank & Trust and U.S. Bank. And they genuinely excited us with mention of free banking for kids and strong support for small businesses.

• At First Mid Bank & Trust, the Kids’ First Club is a fun way for youth under 19 to start saving. Each new account comes with a $5 bonus and a free piggy bank. Beyond the perks, I was impressed by their dedication to teaching financial literacy. I told my kids, “If I’d invested in Apple or Amazon in my 20s, I’d have a sizable fund by now.” Helping children deposit allowances or spare change—and showing them how those small savings can grow—is a powerful way to build wealth generationally.

  
  

• At U.S. Bank, we learned that businesses can receive a free point-of-sale (POS) system simply by opening and maintaining a business account with at least $25 in monthly activity. Ashley Nelson, a local small business specialist with U.S. Bank, says her branch at 2885 Netherton Dr. in St. Louis, Mo., is eager to support new and established enterprises, offering guidance and opportunities to secure new lines of capital for expansion— be it for purchasing a company vehicle or investing in essential equipment. “I love helping small businesses,” Nelson said. “This is what I do!”

Master Crafters are Turning Passions to Profits

After talking with the bankers, we dove into the aisles of product vendors, each showcasing passionate wares we found simply hard to resist. 

The sparkle and artistry of ShinaB Jewelry by Kashina Harper inspired my daughters and I to dream bigger, create boldly, and celebrate our own shine.

ShinaB Jewelry, by Kashina Harper, dazzled us with custom, jewel-clad hats, baby crocs, luxury bracelets, and purses dripping with gorgeous charms. Seeing her pieces, I immediately thought, Beyoncé would look amazing in these! Her work—including personalized jeweled photo necklaces—deserves to be shared and celebrated with the world.

Tarshae Cousins-Smith is a master nail artist who designs bespoke press-on nails by hand.

FingerCandy, by Tarshae Cousins-Smith, pulled my daughters in right away with her custom, hand-painted press-on nail designs. Their exotic patterns, glittering sparkles, and playful cartoon themes stood out. Her booth, equal parts creativity and empowerment, brought fresh inspiration to anyone lucky enough to visit.

The expo featured both indoor and outdoor vendors. So once we stepped inside the indoor portion, Sonder Candle Co. stopped us in our tracks with its irresistible scents. Hand-crafted by the warm and welcoming Gretchen Griffin, Sonder’s soy and coconut candles smelled like a warm hug from the one you love. One scent in particular, Suede, reminded my husband and I of a piney, romantic date night—we bought it on the spot.

We were elated to see Crafts By Beth, created by Beth Caddell (far left and right). Here, Beth shakes hands with keynote guest Darrin Henson, star of 'Family Business,' who joined the Expo the evening before for a book signing.

Crafts By Beth, established by Beth Caddell, felt like stepping into a boutique version of Michael’s. Her table overflowed with hand-made treasures: kente-cloth pillows, printable affirmations for kids, and essential oil blends like Velvet Kiss (chamomile, vanilla, jasmine) and a lavender-lemon mix that soothes children into restful sleep. “Lemon is good for anxiety,” Beth explained wisely. My personal favorite, Golden Stillness, would make the perfect linen spray.

Shameka Grambrell brought rare and colorful styles you can feel.

Style 365, owned by Shameka Gambrell, captured our attention with bold statement tees, two-tone wide-legged pants, and a pop-up fitting lounge with mirrors and chairs included for an immersive fashion experience. Shameka’s mission is unforgettable fashion and style consulting. Her goal is to help women embrace looks that align with their life goals, as Shameka is a walking embodiment of confidence, beauty, and dreams realized. 

Back Outside — Food Fetish Satisfied our Stomachs and Souls

And then—Food Fetish. Wow. Their menu’s creativity intrigued us. I’m talking mouthwatering salmon and mozzarella egg rolls, sausage and pepperoni pizza egg rolls, cheeseburger egg rolls, and classic summer festival hot dogs and fries — and more, trust! — all paired with finger-licking dipping sauces. The pizza egg roll found me chomping for more. At this point, I’m talking with food in my mouth, and tell my husband: ‘This is the best egg roll, ever!’ 

The moment my husband chuckled, the Battle of the Bands finale kicked off, electrifying the day. I mean, these young marching band troupes from various high schools held their own, pounding out heart-throbbing beats, booms, and snares. I couldn’t help but dance in the streets. Lifting my leg, then dropping to the floor, I thought: This—right here—is what the marketplace is all about: inspiring people to move, connect, and celebrate themselves.

A Call to Action Heard & Felt

Beat District Radio DJ’d the outdoor program, impressing me with their commitment to empowering adults and youth. Every Saturday, they host a teen-led radiocast that streams live, sparking creativity, conversation, and community for the next generation. If you want to support young talent, or independent radio altogether, visit today.

We also learned from a guest speaker about the 2025 Gospel Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Expo, taking place this September 5 & 6 at the America’s Center in downtown STL. They are currently accepting free vendor applications—  a great opportunity for local artsy-preneurs to showcase their work to a wider audience. (I hope to share more details on the free vending soon!)

What Inspired Me The Most 

So, what inspired me the most about this biz expo? Surprisingly, the most powerful moment of the expo didn’t hit until we got home. I told my young children to stay off their screens and find something creative. After playing with their expo swag—yo-yos, fidget toys, and a piggy bank—they began setting up a bracelet, water and popcorn shop to sell their handmade creations. They worked together on a shop sign, sketching designs, and prepping cups — a rare moment of sibling unity and furtive focus that I truly cherish. Inspiring my children in their entrepreneurial pursuits has been the best gift of the Expo, reminding me of the importance of supporting live market places, and all entrepreneurs with a positive vision to bring to the market place. 

Shoutout to Delmar Main Street STL

As I wrap this article, I want to share a heartfelt thank-you to Delmar Main Street STL and partners for organizing such a vibrant and inspiring event. Your work has nurtured our

creativity and community spirit and will continue to impact our lives long after the expo.

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Malena Amusa is the CEO and Founder of Artsy-Preneur.com, a business and marketing incubator helping your big ideas achieve maximum impact through coaching, workshops, and powerful learning experiences. A pro journalist, educator, comms strategist, serial entrepreneur, and former nationally-touring dancer, Malena has reached millions globally, helping small and mega firms transform their marketing, engagement strategy, and messaging to advance new market share, embolden brand leadership, and fuel sales and growth. Malena is based in St. Louis, Mo., serving the world.