A flower wall decorated HERMARKET Weekends sidewalk market at Buckhead Village.
If you aren’t keeping up with HERMARKET (@thisishermarket) on Instagram—consider this your motivation to tap that follow button. The platform is our go-to for discovering up-and-coming indie brands that are owned and operated by women. Way more than just a buzzy Insta handle, the online community is an excellent resource for creators looking to connect with shoppers, influencers, buyers and local retail shop owners. Founded by Atlantans Jazlin Pitts and Kia Perry, HERMARKET also hosts pop-ups, workshops and retail experiences designed to shine a light on the brands promoting a clean and ethical consumer experience. We sat down with the boss babes to learn more about HERMARKET and their plans for 2021.
HERMARKET founders, Jazlin Pitts and Kia Perry
HERMARKET has grown a loyal following on its social media platforms. Why do you think people are so invested in this brand?
JP: Women are truly inspiring. In most cases, we are the backbone of our families, and now we are taking the entrepreneurial world by storm. Women are showing that they can be mothers, wives and friends, all while building an amazing brand.
KP: Now more than ever, women in general are making history and strides that women have never made before. Because of this, a lot of people are open to and wanting to support these women and their businesses. Plus, I just think women are magical and everyone wants to be part of that!
The platform isn’t just online, you also host several events. What has been your favorite experience thus far?
KP: Our signature markets are always fun! If I had to choose one, I would say our spring market experience was my favorite because it was the first time expanding our market to that size and we added a panel event with some of our favorite boss women and a pop-up shop.
Why do you think it’s important to continue to support these small businesses, especially following a year like 2020?
JP: There are so many reasons! Being able to directly contribute to your community and its future by supporting small businesses is amazing. I believe 2020 taught us a lot, but one of the biggest lessons for me has been to be more intentional about where I am putting my money. Now more than ever we need to invest in small businesses.
KP: Women—especially women of color—are starting businesses at an accelerated rate! We’re climbing the ladder, breaking glass ceilings and dominating in areas that are historically dominated by men. I think it’s in your best interest to support these small-business owners because there will be much more to come from them.
What’s next for HERMARKET?
JP: We are always thinking of ways to provide more resources to women-owned brands and get them into spaces that they may not have been able to get into. Our biggest goal is to be the bridge between the retail industry and women-owned brands so the opportunities are endless! We’re in the process of pivoting a bit from a service-based company to one that offers products as well, so look out for the HERMARKET Box, which will launch within the next month!
Photography by: First photo courtesy of Jameston; all other photos by Kay McCoy
