For the second year during the team’s Inspire Change-themed game, the Washington Commanders invited a group of Black-owned, DMV-based businesses to showcase their work at FedExField.
“I think it’s an awesome opportunity to reach a crowd of people I haven’t reached and spread my art to a larger audience,” said Beezy Young, founder of Wood You Wear. “I hope this continues to inspire people to support small business and specifically small Black businesses.”
In addition to Young’s Wood You Wear, Heart of the City Candles, Ar’ryles, The Museum and D.C. Proper were invited to vend at FedExField’s West End Zone Pavilion during the team’s Sunday Night Football game against the New York Giants. While each of the businesses in attendance specialize in different items, they share a mission of empowering patrons and their community with their craft.
At the game, Young offered a glimpse at Wood You Wear’s selection, pieces which she describes as “wearable art.” Her shop features her handmade pins with sayings such as “You got this” and “Honor your journey,” which, as she puts it, serve “as reminders of whatever affirmation you might need.”
Next to Wood You Wear’s table, the Ar’ryles brand displayed its assortment of turban headbands known as the Halo Collection. Ar’ryles brand founder Ashley Beasley has a goal to make on-the-go women feel comfortable without sacrificing style and calls the Halo Collection items “that one, all-inclusive piece that takes your outfit to the next level.”
Beasley appreciated the spotlight offered by the Shop Black Holiday Market on the big stage of Sunday Night Football and hopes the impact of the initiative continues to reverberate far past the stadium walls.
“I think it’s important that the Commanders are giving us a platform so that people can know we have great ideas, we’re passionate, we’re successful businesses. More than just a Black business, we’re successful businesses in general,” Beasley said.
