Curate Noir Hosts Black Business Expo At Moorestown Mall Saturday

MOORESTOWN, NJ — As Nika Corbett sat at home during the coronavirus pandemic and saw issues surrounding social justice unfold across the country, the 20-year marketing veteran came to a realization.

She had the ability to get the word out about Black-and-Brown-owned businesses, and doing so suddenly seemed much more important. Corbett set out on an ambitious research project in which she learned what Black-and-Brown owned businesses were out there, and which ones she could highlight.

In September, she put out her first subscription box. In May, she opened a brick and mortar store in the Moorestown Mall. And this weekend, Corbett is sponsoring the first Black Business Expo at the Moorestown Mall, with a second expo set for the Cherry Hill Mall later in the month.

“I worked for a marketing company for more than 20 years, and it took a big hit during the pandemic,” said Corbett, the owner of the Curate Noir Shop. “I started the subscription box about Black-and-Brown owned businesses, and people became interested in the individual products. They began asking if we sold them.”

Before Corbett launched the subscription box, she had never worked with any of the businesses she would go on to feature. She researched them, made contact and put their items into her subscription box.

Since May, Curate Noir has been selling an array of products from these businesses in person. Products include spices, beauty products, fragrances, jewelry, and products from artists, authors and youth entrepreneurs, Corbett said.

“We’ve also had a slew of requests,” Corbett said. “Some customers have come in and recommended brands. Some people have come in and asked how they can get their products on the shelf.”

She’s hoping this weekend’s expo can continue the mission the store has started. Even customers who have been to her store will see something new, as many of the 50 vendors scheduled to appear don’t currently sell products at Curate Noir.

“We’re taking people from everywhere. We have people who haven’t had a chance to be in the mall,” Corbett said. “This is new for the mall as well. This is a great thing to launch.”

The first expo will take place on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., at the Moorestown Mall. The second expo will occur on Aug. 21 at the Cherry Hill Mall, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The first 50 attendees for each event will receive a free gift bag.

The event for this Saturday sold out within days of being announced, according to mall owner Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT). It will feature fashion, food, shoes, staffing-recruitment agency, jewelry, cosmetics, skin care, hair care, licensed aesthetician, kitchen items, gifts, stationery and cards, financial planning, health and wellness items, photography, home services and goods, among many more items.

PREIT, which launched its Support Black-Owned Business and Brands 365 in February as part of an ongoing effort to spotlight Black-owned entrepreneurs and brands within its portfolio of top-tier and region-leading properties in eight states. The Moorestown and Cherry Hill malls are among 10 PREIT properties to offer a Black-Owned Business Showcase in August. PREIT properties throughout the footprint have hosted activities throughout the year, including art exhibits, documentary screenings and food festivals, as a way to highlight the importance of Black-owned businesses and brands.

“We are so pleased to offer this showcase, which we hope will become a regular event,” Moorestown Mall General Manager Maria Butkovic said. “We appreciate the opportunity to open our doors and to support Black-owned businesses serving our community. There will truly be something for everyone at this event, and we look forward to welcoming these entrepreneurs and their companies.”

Black-owned businesses and the products and services featured include:
• Cupcakes/Baked goods from Geeks Cupcakes
• Cleaning services from Carter’s Cleaning
• Candles from TAJ Candles
• Fitness products and classes from Killa Waist
• Skincare from Nyah Beauty

The complete list of attendees for each expo can be found at curatenoir.com.

Curate Noir is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. More information on the business can be found on the store’s website and Facebook page.