Two women, Ms. Handy and Ms. Stewart, had the idea to sell vintage and antique items that represented the experiences of Black people in America. They noticed a lack of representation in shops and decided to create their own business, BLK MKT Vintage, in November 2014. They eventually quit their jobs in academia and opened a physical store in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Their vintage collection now includes unique items such as a draft script of Spike Lee’s film “Mo’ Better Blues” and a photograph of Malcolm X at a protest. They often lend their items to projects like the HBO series “Insecure” and “Saturday Night Live” on NBC.
Running the business has taught them important lessons about community, collaboration, compromise, and shared vision, despite their separate interests and values, according to Ms. Stewart.
On February 3, 2021, Ms. Handy surprised Ms. Stewart with a proposal at their shop. After accepting the proposal, Ms. Stewart revealed that she had been carrying her own ring box for two months, waiting for Ms. Handy’s proposal. They both wanted the moment to be special and meaningful.
The couple celebrated with their family members and enjoyed a meal from Golden Krust, a Caribbean restaurant chain. They were married on December 9th at Peaches Prime, a Brooklyn restaurant, with 75 guests in attendance. The ceremony was officiated by their friend Jasmine Mans, a poet who was previously ordained by the American Marriage Ministries.