By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
kmcneir@afro.com
Juanita “Busy Bee” Britton, founder of Washington, D.C.-based BZB International, will mark her 35th anniversary as host of a holiday tradition, dubbed “the largest African American Department store on the East Coast,” beginning Black Friday, Nov. 28.
Busy Bee, a nickname she earned during her childhood and to which she is often referred, has garnered a reputation as a leading advocate for the “Buy Black” movement, a philanthropist dedicated to initiatives in the U.S. and abroad, and an astute businesswoman.
But it’s her annual “BZB Shop Til Ya Drop” Holiday Gift and Art Show that has secured her as a legendary entrepreneur in Washington, D.C. and throughout the East Coast.
She said that while the pandemic is behind us, its economic impact continues to be felt by business owners of color. In fact, she has had to shorten the days for shoppers this year to five days instead of the traditional seven. But she remains optimistic.
“Many of America’s Black businesses who, like me, had to suspend operations or close because of the pandemic are still struggling but are surviving,” said Britton who added that she has remained committed to hosting the annual shopping event because she loves her community.
“I want our businesses to thrive – not just survive,” she said. “Bringing everyone together from all walks of life and getting consumers to spend their dollars on quality merchandise with our Black businesses is the goal. I hope this will inspire consumers to ‘Buy Black’ in their cities too.”
From humble beginnings, Busy Bee’s idea gained followers
“It’s still hard to believe that I started this in 1990 because it feels like it was just last year,” she said. “But consistency has been the key to making it successful and making it better each year.”
And while Britton acknowledges the importance of consistency, her ability to foster positive relationships has also served as a lynchpin to her success.
Several of the business owners who set up tables at the gift and art show were with her when she celebrated her 30th anniversary just before the pandemic struck. About 15 of the artists and entrepreneurs have been with her since she first began in 1990, providing collections from throughout the African Diaspora.
“In some ways we broke ground, like when we began to offer shea butter which has been used in Africa since the beginning of time and which has since become a mainstream item for sale,” she said.
Britton estimates that since its inception, her event has generated several million dollars in sales revenue for Black artists and entrepreneurs who have participated as retailers.
“This will be the real Black Friday,” she said.
In a previous interview, Atlanta-based gold and silver jewelry creator Henry “Sarge” Osaygefo, who sold his work at Britton’s show from the beginning, said in many ways, “it feels like a homecoming.”
“I’m not the only artist who is always excited about coming back because Juanita has created an art and craft family among us,” he said. “She is able to attract a clientele that is very conscious about art, receives it well, and doesn’t mind spending a few bucks for it.”
Britton said while she has many fond memories about the annual event, one woman stands out above all the rest.
“One of my favorite business owners was Helen Stubbs, who sold eclectic hats for women to wear to church,” she said. “She started with me in the beginning, and she always made a profit. But what was even more special was how excited shoppers became when they saw her each year. It felt good to be part of something like that.”
The “Shop Til Ya Drop” weekends, which over the years have attracted thousands of shoppers from around the country, continue Saturday, Nov. 29; Saturday, Dec. 6; Friday, Dec. 19; and Saturday, Dec. 20, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
As in years past, shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase items rarely seen in traditional department stores on more than 100,000 square-feet of space inside the Shiloh Family Life Center (1510 9th Street NW, three blocks north of the Washington D.C. Convention Center).
Britton encouraged shoppers who have not already patronized the event to be a part of the experience.
“If you’re looking for high quality gift items and an experience that surpasses shopping at the mall, you’ll find it here,” she said.
To learn more, visit bzbinternational.com or call 202-550-7060.
