Tawanda ‘Wawa’ Jones: Mask Melanin Marketplace Moves to Glassboro
Tawanda "Wawa" Jones. Photo courtesy Jeffrey Meyers.
AC JosepH Media
CAMDEN — Tawanda “Wawa” Jones officially announced today that the Mask Melanin Marketplace will, in fact, be leaving her home city of Camden for a new destination: Glassboro.
“This opportunity has been a true blessing for me and the vendors that participate in our marketplace,” said Jones, founder of the Mask Melanin Marketplace and Camden’s Sophisticated Sisters, a nationally recognized drill team. “Marcus Lewis, the property owner, is all about supporting and promoting black owned businesses.”
The Mask Melanin Marketplace, a black owned business hub, will begin its residency at 150 South Delsea Drive, Glassboro, a municipality located in Gloucester County and home to Rowan University, on Aug. 22. It will be open from 2-8 p.m.
“For me, it’s all about developing opportunities for people that look like me, like-minded people, and creating a legacy,” said Marcus Quince Lewis, the owner of the property and principal of By Land or Sea LLC. “My grandparents came here from Virginia with an entrepreneurial spirit and determination and I want to continue down that path.”
Over 400 small business owners participate in the Mask Melanin Marketplace. Cheryl “CeCe” Lingard, owner of CeCe Lings Fresh Juices N Things, has been participating in the marketplace for the past year and is thrilled about the move.
“Glassboro is going to bring us a new clientele, market, and opportunity to grow,” said CeCe Lingard. “I’m personally going to take advantage of this move by bringing natural juice products to consumers that may have limited access to freshly made juices.”
The Mask Melanin Marketplace will be offering patrons music from DeeJayRob865, artists Jo Rivers and Cianni Abri, a bounce house, game truck and 360 camera.
“The outpouring of support from the vendors and community has been inspiring,” said Jones. “This is a new chapter for all of us.”
Following its Aug. 22 debut, the Mask Melanin Marketplace will be open the following Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Friday, Melanin After Dark, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. A Kidz Zone with certified childcare will be available on-site in addition to transportation for senior citizens.
Additional details regarding the schedule. of the Mask Melanin Marketplace can be found on www.maskmelaninmarketplace.com.
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