Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Kearney.
Hi Marissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was shopping at a local Target in 2020 and to my surprise, found a Black Santa Claus figurine and other items that acknowledge Black people also enjoy the spirit of the holidays. It inspired me and I decided to begin creating content that offered a different view of the “while Black” shopping experience and to highlight Black-owned brands being sold.
Shortly thereafter, TargetWhileBlack and RetailWhileBlack were born.
I’ve been able to highlight a lot of great Black-owned and founded brands. I have also been able to learn more about the retail business through different partnerships along the way. It’s been great finding my voice through the content I’ve created and offering a platform to many deserving businesses.
It has even lead to me becoming an author of Truth Tales: The Air Fair-He
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! Smooth is not the word. I had to make a lot of mistakes trying to figure out what it meant to be a content creator who also wanted to make a difference. In the beginning, there was endless criticism and a lack of funding.
Additionally, finding your community online is not easy. If you have ever read the comment section, it can be extremely negative on your favorite creator’s page; it was most likely because the algorithm brought people who did not align with their content. Until I found my Target audience (no pun intended), I had a ton of DMs questioning my existence.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have spent a significant amount of time curating an audience that understands my mission to support Black-Owned brands in retail. Each time people walk into a store, I want them to think, “How can I be a more conscious buyer” or “Can I find a diverse/small/local business that makes this item in-store”. So far, I have changed the thinking of over 500K people.
What makes me different as a content creator is I have a mission and provide education to support that mission daily– in my own way. I use all of the products I share, and I buy most of them myself too. I think with enough eyes and knowledge we can change the look of box retail in 10 years. There will be more small brands and less conglomerates with 100 skus.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am an introvert, but I am good with people, listening, and talking. After a long day of girl-bossing, you can find me driving home in my car in complete silence. If I participated in a really big event, I may even stay in my bed and read the next day trying to find the energy to do it all again! And I have read the same series as comfort every year for 20 years, Harry Potter.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.retailwhileblack.shop
- Instagram: retailwhileblack
- Facebook: retailwhileblack
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/targetwhileblack/
