In Frederick, SOUL Street is building more than a marketplace—it’s creating opportunities for connection, discovery and lasting impact.
We connected with board members to learn about their mission, vision and ways the community can support and get involved.
For readers discovering SOUL Street for the first time, what is the heart behind this organization? What inspired its creation?
- At its heart, SOUL Street is about creating space for Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives and community members to be seen, supported and celebrated. Inequality and injustice inspired and motivated us to provide a space to create generational wealth in the Black community and create more opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to connect with customers and get the support they need to be successful.
The mission goes far beyond hosting markets. How does SOUL Street strengthen Frederick's community?
- SOUL Street creates opportunities for people to build relationships that might not otherwise happen. Entrepreneurs meet other entrepreneurs. Residents discover businesses they didn't know existed. Young people see examples of people who look like them building businesses and creating opportunities. And the community gets opportunities to celebrate Black culture in a way that is joyful, inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Many vendors are passionate food entrepreneurs, makers and small business owners. What have you learned from getting to know them?
- I've learned that behind every small business is a person with a story, a dream and a tremendous amount of resilience. When you support a local business, you're not just buying a product, you're investing directly in someone's vision and future.
How does food help tell the stories of the entrepreneurs you work with?
- Food carries culture, family and personal history, so sharing it gives people an opportunity to share their stories. It creates a natural way for people from different backgrounds and generations to connect.
What can visitors expect from the upcoming Holiday Market?
- The SOUL Street Holiday Market is really a celebration of community disguised as a shopping event. Visitors can expect great local businesses, food, music, culture and an opportunity to discover unique gifts while supporting someone's entrepreneurial journey.
Can you share a story of a vendor whose business has been meaningfully impacted through SOUL Street?
- One of the most rewarding things has been watching vendors like BK Juices, K's Banana Bread and Carmen's Kitchen, who started with us at smaller events, grow their confidence, customer base and businesses over time. Seeing someone take that first step and then continue building is a big part of why SOUL Street exists.
When someone shops at a SOUL Street market, what are they really supporting beyond the purchase?
- They're supporting someone's dream, family and future. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of community we want to build, one where local entrepreneurs have the opportunity to thrive.
What is the vision for SOUL Street over the next five years?
- Over the next five years, we envision SOUL Street as a lasting platform for Black entrepreneurship, cultural connection and community development in Frederick. The community can help by showing up, shopping local, sharing these businesses with others and finding ways to invest in the entrepreneurs we're working to uplift.
Stay tuned for upcoming events at MySoulStreet.com
When you support a local business, you’re not just buying a product, you’re investing directly in someone’s vision and future.