Meet the Makers: Coobaya, The Butterland, & TruffLove

By Marilyne Njuraita

Despite the obstacles of a long-standing pandemic and overwhelming patriarchy that rarely supports women's entrepreneurship, almost half of the new businesses created in 2021 were started by women. This boom was supported by pandemic-related support the creativity and passion brewing during quarantine.

Women of color also saw an increase in business ownership with Black women taking the lead as the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs. While most of these entrepreneurs took this leap of faith to gain more control in their work and careers, it presented new financial, physical, and emotional challenges. Nonetheless, they are persevering and making their mark on their industries. 

On October 1, ìpàdé – DC’s first co-working space and community of support designed for Black women and women of color entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives – hosted their first Makers’ Market featuring women- and people of color-owned businesses.

Prior to the event, the makers and creators shared words of wisdom with ìpàdé founder, Elizabeth Gay on Instagram Live.

Coobaya

Mentwab at the Makers’ Market.

Mentwab Easwaran is the owner and founder of Coobaya, an Amharic word meaning cup or mug. Her passion for designing products began with her love for art at an early age and was brought to life when she grew tired of generic and dull cup designs. Mentwab decided to create her own that tell a story. As an Ethiopian-born woman, Mentwab has channeled the things she witnessed growing up into her art and creations. With each piece she creates, she aims to tell a story and share knowledge about her culture and traditions. Inspiration and Mentwab’s understanding of how important it is to start small when creating something new has guided her business and helped her build it into what it is today. Through her business, Mentwab has learned how essential and necessary effective communication is and how it can help build connections with people who can offer help whenever you need it.

“Keep going! Sometimes it gets discouraging but persevere through and believe in your creation and passion.”

Watch the full IG Live here.

The Butterland

Sisters Paris and Aaris connecting with another entrepreneur at the Makers’ Market.

For Paris and Aaris, co-owners and co- founders of The Butterland, inspiration was born from their family’s needs. After an unfortunate diagnosis that impacted Paris’ daughter, the sisters sought to create all-natural products that promote skin health. In their conversation with Elizabeth, they shared how their products have a purpose birthed out of love and how that guides their work. Collaboration is also important to the sisters, who are also twins. Through collaboration, they are able to grow their own business while helping others do the same.

“Support is so much more than spending money on business. Support could be telling your friends, reposting, resharing, sharing events in your community that are coming up that you want us to be a part of.” 

“Collaboration is important; it’s how community grows.”

Watch the full IG Live here. 

TruffLove

Ashlee chatting with a customer at the Makers Market.

Ashlee Adams, owner and founder of TruffLove, has channeled her love for baking into a thriving business. A bonus is that baking, for her, also functions as a stress-reliever and source of self-care. In addition to living out her passion, Ashlee also enjoys outdoing herself. She is continuously expanding her skills to the next level with new innovative food creations that reassure her of her calling. Ashlee creates custom treats for her clients' special events and shares her baking expertise through classes in the DMV area. Ashlee will lead a cookie and cake decorating workshop at ìpàdé on December 4! Check out our events page for details.

“It helps to have people in your corner who will support you and hold you down. Sometimes you need a little extra push, especially on those days when it’s hard.”

Watch the full IG Live here.


Join us at our upcoming Makers’ Market on December 3rd to support more Black women small business owners!