Vendors & Small Business Support

Creating space, opportunity, and practical support for small businesses and independent vendors.

House of Obatalá offers vendor and small business support as part of an ongoing commitment to community sustainability, economic opportunity, and responsible growth.

This work is rooted in lived experience. As a small business owner herself, Sara Rivera understands the realities of building, maintaining, and protecting a business especially within creative, wellness, and community-based spaces. Vendor support is offered with care, structure, and clear boundaries to ensure mutual respect and sustainability.

Purpose of This Work

Small businesses and independent vendors often need access, visibility, and guidance, not exploitation or unrealistic expectations. Vendor and small business support exists to:

  • create accessible opportunities for vendors to share their work
  • support ethical, community-aligned commerce
  • provide structured environments for pop-ups and collaborations
  • encourage responsible business practices
  • foster mutual respect between hosts, vendors, and clients

Support is practical, not performative.

Vendor Opportunities

Vendor opportunities at House of Obatalá may include:

  • curated pop-up events
  • vendor days or themed markets
  • short-term in-studio vending opportunities
  • collaborative community events
  • special event or seasonal markets

All vendor opportunities are curated to ensure alignment with the space, community, and values of House of Obatalá.

Who Vendor Opportunities Are For

Vendor support is appropriate for small businesses and independent vendors who:

  • offer quality, thoughtfully made products or services
  • operate ethically and responsibly
  • respect shared spaces and community guidelines
  • understand that vending is a professional exchange, not a favor
  • are prepared to show up with clarity, communication, and accountability

This space prioritizes alignment over volume.

Small Business Support & Guidance

In addition to vending opportunities, House of Obatalá may offer guidance and support for small business owners, including:

  • navigating early-stage business growth
  • pricing, boundaries, and sustainability
  • vendor readiness and presentation
  • understanding shared spaces and community markets
  • balancing passion with practical business structure

Support is grounded in real experience, not theory.

Structure & Expectations

All vendor and small business opportunities operate with:

  • clear communication and expectations
  • defined timelines and agreements
  • respect for the physical space and community
  • adherence to policies and guidelines
  • mutual accountability

This ensures a positive experience for vendors, clients, and the host space.

What This Is — and Is Not

This support is:

  • community-oriented
  • structured and intentional
  • rooted in mutual respect
  • focused on sustainability

This support is not:

  • guaranteed sales or exposure
  • unpaid labor or favors
  • informal or unstructured access
  • a substitute for running one’s own business

Inquiry & Applications

Vendor opportunities and small business support are available by inquiry or application, depending on the offering.

Those interested may be asked to share:

  • business name and description
  • products or services offered
  • Social Media handles & Website
  • prior vending or market experience
  • alignment with the values of the space

All inquiries are reviewed to ensure fit and alignment.

Inquire about vendor opportunities or small business support here

Professional Note

Vendor and small business support offerings are provided as community-based opportunities and guidance. Participation does not guarantee sales, long-term placement, or future opportunities.