HERitage Market supports women-led companies for Women’s History Month

Ahmir Phillips 22, Inglewood, daughter of children's author RL Clark, runs their booth at the Women’s History Month HERitage Market in Santa Monica Calif., on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Clark’s online bio says “I, R.L Clark write and illustrate relatable stories in order to connect with other families. A passion for art and a love for my children equals unforgettable memories, laughs, adventure, and lessons.” (Gregory Hawthorne | The Corsair)

Cassidy Ott (left) 2, a Mathematics major at UCLA, receives a tattoo from Taylor Escarano(right) 26, Ventura, owner of Moon Wave Henna while at the Women’s HERitage market in Santa Monica, Calif., on Saturday, March 15, 2025. “This is really celebrating mostly women vendors who are here and just really sharing their small business, sharing their entrepreneurship, their inspiration behind that.” said Monique Gagnier Robinson, organizer of the Women’s HERitage market. (Gregory Hawthorne | The Corsair)

Valentina Cocco, owner of Cocco’s Treats at the 2025 Women HERitage Market, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Santa Monica, Calif. Valentina Coco said, "I opened my very first business last year. It's a dog treat business. I was a little scared at first, but now I totally am grateful and happy about it because full of challenges, but it's also very, very satisfying. And I love to meet people and go to the markets and see how the business grows.” ( Gregory Hawthorne | The Corsair)

Lana Mahmood, owner of Prana by Lana All-Natural Apothecary, explains her products at the 2025 Women’s HERitage Market at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica Calif, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Lana a recent survivor of the Eaton Fires in L.A. said "It's really amazing to see women entrepreneurs who have been fighting and have been strong enough to keep going and how difficult it is for women to be doing business on their own and just so I'm so grateful and I hope you guys can come out and support today"(Gregory Hawthorne | The Corsair)

Signage explaining products offered from Prana by Lana All-natural Apothecary owned by Lana Mahmood at the HERitage Women’s Market at 3rd St Promenade in Santa Monica Calif., on Saturday, March 25, 2025. Mahmood sells all natural coconut shell candles, herbal teas, natural skin care, natural pottery, all materials and handmade artistical goods from different indigenous farms, and villages, from Mexico, Africa, Asia. She said "We support by giving a pro a percentage of our profits back to these indigenous communities, um especially indigenous women”. (Gregory Hawthorne | The Corsair)

Women's History Month was filled with many events and celebrations in honor of women's contributions to the history of human development, emphasizing not only their economic contributions but also their spiritual ones. 

Monique Gagnier Robinson, founder of Mosaiq Creative Productions, organized a “HERitage Market” in Downtown Santa Monica, occupying two blocks of the Third Street Promenade. The market increased the prominence of local companies and created favorable opportunities for interaction with the public, attracting them to high-foot-traffic areas. Moreover, it promoted cultural enrichment and economic progress through live concerts and networking.

The market set out to empower women entrepreneurs by providing an opportunity for the community to support brands owned by women, with many local businesses taking part. This event is the first of its kind, as it has never been held before.

The event gave sellers opportunities that exceed traditional markets by integrating brand activation, live performances and interactive elements. Additionally, it has contributed to increased demand, brand awareness and engaging customers who value handicrafts. 

“With Mosaiq Creative, I strive to create events that are more than just markets — they are events that uplift, inspire, and stimulate commerce in a way that makes them seem focused and effective,” said Robinson. 

This event has cultural and artistic significance due to its concerts and increased trade. “By combining commerce with experience, the market creates a dynamic, engaging space that benefits both sellers and the broader community,” said Robinson.

The suppliers' presentations were vibrant, diverse, and carefully selected to maintain quality. The market paid special attention to women's brands that carry ethically made and aesthetic handmade goods. 

Among the small and artistic brands represented at this fair were Cielito Lindo Candles, Simply by Cheli, Cocco’s Treats, Green Goddess exercise bikes, Yoga Nest Venice, along with singer-songwriter Dakota Dry. This event was a success thanks to a close collaboration with Downtown Santa Monica Inc. (DTSM), which offered first-class facilities and urban logistics to influence both vendors and visitors. 

Future projects of Mosaiq Creative include expanding markets to new cities to provide more opportunities for women-owned businesses, international collaborations that showcase women entrepreneurs from different backgrounds, and partnering with manufacturing enterprises in the United Kingdom.