About co-mrkt
Hey there! Jess here, founder of co-mrkt. I started this project in May 2021 in response to the rise of anti-Asian violence. Like other Asian Americans, I was deeply affected by the tragic Atlanta spa shootings. There were already so many anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents throughout the pandemic but this pushed me to want to do something for the community—more than just donate to an organization.
After attending a candlelight vigil in LA’s Chinatown in remembrance of all victims, I thought about how I could contribute. In this time of fear and sadness, what could I do to activate joy?
In my love for building community, event organizing, supporting small businesses, and amplifying AAPI creatives, co-mrkt was born.
Mission
co-mrkt’s mission is to amplify, uplift, and unite AAPI creators so that they have a chance to thrive by creating space, promoting integration and increasing visibility.
Through our events and activations, co-mrkt puts emerging, local Asian American and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs and small businesses at the forefront. We create space where the AAPI community can feel seen, heard and empowered to live authentically without fear.
co-mrkt is Community + Collaboration + Connection.
How can I be part of co-mrkt?
First time co-mrkt do not pay a vendor fee.
Yes, you read that correctly! Since co-mrkt’s goal is to amplify early entrepreneurs, it is imperative to make it accessible to participate.
There is an application to participate as a vendor.
Yes, because there is no vendor fee, there is a very intentional vendor application. This is so much more than a market, this is a community, so we are looking for community-focused people. Please make sure you read it through thoroughly and that you provide detailed answers.
Can I vend at multiple markets?
Yes! Now that there is consistency of events (our monthly residency at Yoboseyo! Superette) there are more opportunities to vend. The repeat vendor fee is $100 and this goes towards general co-mrkt operations.
Community of small businesses.
When you join the co-mrkt family, you are part of the growing AAPI small business community. There is a Discord server where you will be able to interact with the other vendors before, during, and after the event. We provide the space so vendors can utilize each other as resources and support as they go through being a small business owner together.
It is always an intimate shopping experience.
Compared to most pop-up markets, co-mrkt keeps its vendor count small so attendees can interact with every single vendor without feeling overwhelmed with having to choose. This also allows for a wonderful, curated variety without a feeling of competition between similar products. The only time we have more than 15 vendors is during our events for AAPI Heritage Month and our holiday market.
Impact + Movement.
Believing in the betterment of humanity and bringing the community together, we strive to have AAPI-led social service organizations and movement resources on-site at our events. This is to encourage attendees to get involved with their local non-profits and to find different forms of exercise that works for them!
“
co-mrkt creating a space for us newbies, giving us such encouragement and necessary network to grow and expand—it's really something I can't even say in words. You're doing something really special and magical. It gives someone like me hope and motivation to keep going and stick with it. I just wanted to express my sincerest gratitude for you and to let you know that what you are doing IS making a difference and it DOES matter. I can't even begin to tell you all the insecurities when it comes to being an AAPI owned business too, but that is exactly why we need more Asian businesses and representation—so thank you so much for all that you do.”
— Josephine, minimalist bb