Spanglish Small Business Expo debuts in North Charleston, bridging communities

The unveiling of the first Spanglish Small Business Expo was Saturday.

The North Charleston event promised a day of connection, collaboration, and commerce with over 63 vendors, food trucks, and an array of attractions.

From jewelry to photography, to clothing, and technology, the Spanglish Small Business Expo had it all.

The event creates a place for business owners to network with one another, learn from one another, and promote all they have to offer.

Roxana Massie, the Founder of the Expo, says, “it’s a great opportunity for all the entrepreneurs and the small businesses that want to create, to join this new alliance, business alliance here in the Lowcountry area where we are combining both communities together to do business and break the language barrier.”

One of the goals of the expo was to give support to small businesses and create awareness of the community.

“We are aiming to just pretty much support everybody and then just make awareness of what we have here,” Massie added.

And for business owners in attendance, the event did just that.

“It helps me especially for the Spanish people and for the other people to be here. So I get connection with them and I already have their numbers,” said Rose Newman, an owner of a photography business.

This expo also created a special place in the hearts of immigrants who were searching for community outreach opportunities.

“I’m elated. As being an immigrant myself to this country and understanding the importance of making sure that outreach is touched by everyone and to bring the services to the communities and support communities are really important and close to my heart,” said Tischia Khouri, the Founder and CEO of Khouri Group.

“This is key to our outreach efforts. This allows multiple interaction with all different business owners” added Doug Morton, a representative with the Bitcoin Outreach Group.

The event also featured three “power hours”, one talking about the history of the Expo, and how it came to be, another featured a panel discussion, and one that addresses the ups and downs of owning a small business.

Massie is excited to see this Expo grow and is hoping to host the next expo around this time next year.