Another Friday means another opportunity to put another Black woman and her business on the map. Today, we’re featuring the brand East Marquette, created and conceptualized by Toccara Castleman. Not only does East Marquette make shirts that cater to men, women and children in the Black community, the products are even more meaningful because each one of them has a story and deeper message behind the words. Check out some of the t-shirts, hats and onesies on the following pages.
The Story: After continually being asked, “Can I touch your hair?” I decided that I needed an equally bold answer and thus, “Can you touch fine art?” was born.
Whether it’s your hair or your body, you have the right to make a statement about people respecting your personal space.
The Story: I grew up on the South Side of Chicago with a great deal of pride in my culture as an African American. This bag is a unique way to carry your pride wherever you go.
* Whatever your source of pride – there’s a flag for that. I currently offer Pride Bags that feature flags for: Jamaica, Black America, Barbados and Ghana
Obviously, this is a nod to the late, great and continually inspiring Shirley Chisholm.
The Story: A new spin on an old favorite. A nuanced approach to “Black Girl Magic”.
The Story: This is a play on the acronym BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle). Similarly, when your arrive to New York City or LA, with dreams of “making it” in the industry, perhaps one should also Bring Your Own Fame – BYOFame…
The Story: Society requires us to check various boxes, but time we get to decide which ones define us.
The Story: If the future is female, can the future also be full of alternate realities, options and the right to choose who one becomes?
Boys Can Toddler Tee, $22.00
The Story: Boys don’t cry? Actually, they do and they should! And they can also sing and dance and love and live and grow outside the box.
Gotta teach the babies about the agency they have over their own bodies.
Keep in touch with East Marquette on Etsy, Instagram, and YouTube.
