What started as a few vendors under a marquee in Thamesmead has blossomed into a London-wide celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Black Excellence CIC began with a shared vision between co-founders Tricia Blake and Natalie Royer to create platforms that spotlight Black talent and foster community wealth. Their vision was rooted not only in visibility, but in sustainability; ensuring Black-led ventures had not just space, but structure.
Since our inception, we’ve hosted landmark events like the Black Excellence Weekender and partnered with local councils such as Islington and Tower Hamlets. Our vendor-first philosophy means our events are designed with business owners in mind: flexible stall fees, exposure to new audiences, marketing support, and mentorship. These moments aren’t just milestones, they’re living proof that grassroots power, when nurtured, becomes unstoppable momentum.
We’ve helped entrepreneurs move from hobbyist to full-time trader. We’ve given platforms to artists who now have gallery deals. And we’ve worked with youth who never thought they’d call themselves CEOs—until they did. From the very beginning, Black Excellence CIC wasn’t about creating just another market; it was about planting seeds for a flourishing ecosystem. That ecosystem is growing and you’re invited to be a part of it.
