Now in its third year, the West Hartford Black Business Expo was held on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.

By Liv Varellas

Dozens of families and vendors gathered for the 3rd annual West Hartford Black Business Expo, hosted at Town Hall on Saturday, Feb. 28.

The event focused on celebrating local entrepreneurs, while educating and strengthening connections among West Hartford residents.

Expecting to see strictly business, it quickly became clear the expo was deeply rooted in community and purpose.

Kyra Dorsey, co-chair of the West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization (WHAASCO) spoke during the opening of the event, acknowledging the remarkable growth over the past three years. “What started as a vision has become a movement, and you are standing in it,” she said, emphasizing the expo’s mission to honor the past while ensuring a more representative future for the community.

Organized by WHAASCO, the expo began three years ago with the goal of investing in families, fueling innovation, and strengthening connections in West Hartford.

WHAASCO Vice President Portia Wise Bauchman speaks at West Hartford Black Business Expo. Expressing gratitude for attendees and vendors at the event. Photo credit: Liv Varellas

This year’s event drew over 400 attendees, with the space occupied by conversation, music, and opportunity.

From handcrafted beauty products to mobile bookstores, the vendors reflected the diversity and creativity of Black-owned businesses in town.

A standout for coffee lovers was Ovelle Coffee, whose booth stayed booming throughout the day. Owned by Sasha Fay and her husband Ian Swift, and based out of Swift Factory in Hartford, the company specializes in Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and is a certified direct-trade roaster – meaning they work hand in hand with farmers to ensure both quality and ethical sourcing. Their products were described as “perfect rich coffee for gift giving,” offering a variety of roasts and blends. “Light, medium or dark, we have something for everyone,” they shared.

Ovelle Coffee company mission statement and samples of products at their booth. Photo credit: Liv Varellas

For younger attendees, the Big Red Book Truck stood out both visually, and operationally. The mobile bookstore aims to “bring the bookstore to the block” according to owner Jennifer Wilder. She said her goal is to change the narrative around both affordability and accessibility of books, with a strong focus on literature centered around people of color.

Big Red Book Truck booth. Photo credit: Liv Varellas

For beauty lovers, Ken’s Thoughtful Kreations, also known as KTK beauty, offered a creative and convenient approach. West Hartford resident and owner Ken runs an online business for curated products and travel essentials. One of the most popular items customers could try was a compact travel towelette. Small enough to fit in a purse or pocket, the towelette expands once placed in water, and can be used for multiple purposes like makeup removal or face cleansing.

KTK beauty table featuring travel kits and face towels. Photo credit: Liv Varellas

The expo highlighted many young, family-based entrepreneurs. The Aasaaska Foundation featured locally sourced honey and farm goods. The business is run by Arva Quinonez and her son, who has been a beekeeper for four years. He said he discovered his passion at summer camp. “We had to take care of animals. No one wanted the bees, so I took them – and I’ve been doing this ever since,” Quinonez shared. The table displayed various bottles of honey and different spices which looked delectable to all eyes in the room.

Beyond the businesses and booths, the event was shaped by support from sponsors and community leaders. Peoples bank was recognized as a champion sponsor for investing in local opportunities, while BUDR Cannabis was acknowledged for its commitment to reinvesting in the communities it represents.

As Dorsey reminded the audience in her speech, the expo was about more than business, it was about building a future rooted in community. Whether new entrepreneurs or established brands, each vendor contributed to a broader picture of representation.

Safe to say, from the turnout and enthusiasm of the room, the future for these businesses is already in motion.

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