Spring Rolls Go Frozen
The pandemic has encouraged and pushed companies to fully understand that #supportBlackbusinesses isn’t just an accessory you add to a caption. According to the Small Business Recovery Series study, headed by Block Advisors: a team within H&R Block, Black-owned small businesses experienced at least a 50% decrease in revenue during the pandemic compared to white businesses which only experienced a 37% decrease.
Trueman McGee, the founder of Funky Fresh Spring Rolls, combated the statistics and flipped the script by going frozen. McGee’s business is hosted inside of the Sherman Phoenix located in Milwaukee and when it came down to the numbers, it only made sense for his spring rolls to be sold frozen so they could be made at home. This new move for McGee sparked an old idea back to life.
McGee always wanted his product to be inside grocery stores but wasn’t ready for the cost of manufacturing. Fast forward a few years later and Funky Fresh Spring Rolls is being sold in several Outpost Natural Foods stores across Wisconsin.
“It’s always been a goal of mine to get our products on Outpost shelves since day one,” said McGee. “It’s been a challenge to keep up with product [but] I feel a bit of relief that I’ve made it to this next level in life.”
Outpost is Committed to Supporting Black and Brown Small Businesses
Funky Fresh Spring Rolls is one of the almost 40 BIPOC small businesses that’s selling its products at Outpost. This initiative is a part of the Milwaukee area co-op’s effort to highlight and grow its list of BIPOC vendors.
“Dreams work if you work. You gotta have action, along with manifestations,” he said. “Shout out Outpost!”
Outpost is a co-op that has a mission of “creating healthy, diverse, and sustainable communities.” In 2020, 33% of Outpost’s sales went to local and regional vendors.
According to a press release, Outpost is working to address injustices and racism from within by holding discussions about systemic racism and what Outpost can do to provide a welcoming and safe place at all of its stores.
Outpost sets vendors up for success by helping them with labeling, how to keep up with inventory and so much more; it just all depends on what the vendor needs.
“We’re out there in the community. We’re always willing to see new faces,” said Outpost Director of Community Relations Margaret Mittelstadt.
Black-Owned Candles in Stores
Blossom Candle, owned by Shiquita Mann, is another Black-owned small Milwaukee business now vending in Outpost. Mann’s products have been in stores since March 1, 2021, and she’s already had to send a second shipment of inventory to a location.
“[Outpost] has been so helpful and patient,” said Mann. “Dealing with them has prepared me for the next store.”
Mann officially started her business in 2019 when she mixed her two passions for candles and empowering women into one. Blossom Candle encourages self-care through its scents and positive affirmation labeling.
“I thought it was a good time to help other women blossom,” she said.
It was back in February during Black History Month when Mann began her relationship with Outpost, and she’s grateful for the encounter.
“Sometimes doors and opportunities come to you when you’re not looking for it,” Mann said. “Stay ready.”
For a complete list of BIPOC small businesses partnering with the Milwaukee co-op Outpost, click here.
To become a vendor at Outpost, apply here.
Nyesha Stone founded Carvd N Stone in 2017 to cover positive news while attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Stone has a B.A. in Journalism. She has raised over $30,000 to award grants and scholarships. She has also been featured in ESSENCE and worked with the American Black Film Festival.
