What started as a holiday initiative has now grown into an expanding marketplace rooted in purpose, culture, and economic empowerment. ESP is more than an online shopping mall – it’s an empowering community
Ebony Shopping Plaza is a vibrant online mall spotlighting diversity and culture. Black, Brown, and allie women-owned businesses—bringing their brilliance directly to your fingertips.
Born in Nova Scotia and built with community at its heart, ESP gives shoppers a seamless way to discover home, beauty, lifestyle, fashion, and specialty products from incredible entrepreneurs across Canada and beyond.
Ebony Shopping Plaza was launched in December 2020 during one of the most challenging moments for small business owners. As shutdowns, restrictions, and uncertainty swept through communities, one fact became clear: Black-owned businesses were being disproportionately impacted.
Jessica Bowden, M.S.M.—publisher of Teens Now Talk and long-time community advocate—responded with action. She created a centralized online mall dedicated to uplifting BIPOC+, women-owned, and ally-owned businesses while making it effortless for customers to shop local.
The site launched with more than 30 members from across Atlantic Canada and quickly grew. Today, ESP continues to expand with the goal of showcasing 300+ innovative businesses from across the country, unlocking new audiences, new opportunities, and new revenue streams for every member involved.
Jessica’s long-term vision includes a hybrid model that blends both online convenience and in-person retail experiences—turning ESP into a cultural hub, a commercial incubator, and a celebration of entrepreneurship.
To amplify Black, Brown, women-owned, and ally-owned businesses by giving them a powerful platform that increases visibility, strengthens community, and creates generational opportunities through commerce.
To build a world-class online and in-person shopping destination where diverse entrepreneurs thrive, customers discover extraordinary products, and culture drives every experience.
Hear directly from our founder as she discusses the mission, impact, and future of Ebony Shopping Plaza. This feature highlights our commitment to empowering local businesses and creating a platform that celebrates culture, community, and entrepreneurship.
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