If you’re on the hunt for a minority-owned business in the events space, the vetting process just got easier, thanks to ourBLOC.com.

Sweethearts Lola McClaney and Richard McClaney recognized an apparent disparity when they hunted for Black vendors for their wedding. The couple searched through countless Instagram hashtags and filtered through various profiles of businesses to ensure it was minority-owned.

The process sparked the question between the couple, “Why isn’t there a platform that caters to this audience?” At this moment, the soon-to-be bride and groom knew it was time to create a solution that would diversify the event planning space.

“Coming from the industry and going from being a vendor to a client, I have seen many disparities. It was important to create a platform for Black and minority-owned businesses for folks who look like us. We think it is important because that’s how you build community,” Lola McClaney told AfroTech exclusively.

The move proved to be timely, as many minority businesses were experiencing the hardships of navigating the pandemic. Now, more than ever, the outpouring of resources and opportunity would be a crucial asset to keep businesses afloat.

As restrictions started to lift in 2021, businesses saw an uptick in their demand. A research study shows wedding and spending habits will continue to rise, and by 2023, the market may return to normalcy. Lola and Richard want to make sure the increase in demand will land revenue directly into the pockets of Black and minority vendors who are often overlooked.

“We started this business in the middle of the pandemic, which has affected Black and brown businesses at a higher rate than our white counterparts. The event industry was hit hard and created even more disparity for Black and minority visibility within the event space as it relates to opportunities,” Richard McClaney told AfroTech.

Lola McClaney

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