Time to celebrate industrious women at a neighborhood “pop-up”

In honor of International Women’s Day – and to promote women entrepreneurs in East Aldine – a special market will “pop up” Saturday, March 6, at an event center on the Eastex Freeway.

“Babes Support Babes” is the name of event, which will include vendors, food, entertainment and music. And, undoubtedly, demonstrations of the high-stepping fitness classes offered by the self-proclaimed “Babes” who work out at the Studio 59 Fitness Center, 12411A Eastex Freeway.

The focus of the event will be the enterprising women who work at jobs and at home, and then, while “normal” people sleep, design, create, perfect and market goods and services ranging from food to fragrances.

The event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will also feature amusements and diversions for the traditionally shopping-impaired part of the populace not being celebrated on International Women’s Day: men. Food vendors, musicians and giveaways will be there to occupy those souls.

Adriana Hinojosa, who owns the fitness center, started hosting pop-up markets as a safer alternative for shopping opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was one way to keep her business running while promoting other struggling enterprises in the Aldine area.

The Saturday event will be the biggest yet, with more vendors than ever and a sizable group of hosts.

Sponsors for the pop-up market include the East Aldine Management District, Houston attorney “Abogada Bianca,” Anita y Botita (a mother-daughter clown act), A.L. Parky Balloon, First Convenience Bank and the BakerRipley non-profit. There will be two raffles, sponsored by the bank and BakerRipley.

Hinojosa, who promotes health and fitness, said the outdoor market is a safe shopping environment, but vendors and customers must wear masks.

“The pandemic nearly cost me my business and we’re not going to let our guard down now,” Hinojosa said. “In fact, most of these vendors started their businesses, or changed their business, to make extra income due to the pandemic.”

International Women’s Day, a United Nations-sanctioned global holiday, is officially celebrated this year on March 8. The goal of the annual event is to raise awareness about the struggle for gender equality, and to inspire support for groups that help women. Visitors are encouraged to wear the color purple to celebrate the day.

This year’s theme is “Choose to Challenge” gender inequality.

DJ Moe will provide music along with demonstrations by the Vaqueras, a girls’ dance team from Studio 59.

Mexican specialties will be served by the Birrieria y Taqueria food truck.

Other goods for sale will include:

Custom and specialty T-shirts from Clutch City, Texas Vinal Company, and Creations by Felicia.
Art works and art supplies by Paul Airbrushing, Maria’s Secret, and Party Arty.
Work-out attire by Jess B. Confident
Jewelry, sunglasses, key chains and other women’s accessories by Nice and Bella, Janis Jan’s Boutique, Lady Diane, Prickly Pear, Off the Chain by Jules, N and L Custom Creations, and Paparazzi.
Beauty and skin care products from Mary Kay Cosmetics, Lovely Bees (body scrubs), Monat and Pro Beauty Nails.
Scented candle wax and warmers for home use by Selena’s Beautiful Scents
Baked goods and sweets by Senorita Pica and Moriya.
Spicy candies by Angels Baker Sweets
For the food-adventurous, sea moss concoctions at Musco del Mar.
Mexican apparel by Linda Cultura
Potted succulents (plants) by Alegrias De Tita.