The Beacon Market for the spring 2026 semester was held April 30 in the Campus Center Terrace.
Fourteen local vendors from across the greater Boston area gathered in the terrace to sell a wide variety of goods to students and staff. The vendors included Shining Tiara Jewelry, Cloud Runners Inc., The Moon Babe, Prime “A Taste of Africa,” Barney Stone, Figs Vintage, Kinnari Sanghavi Studio, Zanto Candles, KQ BUTTAs, Pop-Up Thrift, Emanate Essentials, Cloud 9 Resale, Beacon Street Shoes, and Bessie Nails.
Eventgoer freshman Nathaly Etienne said that she loves the pop-up tables throughout the year and the variety of shops available at the Beacon Market.
“It’s cool to be able to spend the time between classes shopping. I really love looking at all the thrifted clothes and shoes,” said Etienne.
Some vendors have had long standing partnerships with the university and have attended previous Beacon Markets. Some have also had frequent pop ups in Campus Center and been a part of other events to promote their businesses throughout the year.
Ricky Thompson, owner of Prime “A Taste of Africa”, collaborates with the university with his son, who is a UMass Boston alum. Thompson began selling his products in 2012 and has been coming to sell merchandise at UMass Boston for the past ten years. Prime Taste of Africa sells natural Afrocentric products ranging from body soaps and oils to traditional necklaces and bracelets.
Kinnari Sanghavi, owner of Kinnari Sanghavi Studio, started her business five years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has attended previous Beacon Markets and has regularly sold items at pop up tables in Campus Center after being connected to the university through a friend. Kinnari Sanghavi Studio specializes in many forms of jewelry.
“I love wearable art, and nothing comes close to that like jewelry does. One single piece can not only accessorize but show your personality the way you please. It’s a very personal statement,” stated Sanghavi in an interview with the Mass Media. She advises student entrepreneurs who are interested in starting their own businesses to find what they love and are good at, and channel it into their work. She stated that “figuring out your niche is very important” and discourage trying to be the best at everything.
“I see a lot of people, they would have jewelry on the table, some knick knacks, they would have some pottery, and they would also throw in some clothes and shoes. Try to be exclusive and do one thing right. It’s okay to take time to figure out and see what works for you, but don’t do it all at once.”
Thompson shared similar statements, encouraging students who want to do what he does to dive right into it. He himself fell into this business by accident after sharing a booth with a friend who had lived in Africa for twenty years at a convention and finding a passion for it.
“Like Nike says, just do it,” he said. “When you find a way, you can put it together.”