Black-owned businesses got a chance to thrive and show their pride in White Plains Sunday for the first-ever Black Business Expo.

The two-day event at Koi Creative Spaces on Mamaroneck Avenue was a high energy shopping experience that offered clothes, art and much more.

Massage services were also available to soothe the body and spirit.

Margaret Ashmeade, of Harrison, said it's important for her to support Black-owned businesses.

"They are the backbones for me, 'cause I shop mostly Black businesses. It's not a bias. I just like to support my community," she said. "Being a woman, being Black, I have to support them, I just have to."

The event was the brainchild of Lauren Morris, owner of Loola Doola Boutique. She is a successful business owner with a determined plan to uplift other Black entrepreneurs.

"A lot of times, what we fail to do is encourage each other in business. So for Black History Month, what better way to do it than gathering all kinds of creatives, designers and authors in one place?" Morris said.

With the calming atmosphere at the event, customers shopped to their hearts' content, meeting face to face with business owners instead of the impersonal experience of ordering online.

For expo customer Stacey Guerra, the event was more than just a shopping trip.

"I just wanted to support Black business, Black entrepreneurs and to let them know to keep shining, keep building, that we're going to support, in our community especially," she said.