Peoria Christmas Market aims to shine a light on Hispanic small businesses [Video]

PEORIA (25News Now) – A small business owner is on a mission to create a space for entrepreneurs like her in the Peoria area.

Patty Garcia, who customizes clothing and cups, said she doesn’t see much Hispanic representation at craft shows she’s attended in the Peoria area.

She set out to change this by creating a space for herself and other Hispanic small business owners.

Garcia talked to priests about setting up a craft fair at St. Sharbel Church in Peoria, then recruited eight other vendors for the Christmas Market.

“There’s a lot of Hispanic moms, housewives, out there that do have a lot of talent, that do want to sell their things. They’re not just sitting at home cooking and cleaning, they do a lot of crafts,“ Garcia said.

At the market, people were selling cookware, piñatas, and handmade bowls. Vendors prayed together and browsed each other’s booths.

Garcia hopes there will …