Date: April 11, 2025 

Duration: 90 Minutes 
Attendees: Argie Essentials, Folkus, Holmes Applesauce, In Booze, LeneNicole Candle Co, Miles of Moisture 


Meeting Summary 

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During this important roundtable, we discussed the recent implementation of new tariffs and their direct and indirect impacts on Black-owned brands within the JULO network. Vendors shared valuable insights into how these changes are affecting their ingredient sourcing, product pricing, supply chain reliability, and overall business planning. 

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Key themes included: 

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• Increased costs of raw materials and packaging 

• Delays and hold-ups at customs 

• Supplier price volatility 

• Limited access to alternative sources 

• Difficulty absorbing rising costs without pricing out their customer base 

• Decreasing sales

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Despite these challenges, the discussion was rich with collaboration and ideas to remain resilient. 

 

Key Takeaways 

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• Shared Impact: All vendors, whether directly or indirectly affected, are navigating price increases and unpredictable lead times. 

• Adaptation in Progress:  

• Some have begun exploring domestic/alternative suppliers and alternative ingredients to plan ahead, however, in order to maintain their quality levels, testing of alternative ingredients is not only time consuming but also uses up valuable resources.   

• Some have scaled down their sku count to focus on a few key items 

• Some are less impacted and making a slight increase to their retail pricing 

• Some are creatively looking for partnerships to gain needed ingredients 

• Opportunity for Collective Action: Vendors expressed interest in pooled resources, shared vendor lists, and potential group sourcing as well as opportunities sharing, such as co-packing partnerships and state driven opportunity grants. 

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Recommendations for Vendors 

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1. Diversify Supplier Base 

• Begin researching and testing alternative or domestic suppliers where possible. 

• Ask current suppliers for more transparent timelines and tariff-related projections. 

2. Audit Your SKUs 

• Evaluate bestsellers vs. slow movers to focus efforts and manage inventory more efficiently. 

• Reduce or pause production of high-cost/low-margin items. 

3. Review Pricing Strategy 

• Consider value-based pricing and bundle offers to maintain perceived value without eating margins. 

• Use transparent communication with customers about rising costs when necessary. 

4. Leverage Customer Loyalty 

• Use email and social to tell the story behind your product—why it costs more and how supporting you makes a difference.  All your products are AMAZING so the communication is easy. 

• Create limited-time offers or pre-orders to help manage production and cash flow. 

5. Collaborate with JULO and Fellow Vendors 

• Share vetted supplier contacts or co-invest in bulk purchases if products require similar ingredients/materials. 

• Consider joint marketing campaigns to increase visibility and share cost.  Promoting on JULO is free.  If you need us to promote a specific items, let us know. 

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Opportunities to Expand into New Markets

 

1. Restaurants & Foodservice 

• Reach out to local, independently owned restaurants that prioritize premium, local, or culturally significant products. 

• Offer sample kits or B2B pricing options. 

• Position products as part of culinary storytelling or seasonal menus. 

2. Hotels & Hospitality 

• Contact boutique hotels or B&Bs that value locally made, artisan goods for welcome kits or in-room experiences. 

• Highlight brand values and high-quality ingredients that align with wellness and luxury trends. 

3. Schools & Education 

• Look into Department of Education procurement opportunities for snacks, wellness items, or cafeteria ingredients. 

• Create simplified packaging or bulk versions suitable for institutional use. 

• Position your brand as community-focused and health-conscious. 

4. Corporate Gifting & Strategic Partnerships 

• Reach out to companies seeking to align gifting or sourcing with their company goals. 

• Bundle products with storytelling elements about your business journey. 

5. Pop-ups & Markets 

• Continue to explore local events, farmers' markets, and co-branded pop-ups where direct customer engagement builds trust and sales.