By this time in “quarantine”, surely we’ve all stumbled across something that turns out super handy. For us, it was #TraderJoes! It has been a lot like a unicorn for a lot of us; talked about often yet rarely, or ever seen. The @BlackGirlsInTraderJoes or #BGITJ changed that plus more for us, honey!
From showing us how to incorporate different items into “at-home” recipes full of healthy eating options, @BlackGirlsInTraderJoes does it all! They’ve been able to provide Foodies, like ourselves, a sense of community via social media; Providing us another space to be seen, heard, and flourish in.
The community was created by two Trader Joe’s enthusiasts, Lauren (aka Lo) and Mercedes, better known as Dee ( @Black.Girl.In ). Both are #Cleveland natives with a love for food. As of now, Dee is running both Facebook and Instagram accounts for #BGITJ. The page reached 200,000 followers back in September of 2021 on Instagram; that’s after an impressive gain of 100k in 90 days ALL organically gained simply out of a shared love for food and good finds.
It’s a place where you can find plenty of #plantbased options without spending an arm and a leg, pick up new house plants and gorgeous flowers, fruit, wine (the other “liquid gold”) a quick lunch or a variety of other kitchen and pantry items you may or may not have known you needed.
Without even scrolling to the very beginning of the #BGITJ Instagram, the options for great meal ideas are never ending. The page isn’t solely dedicated to the boundless food selection. Besides the mouth watering recipes (think ways to use the pineapple mochi cake mix, pancakes), the platform also has merchandise available for purchase with a fan favorite being the #BGITJ tote bag which is perfect for your next trip to your local TJ’s!
A trip to Trader Joe’s can seem quite magical and is, indeed, exciting! Here’s to more shopping, more eating, and more uplifting of Black Women! #BWLM💕
