(Black PR Wire) NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, SOKO MRKT™ powered by ESSENCE®—an innovative community commerce model known for creating transformative opportunities for entrepreneurial business owners across a national platform—announces its return to the heart of New Orleans this July during the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola®, taking place from July 3rd to 5th. The profound impact of the festival is evident, with over $346 million generated for the city of New Orleans, the state of Louisiana, and beyond. This figure underscores the commitment of SOKO MRKT™ powered by ESSENCE® and the broader ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® to drive meaningful economic growth, as highlighted in reports produced in collaboration with Louisiana Economic Development and Dillard University.

The event has previously featured businesses that reflect the incredible tapestry of the ESSENCE community from curated art and custom candles, to bespoke clothing each telling a unique story filled with creativity and craftsmanship. This year, SOKO MRKT™ powered by ESSENCE® will continue to serve as a marketplace of possibility and a community rich with revenue-generating resources. There will be opportunities for businesses to participate as vendors at SOKO MRKT™ powered by ESSENCE®, the ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival™, and BEAUTYCON™: @ESSENCEFEST Edition.

ESSENCE SOKO MRKT™ powered by ESSENCE® reflects an unwavering commitment to creating new pathways for support, embracing our community, and “loving us.” Applications for participation as vendors and beneficiaries of resources from SOKO MRKT™ powered by ESSENCE® will remain open until Sunday, February 2nd, 2025.

Stay tuned for all official updates and to reserve your spot as a potential vendor during this year’s festival at ESSENCE.com/SOKOMRKT. Weekend packages for the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® evening concert series are available now. Consider this your official invitation to meet us in New Orleans! Join the conversation on social at @ESSENCEFest on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

ABOUT SUNDIAL MEDIA GROUP

Sundial Media Group, LLC (SMG), a division of the Sundial Group of Companies, is a vertically integrated media, entertainment and experiential company focused on empowering the voices and communities leading culture in the new general market. Brands in this ecosystem include Essence Ventures (ESSENCE including Girls United; AFROPUNK; BeautyCon including Naturally Curly; Essence Studios; ESSENCE Festival of Culture; and SOKO MRKT), Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF), including Academy For Advancing Excellence, and New Voices Foundation.

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS, MEDIA GROUP INC.

Essence Communications is the number one—and only 100% Black-owned—media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities. With a community of more than 31 million Black women, ESSENCE inspires a global audience through diverse storytelling and immersive original content rooted in Culture, Equity and Celebration. The brand's multi-platform presence in/ publishing, experiential and online encompasses its namesake magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; and signature live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, Fashion House, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture.

Source: Sundial Media Group, LLC