Kimberly Kimistry is living her dream, designing and creating beautiful one-of-a-kind prom dresses. "This is a year to really step into myself, to really prove to myself and my family that this is something I really want to do and show my community." A former science teacher, Kimberly decided to turn her love for sewing into her full-time career, starting her own business called The Kimistry Lab.

This year business has been busy, with fifty prom dress orders. "I had to give up teaching for it and it’s definitely a sore spot for me, but it’s been worth it all along," said Kimberly. Kimberly will be one of the more than 460 vendors at the Juneteenth Festival this year, selling her Kimistry by Kimberly perfume.

She was a vendor last year, and said it was a huge success — she completely sold out! Kimberly said she was overwhelmed and thankful for the community support. "It’s really about community and that’s what makes Juneteenth so special. It gives us the opportunity to really put ourselves out there, really showcase our work, and say 'here I am.

' Our plight as Black people has come so far for us to finally have that platform to really show up as ourselves," said You can find Kimberly and the other vendors located along M.L.K.

Drive from Center Street to Concordia Street. "So right in front of the kids' zone. The health department starts off at Center Street with their mobile unit," said Vanessa Johnson, co-chair of the vendors for the Juneteenth parade.

Johnson said .