Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses
Happy February, friends!
To celebrate Black History Month we wanted to highlight some online and local Black owned businesses. This past year has been shattering to so many small businesses across the country—in fact, more than 40% of Black owned businesses have shuttered since last April. As such, we encourage you to research how best to support your local communities and to support Black businesses wherever possible.
Online
With so many of us doing the majority of our shopping online these days, wanting to support local and national Black owned businesses can really be as simple as clicking on a link. Don’t know where to start? Many outlets have published extensive lists of online-based Black owned businesses that create beautiful home and lifestyle goods, including Black Wall Street, We Buy Black, NY Magazine, LA Times, and so many more.
From Your Phone
Searching from your phone? In addition to the lists above, several apps and platforms display curated selections of Black owned businesses. Some of our favorites include LinkedIn, Etsy, and Postmates.
Los Angeles
In the LA area? On top of the resources linked above, we wanted to share some resources courtesy of the talented team behind Black Owned in LA. A big THANK YOU to them for working hard to constantly provide a wealth of information and connecting us all to local businesses. Follow them on Instagram at @BlackOwnedinLA:
Restaurants
While nothing beats a comforting home cooked meal, the experience of dining out is something we all miss dearly. Here’s a list of restaurants for your next meal (or treat) out:
Blaqhaus Noho (North Hollywood)
True Earth Vegan (North Hollywood)
Swift Cafe (Leimert Park)
Azla Vegan (Liemert Park)
The Wood Urban Kitchen BBQ (Inglewood)
The Nest (Bellflower)
Poppy + Rose (DTLA)
Comfort LA (DTLA)
Divine Dips (DTLA)
Lou, the French on the Block (Burbank)
Uncle Eddie’s Vegan Cookies (Glendale)
Culture Shock Cafe (Pasadena)
R&R Breakfast Spot (Chino)
Fyrebird Chicken (Gardena)
Hey Batter Batter Eat (food truck)
Want more? Check out this list of over 350 local Black owned restaurants, compiled by The Infatuation staff writer, Kat Hong.
Please keep in mind that, as we’re at the very beginning of re-opening, some of these places are still in the process of opening for on-site dining but offer takeout menus for the interim. And remember, it’s been an especially difficult time for those who earn the majority of their wages through gratuities, so don’t forget to be generous with your tips.
Catering & Online
Not ready to dine outdoors yet? No problem! You can still enjoy delicious eats delivered to your door or available for takeout:
Anjahles Jamaican X LA Fusion
Milk + Brookies (or keep a lookout for their pop-ups!)
Suela’s Soul Food
Woodspoon
Plate of Hue
Juice Bae
Coffee, Tea & Juice
Whether you need a pick-me-up to start the day or a calming tea to wind down, the following cafes and roasters have you covered:
Nimbus Coffee LA (DTLA)
Boketto Cold Brews (DTLA)
VanillaBlack (Echo Park)
Little Amsterdam Coffee Shop (Mid-City)
Smakk’d Refreshers & Teas (Lakewood)
Little Red Hen Coffee Shop (Altadena)
Monster Coffee Roasters (delivery)
Fashion & Lifestyle
Self care is always important, so why not take a little extra time to show yourself some love and pampering:
Union
Shop Yego
Abu’s Hats
Se7enfold Official
LaTres
Skin Quest LA
Smile Natural Products
Urban Light Candle
Sunday Dinner Candle Co.
Māktub Studio
Florals
As we head into spring, decorate your home with gorgeous fresh bouquets (and a smile on your face) courtesy of these local florists:
Logan’s Gardens (Hollywood & Santa Monica Farmers Markets)
Mallory with the Flowers
Tansy (Burbank)
Oldvine Florals (DTLA)
Bia Blooms
Health & Fitness
Need inspiration for your next workout? These studios offer a wide range of online content so you can start the year feeling refreshed and limber:
Ace Yoga LA (North Hollywood)
Moms at Om (Culver City)
Thrive Health Lab (Windsor Hills)
Not into online workouts? Check out the Ride On! Bike Shop/Co-Op in Liemert Park!
Bookstores
No, Instagram captions and this blog post don’t count as reading. We could probably all do better on this one:
Reparations Club (Crenshaw)
Malik Books (Crenshaw)
Eso Won Books (Liemert Park)
Shades of Afrika (Long Beach)
Levi & Toonk
And wherever your next adventure takes you, please remember to follow social distancing rules, mask up, stay safe, and HAVE FUN!