28 Black Owned Businesses in Detroit You Can Support Right Now
Throughout the month of June, Canine to Five featured local Black-owned businesses on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This list included Detroit businesses that can be supported right now – in the summer of 2020 – whether online or with proper social distancing measures. We chose to spotlight Black-owned businesses in Detroit on social media to provide resources for our community that can directly impact Black lives because Black lives matter.
Canine to Five will continue to spotlight Black-owned businesses in Detroit every week, and encourage you to help make a difference by sharing our posts and supporting these businesses financially. Check out all of our posts from June below!
1. The Kitchen by Cooking with Que
Quiana “Que” Broden owns a local restaurant called The Kitchen by Cooking with Que. Named as Detroit’s only demonstration kitchen and culinary shared space, it serves as a Cafe during the day and a learning & event space by night. Que’s mission is all about eating healthy by introducing more plant based meals into everyday living. Since COVID, this #bosslady has begun offering a catering service, meal prep service, an online marketplace to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, curbside contactless pickup, and delivery! You can checkout everything she has to offer at https://www.thekitchenbycwq.com/
2. Flo Boutique
Felicia Williams-Patrick owns Flo Boutique Detroit, a West Willis Village staple that opened 18 years ago. Offering ‘funky, eclectic, and unique’ signature styles and accessories, Felicia is working hard to prepare her store to re-open under the state’s new guidelines. To show your support, you can catch this #bosslady’s Virtual Fashion Show via Facebook Live! During these Live streams, you can purchase featured clothing, then pick them up curb-side. https://www.flowingflava.com/
3. Three Thirteen
Clement “Fame” Brown Jr. owns Three Thirteen, a clothing and souvenir store in Detroit known as Detroit’s brand name. Brown has been making and selling clothes since he was 12 and has created a brand that he says doesn’t simply say “Detroit,” but actually feels like Detroit. In addition to his brick and mortar store on Detroit’s avenue of fashion, you can shop his catalog online at threethirteenstore.com.
4. Source Booksellers
Janet Webster Jones owns Source Booksellers located on Cass Ave in Detroit. This #bosslady has been in the book selling business since 1989, and although quarantine has made browsing for books in person a challenge, Jones is offering online book ordering with curbside pickup at https://www.sourcebooksellersonline.com/
5. Yumvillage
From food trucks to brick and mortar, Yumvillage owned by Godwin Ihentuge offers West African-Caribbean cuisine. Ihentuge participated in Feed the Frontlines Detroit where he prepared meals for around 225 frontline workers. You can order his food online at http://www.yumvillage.com/
6. Savvy Chic
Savvy Chic is a little slice of France hidden among the hustle and bustle of Eastern Market. Owner Karen Brown has been selling antiques, clothes, home goods, and more for the past 20 years! While her brick and mortar store may be closed due to COVID, customers can still purchase items online at http://www.savvychictrends.com/
7. Detroit Vs Everybody
Detroiter Tommey Walker is the owner of Detroit Vs Everybody, a brand that quickly became popular across the country in 2012. In addition to members of our community, his apparel has been sought after by celebrities in the news, sports, and entertainment industry. In 2014, Eminem wrote a song titled Detroit Vs Everybody and included Walker’s brand in the music video! You can also find apparel for different causes such as Everybody Vs Racism, Everybody Vs Injustice, and Everybody Vs COVID 19 printed on hoodies, shirts, pants, and face masks, on his site at https://vseverybody.com/
8. Paisley Paper Co.
Paisley Paper Co. was created by Andrea Williams, a #bosslady with amazing calligraphy skills. In 2017, she began creating greeting cards, notebooks, bags, enamel pins, and t-shirts with phrases like “From Detroit, With Love” and “Detroit is a Feeling.” You can shop her products online at https://www.paisleypaperco.com/
9. Shops on Top
Deron and Tina Washington, a husband-and-wife team, own Shops on Top in Eastern Market. This growing mall of boutique shopping includes Modele Dress, High Street Tie Shop, Y Not Detroit, and Red Velvet Cafe. You can see a list of all their shops at https://www.shopsontopdetroit.com/
10. Black and Mobile
Originally launched in Philadelphia in 2016, Black and Mobile is the first Black-Owned food delivery service based in the country that partners with Black-Owned Businesses to help people find and support them instantly and conveniently. Founder David Cabello expanded to Detroit just this year, partnering with over 20 local black-owned Detroit restaurants. In addition to supporting local businesses, Cabello is also hiring directly from our community. Check out the participating restaurants at https://www.blackandmobile.com/
11. Sweet Potato Sensations
Sweet Potato Sensations is open! This family business began at home over 30 years ago by Jeff and Cassandra Thomas. What started out as sweet potato cookies and pies, turned into all things sweet potato like grits, cakes, waffles, ice cream, cornbread, and more! 🍠 Now managed by daughters Espy and Jennifer, this family legacy continues – even through a pandemic. https://sweetpotatosensations.com/
12. Art In Motion
Kay Willingham owns Art In Motion, a ceramic studio on Livernois Avenue in Detroit. This community space allows the public to stop by and look at art, support local artists, and even take classes! During these uncertain times, this #bosslady has shifted to provide curbside project pickups that’ll send you home with the clay, tools, and instructions you need to create your own work of art. Visit their site at https://artinmotiondet.com/
13. Beans & Cornbread
Patrick Coleman opened Beans & Cornbread in 1997. Serving up southern comfort food, this soulful bistro also features a martini and wine bar, a private event space, and a food truck for special events. Patrick has recently expanded his offerings to include online ordering and curbside pick up. You can check out his menu at http://beanscornbread.com/
14. Détroit Is The New Black
Roslyn Karamoko is the founder and CEO of Détroit Is The New Black. This #bosslady began her clothing store in 2014, and introduced her first pop-up location in 2015. Just last year, Roslyn opened her first permanent location on Woodward Ave. You can shop her collection online at https://www.detroitisthenewblack.com/
15. Detroit Vegan Soul
Kirsten Ussery & Erika Boyd own Detroit Vegan Soul (D.V.S). Their mission is to help people live healthier lives while doing their part to support a sustainable earth. These #bossladies have had to temporarily close one of their locations due to the stay at home order, and are now offering online ordering with curbside pickup Tuesday through Saturday. Check out their menu at http://www.detroitvegansoul.com/
16. Good Cakes and Bakes
April Anderson opened Good Cakes and Bakes with her wife in 2013. Baking up goods that are organic, vegan, and gourmet, this #bosslady is all about providing the most natural and freshest ingredients. While dine-in may be temporarily closed, you can still get cakes, brownies, cookies, cupcakes, and more, all online for both delivery and curbside pickup 🤤 https://goodcakesandbakes.com/
17. House Of Pure Vin
You’ve got your dinner curbside, and your dessert delivered, now how about some wine? House Of Pure Vin has your quarantine staple just a few clicks away. During these strange times, owner Regina Gaines is hosting Pure Vin Experience Quarantined- Virtual Wine Tasting w/ Somm Shelley Bynum. Here you’ll get to join via Zoom and learn about all things wine 🍷 Check out her collection online at https://houseofpurevin.com/ and have some delivered right to your door!
18. Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles
Former NFL player, Ron Bartell, opened Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles in 2015. After 7 months of being closed for renovations, they reopened on March 14th – just 1 week before the stay at home order was placed. Since reopening, Bartell has had to adapt to being a delivery and curbside-only business. You can check out his menu online at https://www.kuzzoschickenandwaffles.com/
19. CrossFit HCS
Sarah & Cameron Brown co-own CrossFit HCS with coaches Heather and Christine. This gym opened in 2017 and is located in Ferndale. While they are temporarily closed due to the quarantine, you can still join their virtual classes and community workouts at their local park! Check out their upcoming sessions at https://crossfithcs.com/
20. The Shed
Canine to Five Pack Leader Kiera Adams owns The Shed, an Etsy shop where she sells her own spray paint art. Just last year this #bosslady showcased her art at the Hazel Park Art Fair, and although the fair is cancelled this year, you can still purchase her work at https://www.etsy.com/shop/shedsprayshop
21. Renew-It Carpet Cleaning
Husband and wife team, Moses and Hadassah, own Renew-It Carpet Cleaning. This duo provides much more than carpet cleaning – they offer mobile car washing and detailing, wood buffing, upholstery cleaning, vinyl tile stripping and waxing, and more! They are currently open and accepting appointments, call them at 248-275-6506 for a free estimate. https://www.facebook.com/cleanteam123/
22. Discount Candles Detroit
Looking to feel more zen? 🧘♀️ Owner of Discount Candles Detroit, Star Gazer, offers candle dressing, chakra candles, meditation incense, and more, to help with things like prosperity, good health, peace, wisdom, power, and success. They are back open in Eastern Market, Monday – Saturday from 10AM – 5:30PM. https://www.facebook.com/discountcandlesdetroit/
23. Buttons and Change
Canine To Five Pack Leader and CSR, DiAna Crawford, owns Buttons and Change. This #bosslady can make custom pins for your marketing needs, or just for fun! Take a look at her collection on Facebook, and follow her on instagram @buttonsandchange. https://www.facebook.com/buttonsandchange/
24. Live Cycle Delight
Sticking to your quarantine work out? Amina Daniels can boost your motivation! This #bosslady owns Live Cycle Delight in Detroit and offers cycling, yoga, pilates, and trx suspension training. While in-person training is temporarily unavailable, you can book virtual classes at http://www.livecycledelight.com/
25. Jabs Gym & Jim Life Fitness
Armond Rashad and Willie Fortune (pictured left) own Jabs Gym in both Eastern Market and Birmingham. This fitness center is all about cardio, and is currently offering outdoor classes that promote social distancing! Sign up online at https://www.jabsgym.com Willie’s cousin, Jimmy (pictured right), also owns a kickboxing gym called Jim Life Fitness, offering in person and zoom classes! You can sign up at https://www.jimlifefitness.com
26. ima
Patio dining is now open at ima! Owner and chef, Mike Ransom, has been providing meals for hospital workers during the shutdown. Now this Japanese noodle house is open with social distancing measures in place. Take a look at his menu at https://imanoodles.com/
27. Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q
Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q is a family owned business that has been around since 1964. Third generation business owner, Rod Parks Jr., is serving up ribs and chicken just like his grandfather in Detroit’s north end. You can get this house made BBQ by pick up or delivery https://www.parksoldstylebar-b-q.com/
28. The Turkey Grill
George Lyles owns The Turkey Grill on Woodward in Detroit. This unique to-go restaurant serves up all things turkey – turkey meatballs, turkey ribs, turkey meatloaf, and more! You can get carry out or delivery, check out their menu at http://theturkeygrill.com/ 🦃
If you know a local Black-owned business you’d like us to spotlight, send us an email at detroit@caninetofive.com!