Black Lives Matter. We understand and appreciate the impact of social media outreach, so we chose to spotlight over 50 local Black-owned businesses in 2020 on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with the hashtag #SupportBlackOwnedBusinesses. Please share with your own networks; It is especially important to support these community mainstays at this time.
Canine to Five is a dog care facility in Detroit and Ferndale, offering dog grooming, dog daycare, and dog boarding. This post was written during the 2020 pandemic, listed hours and availability of businesses and products are subject to change.
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/
Canine To Five – Ferndale 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.buttonsandchange.com/
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/
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/
Canine To Five – Ferndale 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
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/
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/
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!
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/
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/
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/
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
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/
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
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
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/
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/
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/
From food truck 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/
4240 Cass Ave Unit 105, Detroit, MI 48201 & Online
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 curb side pickup at https://www.sourcebooksellersonline.com/
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. https://www.flowingflava.com/
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.
Tina Motley is the owner of Le Petit Dejeuner “the Breakfast”. This #bosslady turned her love for breakfast foods into a restaurant in 2015 Serving up family-style meals with foods like crepes, french toast, pancakes, and waffles, you can check out her menu at https://www.lepetitdetroit.com
Latricia Wright founded Olive Seed in 2008. This holistic wellness center, kitchen, and community space in Detroit offers products like teas, honey, and soaps, and services like cooking classes, acupuncture, nutritional assessments and dietary support. Check out everything she has to offer at https://www.olive-seed.com
267 Jos Campau, Detroit, MI 48207 & 17810 Vernier Rd, Harper Woods, MI 48225
Terry Payne opened THEY SAY Restaurant in 2006. Serving up burgers, ribs, and seafood in Detroit and Harper Woods, a typical night includes live jazz music! Now only available by pickup or delivery, you can check out their menu at https://theysayrestaurant.com/
Sheila Crooks founded Ocha Tea, Etc. in 2006. Since then, her daughter Alicia Crooks has been running the family business in Detroit. Offering loose black, green, bagged, traditional, specialty blend, and herbal teas, you can look through their selection and order online at https://www.ochateaetc.com/
Toi Roberts owns Rolais Caribbean Baking Co., a Caribbean inspired gourmet vegan donut shop This #bosslady makes her donuts from scratch, and has flavors like Coconut Love, Guava Stuffed, Paradise Passionfruit Lemon, and more! You can find these sweet treats on the weekends in Eastern Market https://www.rolaiscaribbean.com
2921 East Jefferson Avenue Suite 305, Detroit, MI 48207
Alicia Frazier, a licensed esthetician, owns Bare Skin Facial and Waxing Studio in Detroit. Offering skin treatments, waxing, and consultations, this #bosslady’s goal is to help you achieve your skincare goals! Whether you’re looking for a facial or body treatment, you can book online at https://www.bareskindetroit.com/
Marcy van Hartesveldt started Touch Body Works in 2012 to create natural skincare that was affordable, truly natural, and pleasant for everyone who experiences it. Offering hand sanitizer, body lotion, face masks, shampoo, and more, this #bosslady handcrafts her products in Detroit. You can shop online or find a local retailer near you at https://evoketouch.com
Derrick and Ladonna Reynolds own Good Times on the Ave, a full service bar, restaurant, and event space offering traditional American comfort food. Located in the heart of Detroit’s Sherwood Forest district, this Black owned business is currently open for takeout! Check out their menu at https://goodtimesontheave.com/
Ja-Lai Potter started Cloud 9 Butta LLC in April of this year. Selling a CBD infused, whipped body butter, this product helps alleviate pain, stress, and dry skin! Check out this #bosslady’s different scents, ingredients, sizes, and sales online at https://cloud9butta.com/
Chef and caterer, Nezaa Bandele, started Paradise Natural Foods to create healthy eating options in Detroit. This 100% plant based vegan cuisine is currently offered via catering and pop-up locations. This #bosslady plans to open a brick and mortar location next year (2021) but, in the meantime, you can support her by ordering online at https://www.paradisedetroit.com
After a life changing massage in Bali, Ashley Nicole began massage school and perfecting her new craft. Once she had hands on experience from one of Detroit’s top rated spa, this #bosslady started her own company with her husband called Nicole Allen Massage, LLC, Offering services like hot stone, prenatal, deep tissue, and Swedish massages, you can book a solo session, a couples massage, or even a whole bridal shower! Learn more at https://nicoleallenmassage.com/
Que Roland owns Seat Detroit, a coworking space that features amenities like meeting rooms, an on site notary, separate entrances for private offices, and it’s even dog friendly! After having to close her Eastern Market location due to COVID, this #bosslady opened her new location in Detroit’s North End just this month (November 2020). Join her growing community at https://www.seatdetroit.com
Jenova Watson opened Detroit Sip in 2017. This cafe serves up coffee and tea with with a side of artwork! After being temporarily closed, this #bosslady is set to reopen soon Check our her menu at https://detroitsip.com
Brittni “Bee” Brown is the founder and lead publicist of The Bee Agency. This Public Relations agency specializes in client representation, event management, branding and client coaching. Working with local businesses like The Lip Bar and Bronzed N Glow Beauty Boutique, this #bosslady has been named by HuffPost as one of the top African American PR millennials to watch! Check her out at https://www.thebeeagency.com
Flowing Never Forcing LLC was founded in March of 2019 by Chelsea Walker & Lashanta Mitchell. These two #bossladies were looking for ways to heal from their early years, and found meditation With a passion to help others, they offer yoga classes for couples, woman only, parents and children, and much more! They also have merchandise on their website at https://www.flowingneverforcing.com
Autumn Kyles co-owns Detroit Dough with Victoria and Daniel Washington. What’s Detroit Dough? It’s a safe-to-eat cookie dough manufacturer! 5% of all sales go directly to the Dough that Makes a Different Fund to help transform Detroit’s historic NW Goldberg neighborhood. You can grab a cup at retailers like MJR theaters, Michigan Science Center, and Good Cakes and Bakes. https://eatdetroitdough.com
Eric Vaughn is behind Eric’s I’ve Been Framed shop. Specializing in custom framing, Eric says business has been up since people have been stuck at home staring at their blank walls! Now available by appointment only, you can view his unique creations on Facebook, and schedule your appointment at http://www.ericsivebeenframed.com/
Poppin Top Hat is a new popcorn shop located in the heart of Downtown Detroit Owned by Joi Little and Athena Hinojosa, these #bossladies offer a variety of flavors like Mac & Cheese, Southwest Hot Wings, and Loaded Baked Potato!! Now offering curbside service and delivery, you can order online at https://poppintophat.com
Kip Johnson and Carlos Franklin opened the Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center in 2013. This African-American bookstore is located in the heart of downtown Ypsilanti. You can shop online at https://www.blackstonebookstore.com
Nana Britwum and Jannice Newson are creating biodegradable braiding hair made from phragmites, an invasive plant species These #bossladies’ slogan is “Hair without harm,” vowing to be both eco-friendly and user-friendly. Lillian Augusta is the name, and their goal is to create plant-based hair that is much lighter than synthetic hair and doesn’t have the chemical coating found on plastic hair! Learn more at https://lillianaugustahair.com/
Monique “Nikki” Sasser is the #bosslady behind Nikki’s Ginger Tea, LLC. This beverage combines the medicinal qualities of ginger with great taste, and is ideal for tea, juice, and ginger lovers! You can order some online at https://www.nikkisgingertea.org or at various local retailers like Whole Foods Market, Avalon International Breads, or Mudgie’s Deli & Wine Bar.
Lance Woods and Joe Robinson founded We Run 313 in May of 2019. Their mission is to create a healthier, active community, and bring awareness to the physical and mental health benefits of running. You can join them every Tuesday for a two mile run starting at Yumvillage @ 6PM, every Thursday for a 5k/10k run on The Dequindre Cut @ 6:30pm, or Saturdays at 9AM for their weekend long run near the Belle Isle Park – Michigan Fountain
Gwen Jimmere owns Naturalicious, a three-step hair-care system that she started from home in 2013. This #bosslady just won the Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year regional award! That’s not all, Gwen is also the first African American woman in U.S. history to get a beauty care product patented She has since gotten distribution contracts with Sally Beauty and Ulta stores, as well as Whole Foods. https://naturalicious.net
Tender Moments by April Cobb started in 2008. This #bosslady offers wedding planning and design, candy and dessert tables, bridal bouquets and floral design, and more! https://tendermoments.org/
Jennifer and Steve Peeples started The Perfect10 Mobile Mixology Service, LLC in May 2017. Offering event planning, beverage menu customization, virtual and in-person mixology classes, and more! Check out their services and request a quote online at https://perfect10mixology.com
Billy Strawter Jr. is the new publisher of BLAC Detroit Magazine
(Black Life, Arts & Culture). This free magazine and website focuses on African American culture in metro Detroit. You can read online, find a copy in stores, and even advertise with BLAC at https://blacdetroit.com/
1515 Broadway St., Detroit, MI 48226 & 5272 Anthony Wayne Dr., Detroit, MI 48202
Sebastian Jackson owns local Detroit barber shop The Social Club Grooming Company His goal was to create more than just a place to get a haircut, but a community where people can come together. You can book an appointment online at either his Midtown or Downtown location at https://www.atthesocialclub.com/
Melissa Butler is the founder and CEO of The Lip Bar. What started as making lipstick in her kitchen 8 years ago, has grown to her products being available in over 450 stores nationwide! You can visit her flagship store in Detroit behind the Shinola Hotel https://thelipbar.com/
Detroit native, Asia Denson, owns Denson Construction Services. This #bosslady has been in the construction business since 2007, and offers complete home, kitchen, and bathroom renovations. Need help finishing that quarantine DIY project? Schedule a consultation online at https://densonconstructionservices.com/
Paris Tommie is the photographer behind Shooting Starr Studios. This #bossslady offers child portraits, headshots, maternity photos, and more! Visit her page and give her a call at 313-389-6152 to book a session. https://shootingstarrstudios.mypixieset.com/
Monique Dooley has been intrigued by the positive effects of whole foods on your body’s energy and mental clarity since she was a school teacher. After becoming a holistic health coach to educate her community, she opened Fresh101 and started serving up juices, smoothie bowls, and more! https://www.fresh101detroit.com
Renea Smith is the owner of Cake Crumbs, a popular bakery in Southfield. Started from inside her home, this #bosslady opened her storefront 6 years ago. Offering cupcakes, ice cream, cookies, pies, and more, you can pickup your sweet treats curbside, or order delivery through DoorDash! https://www.cakecrumbsonline.com
Mark and Thea Parker own The Fit Park in Ferndale This duo has been offering virtual and outdoor classes throughout the shutdown to keep us fit and motivated! Whether you just want to drop in, or commit to a weekly workout routine, you can check out their schedule at https://www.thefitpark.com/
Nailah Ellis started Ellis Island Tea in 2008 using her great grandfather’s hibiscus tea recipe. Over a decade later, has landed investment deals with Dan Gilbert and Kevin Hart, making her local Detroit business the largest Black woman-owned beverage company in the United States! Read her amazing story here and buy her tea here https://www.ellisislandtea.com
Have you visited the Detroit Shipping Company behind us? Inside is Coop_Detroit, a Caribbean fusion restaurant owned by Maxcel Hardy. With outdoor seating and menu items like the spicy chicken sandwich, jerk ribs and chicken wings, with a guava barbecue sauce, this dog friendly venue is a great dinner spot after a long day of play! https://www.coopdetroit.com
24361 Greenfield Rd, Suite 300, Southfield, MI 48075 & Online
Janeice & Reginald Haynes own Detroit Book City. These two specialize and market books, media, and events to the African-American consumer market. While their store may be closed due to the pandemic, you can order their books online at https://www.detroitbookcity.com/
Detroit Soul co-owner Jerome B. Brown has been serving up southern comfort food from his family recipes for the past 5 years. With foods like catfish, turkey wings, and collard greens, you’ll be sure to leave happy & full! Detroit Soul is available curbside or in-store. Check out their menu at http://detroitsoul.net
Jessica Hayes-Stallings and Shareese Shorter own Skinphorea Facial Bar & Acne Clinic in Royal Oak. They are OPEN! offering facials, waxing, eyelash extensions, and more. You can book an appointment online at https://skinphorea.com
2051 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI 48207 & 13505 W. Seven Mile Rd., Detroit, MI 48235
Louisiana Creole Gumbo began in 1970 by the Stafford family. After retiring 12 years later, Joe Spencer was entrusted to keep the family legacy, and recipes, alive. Serving up authentic Louisiana and southern-style cuisine, you can order online for carry out or delivery, or visit in person at his Eastern Market or northwest Detroit locations. https://detroitgumbo.com
Billy Owens started Flamz Pizzeria just last summer. Offering thin-crust personal pizzas baked in a brick oven, this spot allows you to build your own pie Owens is back open for business with regular hours after shutting down for a month. You can visit at 16369 E. Warren in Detroit. https://www.facebook.com/Flamzpizzeria/
Ask Jennyfer is all about Detroit and helping small businesses. #Bosslady Jennyfer Crawford can curate your next event, help develop your brand, or create your social media marketing strategy! She is hosting her own socially distant event each Saturday called Night Market at Beacon Park. Here you will be able to shop from local entrepreneurs, listen to live music, and grab dinner at Lumen Detroit. Check her out at https://askjennyfer.com/
Jump Island opened in 2016 as an inflatable water park on Heron Lake in Holly, and has since expanded to Bishop Lake in Brighton and Sessions Lake in Iona. Owner and Detroit resident, John Harris, (pictured on the right, y’know, next to Mark Wahlberg) is now operating at 50% capacity, sanitizing life jackets after every use, and cleaning the equipment multiple more times throughout the day in response to COVID. Book a session at http://www.jumpislandmi.com
Looking for a professional photographer? Daniel Hughes ownsDee Hues Photography Studio. Offering family portraits, group photo, headshots, and more, you can book a session at https://www.facebook.com/deehuesphotos/
Chef and Founder of Jackson’s Five Star Catering, Anthony Jackson, has been serving up food in the Detroit area since 1995. They have a range of dishes like catfish, pulled pork, funnel cake, corn dogs, and will feature live music, and social distancing! Follow their page for more upcoming dates. http://www.jacksonfivestarcatering.com/
Did you know house plants can improve your mental health, air quality, and overall atmosphere? Alexis Sims learned this first hand, and beganLeaf Me Plant Boutique
to provide tropical foliage that will brighten your heart and home. Shop online and check out her other services at https://www.facebook.com/leafmeco/
Ja’Nye Hampton’s passion for flowers bloomed while working a summer job at Thrifty Florist. She quickly became more involved until she was able to identify over 50 kinds of flowers! In 2018 this #bosslady started Detroit Flower Company and now offers a floral subscription service that’ll deliver beautiful bouquets to your door twice a month https://www.facebook.com/detroitflowercompany/
Valencia Sipes started her online boutique in 2017. Specializing in handmade and sustainable gifts and accessories, she says, “Growing up in Detroit gave me a unique perspective and influenced how I handcraft and design my products. SOL-3 Avenue continues to grow towards my goal of making beautiful and sustainable products more accessible in our communities.” You can check out her collection at SOL3avenue.com
Owner and Head Pastry Chef, LaDawn Morris-Daniels, owns Kitty’s Cheesecakes & More. Located in Ferndale, this #bosslady serves up pound cakes, homemade ice cream, cobblers, and more! You can visit Wednesday-Saturday 11am-7pm, and check out her menu at https://www.kittyscheesecakes.com
Marlin Hughes started The Detroit Pepper Company in September of 2019. Serving up stuffed peppers, salads, smoothies, and more, this carry-out and pick-up restaurant caters to those who like to eat healthy on the go. Having to close just 6 months later due to the pandemic, Marlin turned to serving food to frontline workers. Now open, you can check out his menu at http://www.thedetroitpeppercompany.com
Forced to close just two weeks after opening in Ferndale, Hillary Herring has started to offer Zoom and outdoor classes at her gym, InnerStallion Athletics. While there is still uncertainty surrounding when Hillary can open back indoors, she is happily accepting new members, and allowing online booking at https://crossfitinnerstallion.com/
Dana White owns Paralee Boyd in both Southfield and Midtown. This salon just opened back up TODAY and is ready for your appointments! Dana is all about saving you time and money, while improving your hair’s overall condition. Book your appointment at https://www.paraleeboyd.com/
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
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/
2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48216
& 4870 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48201
& 32203 John R. Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071
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
2501 Russell Street, Floors 2 & 3, Detroit, MI 48207
& 2285 Cole Street, Birmingham, MI 48009
Armond Rashad and Willie Fortune 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, also owns a kickboxing gym called Jim Life Fitness, offering in person and zoom classes: https://www.jimlifefitness.com