Shopping Black-owned business is crucial to strengthening local economies, as it creates job opportunities, closes the racial wealth gap, and fosters community by celebrating diverse and underrepresented cultures. The number of Black-owned businesses is reportedly increasing, up 30% from pre-pandemic levels, however, the racial disparities Black-owned businesses continue to face are still staggering, such as access to capital and investors (source).
There are many ways consumers can support Black business, from writing and sharing word-of-mouth reviews about Black-owned businesses to supporting Black-owned banks that invest in these communities. But the most immediate and direct impact is to shop Black business, putting money directly into these communities to strengthen their financial platform. To make it convenient and easy to shop from anywhere, we compiled a list of 21 Black-owned business with shipping options across the US and Canada.
Food and beverage
210 TEAS (Syracuse, New York)
Known for: Inspired by the late grandmother of owner Kahs Hills, this small batch tea house and company features teas with playful names, like “Damn, Gina” and “Don’t Worry ‘Bout It Sweetheart.” Shop online for teas and tea accessories. If ever in Syracuse on a weekend, you can visit the zen oasis of their downtown tea lounge and enjoy the vibes.
Yelpers say: “Every tea I tried so far has been so fragrant and delicious. You can tell that the teas are packaged with care and all of the little touches are just delightful. Getting a box of 210 teas is like opening a present and I was actually very excited to get my order.” Desiree K, Yelp Elite
BOON BOONA (Renton, Washington)
Known for: Raised in Seattle, Boon Boona founder and CEO Efrem Fesaha is no stranger to coffee chains, and he wanted to create a space to share the unique coffees and coffee traditions of East Africa and also support East African coffee growers and Seattle’s local community in the process. If you can’t make it to either of their locations in Renton or Seattle, shop online for their roasted and unroasted coffee beans.
Yelpers say: “Definitely one of the top coffee roasters I’ve been to! Boon Boona focuses on african coffee and directly trades with a select few farmers there so they ensure the typical economic coffee chain misallocation doesn’t occur.” –Aqil P, Yelp
THE BREAKFAST KLUB (Houston, Texas)
Known for: A top tourist attraction that’s best known for their wings and waffles and “katfish” and grits, The Breakfast Klub has been featured on “Good Morning America” as they competed for title of “best breakfast in America.” Shop their online Klub Shop for their “Pankake” & Waffle Mix, fish fry batter, “chikin’ koating,” and more.
Yelpers say: “A wonderful venue to experience authentic Southern style home cooking that your grandma cooks! …The restaurant is extremely popular and is a cultural icon for the community in the area.” –Tuan B, Yelp Elite
COOKIE SOCIETY (Frisco, Texas)
Known for: As seen on “Oprah’s Favorite Things” and in “The New York Times,” Cookie Society is best known for using real butter and high quality ingredients for for a rich, homemade cookie taste. They create cookie twists on nostalgic household snacks we all love, like cosmic brownie, oatmeal cream pies, and more. Yelpers can’t get enough of their salted caramel cookies and their butter cake cookie when available. Shop individual cookies online or order bundles, like the classic sampler, a monthly 12-pack or 6-pack.
Yelpers say: “Stop playing! These cookies are ah-mazing! …I grabbed three: the banana pudding, cookies ‘n’ cream, and pecan pie.” –Britt P, Yelp Elite
MAYA’S COOKIES (San Diego, California)
Known for: Maya’s Cookies is a staple for vegan cookie lovers. Owner Maya Madsen spent years crafting her award-winning and crowd-pleasing gourmet cookie recipes, like marble fudge, white chocolate macadamia, chocolate chip s’mores – and vegan soft serve. The sweetest thing about this biz? Their committed focus on youth and underserved communities. Vegan cookies with a cause!
Yelpers say: “We have gone there since they started their shops in the farmers markets, and we haven’t stopped going. The birthday cake and butterscotch cookies are game changing. Don’t get me started about their peach cobbler cookie, which I have not seen in quite some time.” –Wais M, Yelp
MCCLAIN CELLARS (Solvang, California)
Known for: McClain Cellars is a fabulous winery and tasting room that makes delectable wines that represents Central California. If you’re not able to pop into one of their tasting rooms in Solvang or Laguna Beach, you can shop their wines, artisanal popcorns, olive oils, and vinegars, as well as candles online.
Yelpers say: “All of the wine we had was incredibly good. The rosé was definitely a standout. Our server told us it’s super popular, and people will drink bottles of it all day!” –Shana R, Yelp Elite
MISS ESSIE’S SOUTHERN BBQ (Murray, Utah)
Known for: Miss Essie’s Southern BBQ sauce is a 100-year old recipe, a close-kept family secret originating in Arkansas by Miss Essie’s father. Shop their barbecue sauces online, from original to honey BBQ, apple cider vinegar BBQ, and more.
Yelpers say: “They are not your average barbecue spot, they have a wide variety of menu options and can cater to any need.” –Latonya H, Yelp
NOT AS FAMOUS COOKIE COMPANY (Smyrna, Georgia)
Known for: This cookie shop caters to cookie enthusiasts with their family recipes made quality ingredients – real butter, fine chocolates, select nuts, and more.
Yelpers say: “Experienced these soft pillows of deliciousness! I got two butter pecans and a strawberry crunch… Soft with crispy edges. Perfection!” –Dominique D, Yelp
RED BAY COFFEE (Oakland, California)
Known for: Founded in 2014 by renowned artist and food entrepreneur Keba Konte, Red Bay Coffee has since expanded to five cafes and one roastery in Oakland, and one cafe located at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Red Bay Coffee’s public roastery in Oakland serves as a community hub hosting events, including food popups, concert residencies, panel discussions, and self-care festivals. Shop online for their selection of whole bean or ground coffees, teas, drinkware, and merch.
Yelpers say: “I recommend their charcoal latte, hot or cold is fine. Oat milk adds a little oomph to it, too… They also sell coffee beans, I’ve tried East 14th and it didn’t disappoint.” –Crissy M, Yelp
Bookstores and Comic Books
BALDWIN & CO. (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Known for: Inspired by James Baldwin, this community bookstore and coffee shop strives to eradicate the root causes of poverty, eliminate discrimination, increase access to opportunity, and combat the racism that underlies inequity through the power of books and literacy.
Yelpers say: “The display of books they have on sale is a beautifully curated selection of books ranging from fiction and children’s books to religion and cookbooks. While I recognized some best-sellers, I also loved looking through the shelves and discovering new titles that I otherwise would not have heard about.” –Courtney L, Yelp Elite
HEROES WORLD (Markham, Ontario)
Known for: Heroes World has been serving the geeks, gamers, genre, comic fans and fans of popular culture for Markham and the surrounding area since 2001. Shop comics and books, action figures, board games, model kits, and much more.
Yelpers say: “If you have any questions about anything you can ask one of the guys and they can talk your ear off about it, they are so passionate about everything.” –Michelle W, Yelp
Art, fashion, and home goods
BLACK BROCCOLI (Tucson, Arizona)
Known for: Black Broccoli shop is known for their hand-crafted art and clothing made from reconstructed vintage items. Peruse their selection of art, accessories, and curated vintage items in store and online. Upcycle fashion goers can also request custom pieces.
Yelpers say: “When you walk into Nick’s business you get to see culture through design. I purchased a Smokey Robinson print that now hangs on my wall. I hope to return to purchase a trucker hat, a Black is Black hockey jersey, and a striped Black Broccoli shirt.” If you haven’t checked it out, do it!” –Andrés P, Yelp Elite
THE COLLECTIVE SHOP (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Known for: The Collective studio is a digitally focused art and design studio and shop that focuses on original, modern, and playfully designed patterns and products. Check out their collection of NOLA-inspired prints available as wall art, stickers, and cards.
Yelpers say: “It’s locally owned and filled to the brim with unique locally made items. I purchased the cutest earrings for a gift, and now I’m thinking how I need to go back to get another pair for myself. I also thought the price points were great for handcrafted items… Cute cards, gift wrap, candles, T-shirts, soaps, cocktail mixers, jewelry, etc.” –Faith A, Yelp
ECOVIBE (Portland, Oregon)
Known for: What started in 2010 as an apparel store is now a collaboration of home decor, plants, curated gift sets, furniture, books, and more – while keeping in mind the environmental, ethical, and social impacts of the products they carry. And a portion of every sale is donated to local environmental and social nonprofits committed to supporting important social causes in the community and beyond.
Yelpers say: “What really interested me was that not only was a lot of the stuff locally made and sourced but also catered to a sustainable lifestyle…” –Rashi T, Yelp Elite
KASANDY (Vancouver, BC)
Known for: African Canadian owner Jackee Kasandy, originally from Kenya, is proud to feature fair trade and handmade products made by Kenyan and East African artisans. Shop the collection of baskets, furniture, handbags, leather goods, clothing and fashion accessories, home goods, and more – all curated with 31 different cultural groups and more than 10 countries represented. Shipping: $12 flat rate to Canada and US; free shipping on orders valued at $350 or more before tax. Inquire about shipping to additional countries across the globe.
Yelpers say: “You can get vibrantly (or mildly) coloured Kenyan shawls, beautiful handbags of all sizes from Africa and India (co-op made for the most part), and very well made leather goods from Nepal.” –Dick B, Yelp
SAC CITY STEMS (Sacramento, California)
Known for: Sac City Stems is an “enthusiastic and eco-conscious planty oasis” that features top quality houseplants and locally made goods, like games, greeting cards, and planters.
Yelpers say: “Mikaela, the owner, has done a great job curating a space for plant lovers and friends! The aesthetic is fun and great for pictures, the plants are healthy and in great condition with reasonable prices.” –Kai G, Yelp
THE TINY TASSEL (Charleston, South Carolina)
Known for: The Tiny Tassel is a jewelry, clothing, and accessories brand inspired by the vibrant colors of Charleston. Founded in 2015 by Mimi Striplin with the “Signature Tassel Earring,” The Tiny Tassel has expanded to include earrings, bracelets, necklaces, hand-made garments, and a curated collection of jewelry, accessories and party goods.
Yelpers say: “Everything is so unique! They have an online boutique as well and I now follow their Instagram page. I ended up purchasing a cute little zipper pouch and an inspirational card to put on my vision board.” –Thysis R, Yelp Elite
Bath, beauty, and wellness
MAKE IT CLASSY (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Known for: What began as online and in-person DIY beauty classes, owner Victoria Smith launched this plant-based hair and skin care product line after more than a decade in the natural beauty industry. Clients can also purchase DIY beauty box kits online.
Yelpers say: “I ordered a beauty sample pack so I could try out the body scrub and hair mask. Both were wonderful. The Blissful Brooklyn Hair Conditioner has been featured in Glamour and Vanity Fair, so it’s not just me who loves it!” –Niki B, Yelp Elite
NAKED BAR SOAP (Orlando, Florida)
Known for: Founded by Afro-Latinas Natasha Byrd-Gaylon and Jennifer Peets, Naked Bar Soap specializes in micro-batch beauty, bath, and body products made with organic plant-based ingredients. They make their own natural soaps, sugar scrubs, body oil, lotions, bath bombs, and more. Check out their best-selling deodorant, too.
Yelpers say: “Their whipped soap is my absolute most favorite new indulgence… Everything I have tried has been excellent — lip balm, bath bombs, artisan soaps, sugar scrub and of course, the whipped soap. Cannot recommend this awesome small biz enough!”.” –Laura P, Yelp Elite
THE HONEY POT ART AND ENERGY (Atlanta, Georgia)
Known for: Shop a wide variety of crystals, candles, incense, meditation supplies, chakra, healing stones, honey jars, herbs, essential oils, reiki, aromatherapy, and other tools to guide you on your spiritual exploration.
Yelpers say: “If I move out of Atlanta this is one place I will miss driving down the road to the most, but that’s the perks of the internet and online shopping!”
OMO BAMBOO SHOP (Toronto, Ontario)
Known for: This zero-waste store features handmade gifts, products made primarily of bamboo, and bulk refills for your home (think dish soap, detergents, kitchen cleaners). Shop zero-waste cleaning sets, cooking and dining sets, bamboo toothbrushes, soap dishes, and more online. Ships to US, Canada, and other countries.
Yelpers say: “You can bring in a container to refill your bath supplies, and they also sell crafts and home goods that are reusable or made with renewable materials like bamboo.” –Janice T, Yelp Elite
Follow this Collection and refer to it during your next online shopping adventures. And find and connect with more local Black-owned businesses on Yelp using the using the Black-owned Business attribute.
