Black History Month: Shop these 10 black-owned local businesses
Supporting black business is crucial to improving our economic disadvantage in society, especially during Black History Month. Because of these disadvantages however, they can be a little harder to find. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of ten black-owned businesses you can support not just because they’re black-owned but because they’re awesome too.
Replenish Spa
124 S Washington Ave, Columbus
Located in the Discovery District, this spa/yoga studio is a refuge from the stress and chaos of Columbus’ busy downtown life. Run by Deja Redman and her two daughters Chanelle Redman and Wuavette Duncan, this spa offers everything from organic skincare and cosmetics to energy healing and meditation. They also offer sleep therapy, which is a nap that can be added on to any service to increase the benefits of relaxation.
SuperChef’s Breakfast & More
199 E Broad St, Columbus
1344 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna
Everyone loves a good brunch spot. Superchef’s gives a fresh take on the comfort foods you know and love. Founded by Columbus Natives and childhood friends Ryan Bryson and Darnell Ferguson, this restaurant is only part of their numerous culinary achievements. Being a chef for the 2008 Beijing Olympic team and winning Food Network’s Thanksgiving Challenge, Darnell brings passion, skill and prestige to his business.
Upper Cup Coffee Co.
79 Parsons Avenue, Columbus
121 Mill St, Gahanna
Owner Micael Habte brings to Columbus inspiration from his Eritrean roots with this cozy coffee shop in Olde Town East. He starting out by selling coffee beans to retailers in the city, then decided to start his own business in OTE and recently opened a second location in Gahanna. You can get coffee roasted in-house as well as pastries and sandwiches.
Wilowbeez Soulveg
Pop-Up
This vegan/vegetarian popup and catering company gives you something you need in your life: soul food. With staples like mac-n- please and soul cabbage, you’ll find that going vegetarian doesn’t mean sacrificing some of your favorite foods. They make sure to engage with the community by hosting local talks and and piloting Mansa Men, a nine-month personal development program geared towards young black men. You can see what their up to, including their pop up locations through their Facebook page.
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Sole Classics
846 N High St, Columbus
6391 Sawmill Rd, Dublin
Housing some of the hottest streetwear, Sole Classics is a reflection of the city’s expanding/evolving fashion scene. Here you can find big brands like Nike and Jordan as well as Sole Classics collabs with Vans, The Columbus Clippers and The Hundreds. Owner Dionte Johnson bought Sole Classics when he was just 23 years old, and has had so much success at his Short North location that he was able to expand to Dublin as well. They also have a website where you can purchase merch and check out their blog.
Joan’s bridal Couture
7382 E Main St, Reynoldsburg
NYC native and owner Joan Madison brings inspiration from the fashion capital of the country. Working for famous dress houses like Ann Taylor and Ellen Tracy, Joan took her skill and experience and opened a full service bridal salon here in Columbus. They offer alterations, tux rentals, dresses, and more. A full list of services is available on their website, as well as Joan’s gorgeous Queendom Collection.
Synergi Salon
3443 E Broad St, Columbus
Catering to all your curly needs, Synergi Salon encourages you to love your natural hair, in all of its forms. Their service menu includes natural styles like two-strand twists, braiding, and straightening. You can also get a curly cut and color. They know that natural hair can be a journey (struggle), which is why they offer personalized consultations so you can get the most out of each appointment.
Black Art Plus
43 Parsons Ave, Columbus
A charming shop in Olde Towne East, Black Art Plus has a great selection of black art from figurines to jewelry and a great selection of books. They house authentic African art pieces like dolls and musical instruments. The majority of their merchandise is in store but some items can be purchased online.
The Walton Firm
395 E Broad St #200, Columbus
Childhood friends Chanda Brown and Seal Walton came together in 2014 to form Walton-Brown Law, a firm that specializes in personal injury, medical malpractice, and employment discrimination, and civil rights, among other things. Dedicated to informing the people, they have a blog where they give tips on avoiding injury, discrimination, and harassment.
Battiste LaFleur Galleria
825 E Long St, Columbus
Not your run-of-the-mill flower shop, this galleria features elaborate designs for large events as well as personal use. Battiste LaFleur has been family run for 75 years, taking pride in developing a signature style locals know and love. You can check out their website where they have a gallery of their floral arrangements as well as online ordering.
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