In honor of Black History Month, we're sharing a few of our favorite local Black Owned Businesses in each of our TULA Markets! We hope you'll check them out now of course...but more importantly, continue to shop/support/share about them beyond just this month.
AUSTIN
- Blow Candle Co.: As if being a TULA partner wasn't reason enough for Blow Candle Co. to be on the list, we absolutely LOVE everything this company (and the inspiring woman behind it) is about. For every candle sold, Blow will donate a portion of the proceeds directly to a female owned/founded organization with a mission to support and empower other women. In addition, Blow will use it’ s platform to amplify and further the message and work of the organizational partners and other women doing work to help others bloom in the community. The fact that the products are sustainably made with quality materials and smell absolutely to-die-for is just the cherry on top!
- Black Pearl Books, founded by Katrina Brooks in 2019, focuses on diversity and inclusion in their selection. Ms. Brooks opened her business because she didn't see enough Black literary representation for her children and herself. As a business, Black Pearl Books has experienced rapid growth in the past two years, and is already a cherished Austin shop.
- Hope Green founded Emojis Grilled Cheese Bar, a successful Austin food truck that serves a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwich offerings. Emojis also gives back to its community by helping to provide meals to healthcare workers and those experiencing homelessness. Additionally, Ms. Green has compiled a collection of her best and most well-loved recipes into a cookbook!
- Black Mamas ATX is a non-profit that serves Black mothers-to-be of Austin by providing birthing and mental health services that extend through the first year of the child's life. Dr. Michele Rountree, Ph.D., founded Black Mamas Community Collective, and has done extensive research on health promotion, health prevention, and health equity.
- Find More amazing Black Owned Businesses in Austin worth checking out HERE or HERE
ASPEN
- Mawas Kitchen: This gem is the flagship restaurant of owner and executive chef Mawa McQueen, James Beard Award semifinalist nominee 2022 & 2022 Colorado Governor's Minority Business Award Winner. The menu "is hyper seasonal and reflects Mawa's international heritage serving up Afro-Mediterranean cuisine with French-American flair." Mawa’s Kitchen is the hidden jewel of Aspen.
DENVER | BOULDER
- TeaLee's Tea Co.: TeaLee’s Tea House and Bookstore is located at the gateway of Denver’s Historic Five Points. They provide high quality loose leaf teas, food and specialty drinks, including beer and wine. It's the perfect cozy spot for a small gathering (baby shower, corporate meetings, coffee date etc.)
- Black and Blossomed: Apart from creating and selling flower arrangements, Black + Blossomed also meant to be a community for all people to become an active participant in the beauty of the world around us and most importantly, the beauty within ourselves.
- Le French Bakery & Cafe: Le French offers an authentic Parisian boulangerie atmosphere, where you can enjoy baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and soups on site or to go. They pride ourselves in preparing all their goods from scratch with locally sourced ingredients.
- Be A Good Person: My favorite hat and hoodie come from here. We love the simple yet powerful, positive message that this founder built an entire brand around.
- Flick of the Whisk Cakes: Yummm, you had me at homemade oreos and jar cupcakes. This delicious woman owned business was founded in 2019 and continues to serve up incredible baked goods all over Denver. She also makes a mean custom wedding cake if you're in the market.
- Mateo: Owner and chef Matthew Jansen has truly created something with staying power. As other restaurants come and go, Mateo has been holding steady in Pearl Street in Boulder since 2001. On the menu, you’ll find dishes like steak frites, river trout (served with shaved fennel gremolata and lemon), spaghettini and other fare.
- Find more amazing Black Owned businesses in Denver/Boulder worth checking out HERE.
RALEIGH
- Social Status: Social Status’ brand mix is geared to the fashion-focused consumer: quality driven and fashion forward. While this brand collective is not exclusively local to Raleigh, we love everything they stand for. Check them out.
- Pareure: This lovely small businesses's slogan is 'jewelry that celebrates and emboldens you'. ...and that says all we need to know.
- Sugar Euphoria: As event enthusiasts we love and appreciate a beautiful cake that can truly be the centerpiece of a special event- but one that also tastes as good as it looks?! That is GOLD and this lovely owner is creating magic that is exactly that.
- Nashona: WOW! We are blown away by the beautiful creations available through this incredible business. The phrase "Made with ❤️ Tanzania" can be found written across the tag of each NASHONA piece. NASHONA, ("I sew" in Swahili), was created by Lilian K Danieli, a Tanzanian native who resides in North Carolina. Lilian established the line in 2012 with the goal of serving her community and merging two different cultures by providing traditional African prints in modern silhouettes for a unique statement. NASHONA's success is attributed to a loyal team of local Tanzanians, retailers and brand ambassadors who share Lillian's vision of fashion and philanthropy.
- Find More amazing Black Owned Businesses in Raleigh/Durham area worth checking out HERE.
SCOTTSDALE
- Sugarjam: You had us at lobster mac n cheese with friend shrimp! Are you kidding me? This go-to brunch spot and delicious bakery, was founded by entrepreneur extraordinaire Dana Dumas and gets rave reviews from our team!
- The Sparkle Bar: The Sparkle Bar was founded in 2015 by Alexandra Bradberry. This one-of-a-kind Scottsdale based makeup studio was designed to celebrate diversity and inclusion. She was driven by her love of makeup, the confidence it instills, and the business dynamic of the beauty industry which led her on a mission to redefine the way people experience cosmetics. Today she is more passionate than ever about creating spaces where everyone can find their own beauty and feel confident in their own skin. We LOVE IT!
- Find More amazing Black Owned Businesses in Scottsdale worth checking out HERE