Black-Owned Businesses Thrive In Philadelphia

Bookstores & Comic Shops:

• Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse – Ariell R. Johnson, owner. On Frankford Avenue, the East Coast’s first African American woman-owned comics shop stocks Marvel, DC, big-time and self-published books for grown-ups, kids and everyone in between. Limited coffee service is available at this time.
• Atomic City Comics – Darryl Jones, owner. This classic comic book store known for dollar comics, manga, back issues, horror, sci-fi and old-school arcade games such as Street Fighter has been a South Street mainstay since 2001.
• Black and Nobel – Hakim Hopkins, owner. More than a bookstore, this cultural center offers DVDs and an array of health and wellness products in a creative atmosphere. Curbside delivery of books and all-natural cosmetics makes this spot extra convenient.
• Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop – Yvonne Blake, owner. One of the country’s oldest Black-owned bookstores resides at the same West Philly address where Dawud Hakim founded it 60 years ago. Historic, welcoming, old-school and family-friendly, the shop belongs to Hakim’s daughter now.
• Harriett’s Bookshop – Jeannine A. Cook, owner. Fishtown got this welcoming, women-centric, art- and activism-forward, frankincense-scented, named-for-Harriet Tubman bookstore in February 2020. On its shelves: Toni Morrison’s complete collection, works by Zora Neale Hurston, children’s books and more titles that Cook herself loves to read.
• Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books – Marc Lamont Hill, owner. The columnist and Temple prof’s Germantown hangout exudes community pride in its book selection and living-room vibe, a la Washington DC’s acclaimed Busboys and Poets chain. This bibliophiles’ spot takes its name from the columnist and Temple University prof’s favorite uncle, who nurtured Hill’s love of reading.

Clothing, Shoes, Accessories & Home Goods:

• Amazulu Collections – Charita Powell, owner. Seven days a week for more than 30 years, this Reading Terminal Market stall has represented international artists and lived the motto, “where cultures meet.” For sale: folk dolls, original paintings, home décor, body-care products and cultural clothing, including vibrant pieces from Powell’s Urban Karma Wear line, which she also sells by appointment only from her studio in the BOK building.
• American Hats LLC – Reverend Georgiette Morgan-Thomas, owner. A retiree from Harlem rescued one of the country’s oldest hat factories in Northeast Philadelphia and now operates a retail outlet for its wares — all manner of old-fashioned and avant-garde styles for proper churchgoers, dapper gents and statement makers.
• Banni Peru – William Walker, owner. Celebrities like Cardi B, Teyana Taylor and Fabolous have all been pictured wearing the Deno, this shop’s distinctive, colorful puffy coats. Banni Peru complements its brick-and-mortar store in West Philly with an impressive online presence — both offering tracksuits, sweat suits, hoodies, jeans, T-shirts and more.
• Blue Sole Shoes – Steve Jamison, owner. This fashion footwear specialist established his sunny Rittenhouse boutique in 2007 to cater to high-end tastes in men’s shoes, socks, accessories — and customer service. Among the designers in stock: Harris, Magnanni, John Richmond, Jo Ghost and Tateossian.
• Buddha Babe – Tina Dixon Spence, owner. At this bright, spacious West Mt. Airy design studio, Dixon Spence and her team create and sell luxurious but practical items for babies, toddlers and the home. Popular offerings include protective masks, blankets, swaddles, bibs, burp cloths, teething rings, scarves, clothing, cards, books and more. Dixon Spence also hosts group-sewing classes, kids parties and community events in her storefront, which she opened in late 2020 after several years running her business as an e-commerce site.
• Common Ground – Phillip Moore, owner. This Midtown Village consigner offers exclusive sneakers and vintage pieces — Pharrell Williams Adidas, Air Jordans from overseas — and features rare, sold-out merch from prominent sportswear brands like Supreme and Bape.
• Cultured Couture Vintage – Erik Honesty, owner. This Brewerytown bastion of timeless style is best known for its stock of smart designer vintage menswear — Hermes scarves, ties, coats and shirts; Louis Vuitton and Gucci luggage; select women’s pieces; and Honesty’s own line of royalty-inspired capes.
• Damari Savile – Malcolm Jenkins, owner. Former Eagles safety Jenkins founded this men’s and women’s boutique in order to redefine modern custom suiting with creativity, styling and precise tailoring — all while keeping culture at the forefront. The shops stocks 400 ready-to-wear clothing items, along with custom bowties, neckties and pocket squares.
• De’Village – Joycelyn Parks, owner. Stone and wooden jewelry, shea butter, natural soaps, and body washes from Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria are for sale at this Reading Terminal Market standout.
• D’Iyanu – Addie Elabor, owner. With a showroom located in Norristown, D’Iyanu features a co-ed line of African print blazers, pants, scarves, maxi dresses, skirts and jumpsuits. Elabor founded the shop with her brother, Dara Ajayi, and named the brand using a combination of the word “miracle” or “wonderful” in their native Yoruba and a French “d,” to mean “of.”
• Dolly’s Boutique & Consignment – Shani Newton, owner. The stylish set loves that this shop carries women’s clothing for all sizes (extra small through triple extra-large), ages and budgets. On offer: silky tops, stylish separates, maxi dresses and on-point accessories.
• Expect Lace – Shaw Lewis, owner. Expect Lace aims to build customer confidence through an intimate understanding of the female body with brands that sculpt every shape and size. The Manayunk boutique carries some of the world’s top intimate brands for women and men. Services include personalized under garment-fittings and lingerie consultations.
• Fason De Viv – Hanifah Samad, owner. This curated online marketplace sells men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, home décor and beauty supplies. Fason De Viv, which is Haitian Creole for “lifestyle,” carries independent- and minority-owned brands almost exclusively.
• Grant Blvd – Kimberly McGlonn, owner. When she started her line of women’s clothing and accessories in 2017, McGlonn prioritized three things: sourcing reclaimed fabrics, manufacturing exclusively in Philadelphia and supporting incarcerated and returning citizens. And she’s just as committed to that mission today. Devotees of the shop can score casual joggers, elegant skirts, color-blocked jackets and attention-grabbing, organic cotton T-shirts that say: Dear Black Womxn: I’m Standing With You.
• Jeantrix – Deric “Nyce” Crawley and Muhammad “Homm” Abdul-Basit, owners. Luxury streetwear for men and women is the focus for this online retailer, selling bright, bold, art-inspired jackets, hoodies, T-shirts, pants, shorts and accessories. The duo has collaborated with an impressive roster of celebrities on their creations as well. Among them: Missy Elliott, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keyes and Michael B. Jordan.
• Kellijane – Kelly Monk, owner. This South Philly shop, recently relocated from Old City, is designed to feel like a sanctuary, and the rich fabrics and textiles sold here can help any home feel the same. Cozy blankets, coordinated bedding and luxe table fabrics are among the shop’s offerings. Monk provides by-appointment-only design services as well.
• Kicks and Fashion – Dru Major, owner. Shoppers find the latest fashion and loungewear at this unisex boutique in South Philly. The real draws here though are the sneakers. Customers line up outside the store (and all the way around the block) for the latest releases.
• Love Yourself by Shea Elizabeth – Shea Elizabeth, owner. Across from West Philadelphia’s Malcolm X Park, Love Yourself boutique helps women create their own definition of cool with a great selection of shoes, blazers, dresses, jumpsuits and more.
• Mount Airy Candle Co. – Marques Davis, owner. Hand-poured, uniquely scented candles are the star attraction for this growing business born in 2018. Online and at select Pennsylvania retail locations, self-care devotees can purchase candles, pillow sprays and body butters. Fun scents include white tea and ginger, grapefruit mimosa, lavender clouds, and peppermint and cocoa.
• The Movement Philly – Aaron Johnson and Bruce Tabbs, owners. Founded by friends (and former competitors), The Movement Philly specializes in handmade clothing, T-shirts, jewelry and vegan bath and beauty products.
• Philadelphia Diamond Company – Ken and Nicole Black, owners. Custom engagement and wedding rings, one-of-a-kind pieces and gemologist-certified appraisals are the reason clients call ahead to book appointments at this Old City jewelry shop.
• Philadelphia Printworks – Maryam Pugh and Ruth Perez, founders. From zines to sweatshirts to tote bags, the goods from this workshop (based in the Bok building) are adorned with modern designs, all through the lens of social justice. Find Philadelphia Printworks products online and at select brick-and-mortar stores in Philly.
• The Sable Collective – Shanti Mayers, owner. This online women-centric shop encourages women to explore narratives of joy, beauty and wellness. All of the shop’s clothing, jewelry, housewares and wellness products are intentionally sourced from BIPOC and women artisans and entrepreneurs.
• Style by Blain – Voltaire Blain, owner. With a showroom featuring a pool table, elegant wooden side tables and a beautiful fireplace to display his unique selection of shoes, Blain — known as the best dressed man in Chestnut Hill — strives to make shopping for shoes an experience like no other. His shop carries a wide selection of hard-to-find shoes, including loafers, oxfords and both high- and low-cut boots for men, as well as several styles for women.
• Trunc – Dorothea Gamble and Dagmar Mitchell, owners. This Northern Liberties shop carries socially responsible, locally made and environmentally conscious products for the home and body, including bespoke furniture, accessories, clothing, art, jewelry and beauty essentials. Every second Saturday, the shop hosts an artist reception for that month’s featured artist.
• The Utopia Collective – Cara Stipa, owner. A go-to firm for event planning of all sizes, The Utopia Collective also maintains a fab retail shop. Find delicate jewelry, modern home decor, bridal party gifts and themed “party in a box” packages that come with table settings, paper garland and other accessories.
• Xavi Row Bespoke – Leroy West and Kelly Vargas, owners. Xavi Row Bespoke is known for its bold, ultra-dapper custom suiting. They create suits and shirts for professionals, grooms and wedding guests, promgoers and celebrities, including pro basketball player Dion Waiters. Clients make appointments online for West to do measurements and fittings in their home or office. The time from measurement to outfit completion is about four weeks.
• Yowie – Shannon Maldonado, owner. At her minimalist gift shop along Queen Village’s Fabric Row, former fashion designer Maldonado assures each limited-edition Domenic Frunzi planter, Fly by Jing chili crisp or coffee table book feels like the work of art that it is. Maldonado also served as the creative director and interior designer of The Deacon, a circa-1906, Watson & Huckel-designed church now enjoying a second life as a gathering space and boutique hotel in Graduate Hospital.

Spas/Beauty/Wellness:

• 3rd Element Spa – Tomika Branch and Chyvonne Shackelford, owners. Proving sisters make the best small business partners, this nail specialist and esthetician established their full-service day spa in their West Oak Lane neighborhood. Popular here: oxygen facials, gel manicures, detox pedicures, plush waxing, lash and brow enhancements, massages, and self-care products, including 3rd Element lip balms and body butters.
• Abiyah Naturals – Topia Tessema, owner. When crafting skin and hair products that are safe for the whole family to use, Tessema focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly ingredients. Everything on offer in the East Falls shop is handmade — from the soaps and the oils to the moisturizers and the deodorants to the jewelry and the art.
• BeautiFitStrong – Audra Anusionwu, owner. This award-winning body builder and coach takes a holistic approach to wellness. In an East Falls studio, Anusionwu and her team offer personal training, group fitness classes and nutritional guidance to help clients gain strength and confidence.
• DanceFit – Bria Moss-Wilkerson, owner. This boutique dance fitness studio offers in-person, online and on-demand fitness classes designed for people who love to dance. With Zumba, HipFit and ToneZone, DanceFit disguises exercise as fun and makes working out feel like a party.
• Duafe Holistic Hair Care – Syreeta Scott, owner. The stylist to Jill Scott, Ava DuVernay, Questlove and Janet Jackson holds court in North Philly, pioneering natural styles — locs, braids, two-strand twists, hair color, more — that definitely require advanced booking.
• Faheem’s Hands of Precision – Faheem Alexander, owner. At it for over 25 years now, Alexander is known for his expertise in styling, hairline correction and beard grooming. He has worked on many celebrity clients, including Tracy Morgan, Rick Ross and Philadelphia’s favorite hip-hop group, The Roots.
• Flourishing Beauty and Wellness – Charisse Nelson, owner. This shop helps consumers indulge in self-care with its organic teas and natural skincare products. In addition to selling loose-leaf teas with delightful names like Brain Love and Mellow Out, the online-only company offers a monthly Tea Tribe subscription service.
• Freedom Apothecary – Morrisa Jenkins and Bonkosi Alyssa Horn, owners. This Northern Liberties self-care and wellness space stocks holistic skin and lifestyle products, such as CBD tinctures and makeup, all sourced from female-founded companies.
• Girls’ Auto Clinic Repair Center – Patrice Banks, owner. This engineer turned mechanic (and author of Girls Auto Clinic Glovebox Guide) has established the city’s first and only women-run garage. Next door, she opened Clutch Beauty Bar, offering nail and waxing services.
• Gold + Water – Chartel Findlater, owner. Findlater’s focus is on creating handcrafted soaps, bath items and home decor in small batches. She sells these items online and at various brick-and-mortar shops in Philadelphia (think Marsh & Mane, Art Star Philly, Moon + Arrow) and  beyond. Gold + Water products can also be found at various pop-up events.
• A Man’s Cave – Judith Dumorney-McDaniel, owner. Who says only women should be pampered? The pop-up shops and skincare line from A Man’s Cave are all about helping men enjoy a bit of self-care too. The company’s founder was inspired to start the business after her husband complained that most spas cater to women.
• Marsh + Mane – Jenea Robinson, owner. Located in the South Street Headhouse District, this natural hair beauty supply boutique carries a curated selection of hair, skin, and bath and body products. Shoppers will find goods from makers such as Zuresh, Bask & Bloom, Anita Grant, Angie Watts and Scotch Porter, in addition to candles, hair accessories, brushes and shower caps.
• The Naked Peach Waxing Boutique – Sarah Giovinetti, owner. With three locations in Philadelphia — Queen Village, South Street West and Roxborough — this full-service waxing studio is a convenient option for those interested in quick and painless body and facial waxing, as well as lash-brow tints, lash perm-lifts and threading. Over the course of a decade, The Naked Peach has provided more than $20,000 in scholarships for vocational training schools to single moms and teens in the Philadelphia area.
• Posh Hair Design– Tish Taylor, owner. With over 23 years of hair care experience, Taylor creates a relaxing and tranquil setting to ensure that clients get the best hair care experience. Stylists here work on all styles and textures of hair. Services include relaxers, weaves, highlights, special occasion hair and more.
• QueenStylista’s – Sheena Dickerson, owner. This salon’s owner has cultivated a friendly, welcoming space exclusively for women. Known for precision cuts, the stylists at this Ardmore salon also specialize in coloring and styling, and the staff has a reputation for building trust with clients in search of a fresh look.
• Salon A’Marie – Aundrea Watkins, owner. Watkins’ experience in natural hair care helped her create a loyal client base when she opened her salon in 2020 in the middle of the pandemic. The hair-brow-lash studio in Manayunk also sells hair oil, edge tamer and Black Lives Matter merch.
• Sky Blue Day Studio Aromatherapy – Lindsey Robinson, owner. This licensed massage therapist and certified aromatherapist offers services and classes to give women the time and space they need to regroup and regain a sense of relaxation. Sky Blue also sells its own products — oils, mists, soaps and more.
• Ursula’s About Phace Rittenhouse Studio – Ursula Augustine, owner. This by-appointment-only studio, which is an Allure Magazine hotspot, is owned by Ursula Augustine, an industry vet whose 25-plus years in the business include stints with Bobbi Brown, François Nars and Aveda. Devoted clients swear by her award-winning brow sculpting, microblading, lash lifts, derma-planing — but especially her signature URS cosmetics line for note-perfect makeup.
• Viva Tea Leaf Co. – Christa Barfield, owner. Barfield’s approach to what she sells is clear: She wants to offer her customers “high-quality, healthful tea with traceable origins.” To do that, she grows and harvest plants on a small farm in Pennsylvania and pays close attention to the practices of her partner farms. In her Germantown shop and on her online store, tea aficionados can purchase teas, honeys, gift sets, accessories and more.
• Watts Fitness Studio – Peter Watts, owner. Located in the heart of the city’s Latinx community, this fitness studio serves a diverse clientele. Members participate in a variety of classes, including Zumba, cardio kickboxing and belly dancing, as well as personal-training sessions.

Inn:

• Akwaaba Philadelphia –Monique Greenwood, owner. This prominent innkeeper turned a lovely 1879 mansion in West Philly’s charming Powelton Village into an intimate, elegant bed-and-breakfast. Each of the six suites is inspired by Philly musicians: Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Jill Scott, Patti La Belle, The Roots, Teddy Pendergrass and Musiq Soulchild.

Art Galleries & Classes:

• Ceramic Concept – Stefani Threet, owner. Opened in November 2020, this West Philly store showcases pieces by more than 50 national and international artists and makers, including works by owner Stefani Threet, in a modern, minimalist-styled space.
• Moody Jones Gallery – Adrian Moody and Robyn Jones, owners. Rich collections of paintings and sculpture by new and established artists draw observers and collectors to this boutique Glenside gallery, just north of city limits.
• October Gallery – Mercer Redcross, owner. “African American art is good for everyone” is the motto of Redcross, the man behind this longstanding repository of mostly contemporary Black art. This elder statesman of creativity has shared his mission from his Germantown flagship through kiosks and shows across town, long before pop-ups were cool.
• Rush Arts Philly (RAP) – Danny Simmons, owner. The elder brother of the Reverend Run and Russell Simmons established an art gallery and community space in the Logan neighborhood at the very top of Broad Street. RAP opened in 2016 with the exhibition Power, Protest, and Resistance: The Art of Revolution and continues to organize exhibitions and programs that provide opportunities to both local artists and curators focused on community revitalization.
• Sippin’ Pic’s Painting Parties – Darlene Walker, owner. This paint and event studio’s motto is “you bring the people, and they bring the paint and the party.” Sippin’ Pic’s hosts events for all ages, featuring painting, live music and karaoke. They also happily bring the party to private homes.
• Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery – Steven CW Taylor, owner. This fine art photo gallery in Germantown showcases the work of its founder and owner. Large-format color photography immerses visitors and encourages them to interact with the places and people Taylor has photographed during the course of his travels. Each print comes with care instructions and a certificate of authenticity.