Are you looking for Black-owned businesses to support that are near by? Here is a list we have compiled. If you have one to add, please contact Amy at lexham@lexham.org.
Nearby Selby Avenue Black-Owned Businesses
Bouquets by Carolyn has opened since 1990 and is the first floral shop owned by a Black woman in St. Paul. Bouquets by Carolyn has the perfect flowers for whatever the occasion is, from celebrations to sympathy flowers, birthdays, and more.
Golden Thyme Coffee & Cafe is a long-standing gathering space in Saint Paul co-owned by Stephanie and Mychael Wright. While the space isn’t currently hosting crowds, stop by and grab a freshly made drink and snack to-go. They have bagels, cakes, and specialty drinks named after favorite jazz musicians like Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington.
Grooming House Barber Shop is a small business dedicated to grooming and styling men’s hair and is located in Selby Ave and another shop in University Ave. If you need an excuse to relax and enjoy some good company and fabulous hair treatments, Saint Paul’s Grooming House Barber Shop has you covered. Visit their website, choose your barber, and make an appointment.
Handsome Hog is back! Now open in Cathedral Hill, star chef Justin Sutherland has revamped The Fitz space to be Handsome Hog 2.0. There is a new wall of whiskey and a slick 120 seat patio to enjoy your ribs, brisket, and fried chicken and waffles. If you have never been there, Handsome Hog is a contemporary Southern restaurant located on 203 E. 6th Street in Lowertown Saint Paul, MN. They serve brunch, lunch, dinner, and late night.
Metro Midwifery is the work of Britt Jackson, owner and primary midwife. Jackson is the only queer Black midwife in the state and provides safe and community centered prenatal care, as well as in-home natural and water birth, postpartum and newborn care, and more.
Omari Brow Studio offers threading, eyebrow waxing, and lash lifts. Owned by Syreeta Seve, this studio is set in a modern and relaxing space in St. Paul. They’re almost ready to launch online threading master class where you can distance-learn from the Omari experts themselves–keep an eye out!
Professional Fit is a Tailor Shop own and run by Amy Hunter. Their business hours run on Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM. Many customers complimented on the store’s professional and welcoming attitude. Stop by for any alteration and custom sewing.
Taste of Rondo is owned and run by Charles Carter. They serve “elevated soul food” and serve as a community gathering spot in the neighborhood. For more information check out this article!
Tommie’s Pizza brings New York style pizza, wings, and desserts to St. Paul in a cozy spot on Selby and Snelling. Located close to Allianz Field, it is convenient for anyone to stop and enjoy a meal before or after any game.
2 Scoops Ice Cream Eatery is brand new on Selby Ave owned by Brian White Jr. They just opened the first week of June 2020 and have gratefully welcomed many visitors from far and near. White says in this moment in time, “[ice cream] makes everyone happy,” and “brings people together.” They serve an array of at least 18 different delicious ice cream choices at any given time, plus decadent waffle cones and hot items as well. Here is a heart-warming article about their view on their business.
Sense of Style Salon is a trendsetting salon owned by Torih Michelle. The business is friendly, enthusiastic, team-oriented, and committed to producing healthy maintainable hair. Many customers were given feedback to maintain their hair while getting their hair style! Book appointments directly through Facebook page by clicking “Book 24/7”
Walker West Music Academy is an out-of-school time music school that teaches instrumental and vocal music to all ages and from all backgrounds. It is a learning community rooted in the African American cultural experience for anyone who wish to grow and explore music. This academy teaches all styles and is especially well-known for teaching jazz and other styles of improvisational music. Walker West is thought to be the oldest community music school in the nation founded by African American musicians. All faculty members are working professional musicians.
Neighboring Businesses:
Element Boxing and Fitness is open again! This is the first co-working and collaborative boxing gym in the world. They provide a variety of classes for exercise and wellness programs for both youth and adults. They range from Yoga to Boxing in addition to the Recovery Circuit.
Mojo Monkey Donuts is owned by Lisa Clark. This donut business has a smattering of delicious looking and tasting donuts to choose from and cups of coffee. While they do have variety, these donuts sell out quite fast according to their website.
PJ Murphy’s Bakery is owned by Lex-Ham residents Francois and Melissa Kiemde! The bakery has a history of over 80 years! Their aim is to remind their customers of the bakeries from their childhood. When passing by a bakery, you cannot help but love the aroma of tempting treats, such as bread! Pick from donuts, challah, scones, and any other breakfast sweets you can think of. Their services include full-service bakery, retail, wedding cakes, and restaurant supply.
PUSH Fitness Studio has a variety of classes, including yoga, Tabata, and barre. Their classes have been made available online through Zoom during coronavirus. People of all shapes and sizes are welcome to join their innovative and energetic classes.
Billy’s on Grand is an iconic, Bar and Restaurant located on historic Grand Avenue in St. Paul, Mn. Under new ownership lead by Wesley Spearman, Billy’s plans to offer a great menu filled with traditional items from our past, combined with some fresh, new ideas that will please all interests and cravings. Burgers, Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, Tacos, Wings, and Flatbreads combined with hot soups and fresh salads will be waiting for each guest to enjoy.
Snelling/University:
Elsa’s House of Sleep is a family-owned discount furniture and mattress store in St. Paul since 1997. Elsa offers delivery and installation and carries brands like Acme Furniture Inc., Ashley Furniture, Fashion Bed Group, and more. If you recently moved or are looking for some furniture with a fun house renovation project, they may have the right furniture that you’re looking for.
Fasika Ethiopian Restaurant is a Middle Eastern Restaurant opened in Saint Paul. Owned by Atnafu Yeshidagne, it’s the place to go for giant spreads filled with tibs, key wot, and veggies—all waiting to be scooped up in pieces of spongy injera. If you’re someone who loves your veggies, this is the place for you!
Arts:
Culture Piece Magazine is an editorial and high fashion magazine founded by journalist Maya Clark in 2016. The magazines focus on art, culture, music, and life as a Millennial. In hopes that Millennials, youths, and blacks’ voices are being heard and represented, Clark designs this magazine to bring Culture Piece™ to life!
Mosaic on a Stick is a Black and Indigenous-owned business in St. Paul prioritizing accessibility to art and creative expression. The community art studio and supply store offer classes where you can make a mosaic.
Penumbra Theater was started by Artistic Director Lou Bellamy to make space for African American voices and experiences in our renowned theater scene. It has evolved into a wonderful way to celebrate the Twin Cities’ diversity through the arts. While their spring events have been cancelled, they plan on being back on stage this fall and are always accepting donations!
Shop these creative and local black owned businesses online:
Choose Love Minnesota is a local family start-up that wants to spread love throughout the community through their clothing.
Rocky Robinson is founded by Audra Robinson and offers a variety of sweet-scented bath products featuring designs made to inspire confidence and self-love in Black girls.
Tutus & Tennis Shoes empowers transracial adoptive families by provides products, tools, and education needed to maintain healthy hairs. Founded by Kanisha, an educator, entrepreneur, and mother; Tutus welcomes all families that are willing to see the beauty in the curls and be open to learning together!
Twiggy Fresh is an eco-friendly oral care business dedicated to reducing plastic waste on our planet. You can take care of yourself while taking care of our earth!