Black History Month has just started which means we are celebrating and highlighting black history all around the country. Black history is such an important part of Philadelphia’s growth and what makes the city so special. We want to give you a few places around The City of Brotherly Love that you can shop this month.
Here is a guide to a few of Philly’s best black-owned businesses that you should support not only this February but all year round.
Bailey Street Books
Located in Brewerytown, Bailey Street Books was founded by Anyabwile Love, a Community College of Philadelphia professor. Instead of getting rid of or even selling his book collection, Anyabwile decided to open a reading and research community hub inside the record shop Brewery Beats. Bailey Street Books has a cozy sectional and coffee table so visitors can feel right at home when reading and borrowing books from the large collection on the shelves.
Damari
Old City is home to Damari, a Philadelphia-based men’s and womenswear house created by former Philadelphia Eagles Safety, Malcom Jenkins. Damari’s mission is to create a unique experience for each customer that walks through the doors. They are reinventing suits by tapping into new styles, new creativity, and precise tailoring. Shop online here or book an appointment to create your own perfect piece.
Looman Labs Candle and Seltzer Bar
Looman Labs Candle and Seltzer Bar sits on 5th street, at the heart of the South Street Headhouse District. If you are looking for something new, Looman Labs is the perfect place for a group outing or a solo adventure. Choose from a variety of experiences from bath scrubs, body lotions, and body wash to room sprays, candle making and so much more.
Dancefit
This dance studio in Chestnut Hill is owned by Bria Moss-Wilkerson. DanceFit offers online, in person and even on-demand classes for those who love to dance it out. At DanceFit, workouts are meant to be fun, because who doesn’t love a good dance party?
Girls Auto Clinic
Girls Auto Clinic (GAC) is a Black woman-owned business located in Upper Darby, just outside of Philadelphia. GAC encourages women to engage in their own automotive experiences whether that be buying or maintaining their vehicles. Their growing community of women works to redefine the automotive industry. If you are having car issues, the “shecanics” at Girls Auto Clinic are there for you.
Viva Tea Leaf Co
Christa Barfield opened Viva Leaf Tea Co., a farm-to-cup approach to tea, for all of Philly’s tea lovers. Viva Leaf Tea sells only the best high-quality, healthful teas to its customers. All of their teas have traceable backgrounds because Barfield grows and harvests plants on a local Pennsylvania farm. At Viva Leaf Tea you will find products that were “grown with love and curated for your wellness.” Head over to their shop in Germantown or check out their website to purchase all sorts of goodies like teas, honeys, accessories, and gift sets.
While you are exploring Philly this Black History month, add a stop or two at one of these black-owned businesses. Shopping at and supporting black-owned businesses is just one of many ways to celebrate black history month. We hope you spend this month and the following months supporting not just these businesses but black-owned businesses all around the city.
