Supporting Black-Owned Businesses in Baltimore this February and Beyond
February 6, 2021
February is Black History Month, an important tradition that celebrates the achievements and culture of African Americans throughout history.
To celebrate Black History Month, we wanted to share some Black-owned businesses in Baltimore and encourage you to support local shops not too far from your home here at Liberty Harbor East.
Supporting Local Black-Owned Businesses in Baltimore
This past year has only further proven how important it is to spend your money conscientiously, with your values in mind. Black businesses and business owners are an important part of our neighborhood, this city and the Baltimore community. Be sure to show your support by shopping small, checking out these locales, and sharing the love on social media!
Retail
Pandora’s Box Boutique
The founder of Pandora’s Box Boutique, Monesha Phillips, has always been on the forefront of the latest fashion trends. The store is a result of that passion for style and a mission to bring high-quality, affordable goods to the community. Pandora’s Box has a gorgeous selection of gifts like tote bags, jewelry, homewares and more, all with a splash of personality and humor.
Drama MaMa Bookshop
The Drama MaMa Bookshop was founded by Alisa L Brock, when the loss of a loved one inspired her to channel her grief into the creation of amazing journals. You can find her journals and notepads at retailers throughout the city, including Charm City Books and the Baltimore Museum of Art.
The Doll House Boutique
Since 2003, The Doll House Boutique has sold a beautifully curated collection of clothes. Located in Mount Vernon, this award-winning boutique has something for every fashion-loving woman in your life. Owner Natalie Karyl founded the store with the belief that “playing dress up never truly ends,” and brings that creative spirit to and love of fashion to the store every day.
KSM Candle Co.
Who would’ve guessed that a love of hit series The Walking Dead would turn into a candle business? Letta founded the KSM Candle Co. when she was inspired by the show to learn new skills. That new hobby became an incredible business, selling soy candles that look as good as they smell (don’t worry––none of the scents are zombie-themed!)
Dining
Teavolve
Teavolve, located right near your apartment home here at Liberty Harbor East, is “steeped in non-tradition.” For over a decade, they have been a fixture in the Charm City community. Co-owners Sunni and Del started the teahouse with the goal of spreading the love of tea in mind. Since, they have amassed a fantastic selection of teas, ranging from classics like English Breakfast black tea to amazing infusions like Spiced Apple Pie. To go with your tea, you should check out their extensive menu of breakfast favorites like crepes and egg dishes, and cafe-style dishes like paninis and salads.
Midnite Confection
Sweet-treat lovers, rejoice! Midnite Confection has a cupcake with your name on it. A mother and son duo, the founders Sandra and Aaron come from a family of cooks, and when they started sharing their cupcake creations with loved ones, everyone couldn’t get enough. That inspired them to start Midnite Confection, a mouth-wateringly good cupcakery with delectable desserts like the Midnite cupcake Midnite, featuring a chocolate chip cream cheese surprise inside a chocolate cupcake, with chocolate buttercream frosting.
Crust By Mack
Amanda Mack created Crust By Mack in 2018. What started as a pop-up pastry business became a full-fledged storefront at Whitehall Market, because customers just couldn’t get enough. Her pastries are made by hand, from scratch fresh each morning, and they’re worth getting up early for––they sell out! We love the Brown Butter Roasted Pecan Cookie, but you just might want to try one of everything!
Berries By Quicha
Nothing says romance (or self-love!) quite like chocolate covered strawberries, and Berries By Quicha has you covered this Valentine’s Day! These gourmet chocolate covered strawberries are truly something special, made with the finest chocolate and unique flavors. Berries By Quicha has even made strawberries for VIP customers including Barack Obama, Amazon, and Nordstrom!
Magdelena & The Ivy
Located at The Ivy, Magdelena is a bistro that serves up “European traditions infused with Maryland soul.” The hotel’s partners, Eddie and Syliva Brown, have an incredible history of philanthropy throughout their lives and careers. You can read more about their amazing life stories in this article. Their vision was to transform the restaurant into a locally-based, yet internationally-inspired eatery, combining high-quality dining and a more casual restaurant experience.
Serenity Wine Cafe
Serenity Wine Cafe in Locust Point was started by Nneka Bial. After working at Pizza Hut for 23 years, she set out on her own journey to take her knowledge of the food industry and pursue a unique idea: a self-serve wine and pizza restaurant. Serenity Wine Cafe now serves a great selection of wine, along with yummy pizzas, sandwiches, starters and desserts. Read more about the restaurant and Bial’s story here.
Pure Chocolate By Jinji
Pure Chocolate By Jinji makes chocolate like you’ve never seen it before. Founded by Jinji Fraser and her father Guy, this shop uses the purest chocolate available, responsibly-sourced and handcrafted into delicious chocolate delicacies. Their menu changes frequently, but right now you can experience bold chocolate truffles, peanut butter fudge bites made with 76% dark cacao and more.
Drinks
Off The Rox Wine and Beer
Off The Rox is a wine and beer boutique located in Highlandtown, with a great selection of handpicked drinks. You can also order beer on tap, or stop by for a tasting hosted by an industry expert. Owners Jeryl Cole and Tyrekia Jackson sought to create a wine and beer shop that also values the culture behind the drinks, and to foster a welcoming, social atmosphere. Read more about their story here.
CAnE Collective
When Clinton Jackson Alexander, Aaron Joseph and Ezra Allen created CAnE Collective, they combined both their initials and their expertise about the bar and hospitality industries. As a consulting agency, they guide spirit companies and help create successful businesses over a shared passion for spirits.
#LiveLiberty
We hope you join us in celebrating Black History Month this year. Share your favorite small business with us on our social media pages at @LibertyHarborEast and #LiveLiberty. You can also use #BLKFoodBaltimore on instagram to showcase your food from Black-owned businesses in the month of February and be entered to win a prize!