In celebration of Black History Month this February, we’re highlighting Black-owned businesses to support in 2023. These studios, restaurants, and galleries are evolving creative industries, and we’re proud to have hosted shows within these dynamic spaces. Here are ten Black-owned businesses to celebrate and support not just in February, but everyday.
1. Legacy | NYC
Supporting avant-garde artwork from local creative designers, Legacy, New York showcases some of the best work from up-and-coming Black talent. It’s the perfect way to spend your sunday: indulging further into the arts, and supporting Black trailblazers. As well as a spot to showcase new and authentic work, a strictly 21+ venue, Legacy is one of New York’s most treasured spots and is an open space for Black talent to be acknowledged, appreciated and encouraged.
2. Ìpàdé | Washington D.C.
Ìpàdé is a safe space for Black women to stay connected, be seen and authentically grow. An independent business running on three values: connection, community and change, by creating a safe environment with easy-access, this organization has built a community of trust. Ìpàdé is both a digital and physical space running events across the board. Driving personal growth, inspiration and spells of good-luck, this organization is an essential for Black-owned businesses to support, working hard to celebrate and support new talent.
3. Vault + Vine | Philadelphia, PA
Vault + Vine is the perfect spot for finding a personal gift for a friend or a loved one (pro tip:their floral collection is a good place to start) Offering a selection of the finest bouquets, Vault and Vine values quality over anything. But it doesn’t end there, as the company also puts on workshop events for customers to explore their creativity.
4. Atlanta Breakfast Club | Atlanta, GA
Combining sweet with savory, Atlanta Breakfast Club is making breakfast a whole lot more exciting. Offering customers the brightest breakfast experience with fresh fruit and fluffy waffles, Atlanta Breakfast Club is an organization run by eager foodies looking to inspire and curate with every dish they work on. Atlanta Breakfast Club calls to arms all food lovers, and are seasoning dishes with a whole lot of love.
5. Blak Water Music, Baltimore, MD
Blak Water Music is a multi-purpose business program supporting rising talent in Baltimore. Run by Black creatives, this space encourages young creatives to take a dive into an industry that challenges them. Offering a range of placements such as video production, recording services, event rental, and artist residencies, Black Water is a hub where Black creatives can expand their capabilities.
6. Riches Art Gallery | Austin Texas
Riches Art Gallery is the perfect location to discover art work through an innovative and authentic lens. The best part about supporting Riches Art Gallery is that you’re directly supporting founder and artist Richard Samuel, who explores watercolor paintings, unique prints, erotic models and more throughout his work. Currently standing as the only Black-owned gallery in Austin, Texas, Riches Art Gallery stands out from the crowd as an imperative organization to support this 2023.
7. Makers Gym | Dallas, TX
Makers Gym isn’t your usual gym… an organization seeking to exercise personal growth through a variety of hands-on programs, Makers Gym is a communal space hosting podcasts events, open mic nights, and more. Encouraging rising talent to network in an authentic environment, Makers Gym is also home to a variety of production studios and is the perfect place for enthusiastic creatives with a hunger to succeed and to officially dive in.
8. Muse Coffee Studio |Chicago, IL
Muse Coffee Studio is another to keep in mind for Black-owned businesses to support this year. Situated in Chicago, this venue doubles up as a cute cafe to spend time in and simultaneously hosts a regular book club and open mic night. Live outside Chicago but still want to support? Alongside its cafe you can support the organization by purchasing some merchandise, which features a selection of shirts, sweatshirts, snapbacks, and mugs. We can’t wait to bring a Sofar show back to this space.
9. Brain Freeze | Houston, TX
Combining the sugary tastes of slushies with an extended list of cocktail options, Houston’s Brain Freeze is a whole lot of fun with friends.. With both a pick-up and delivery options, Brain Freeze is an exhilarating way to start any of your social events, and about to put on a whole new spin to your Friday nights. Looking forward to our next Sofar evening here!
10. Urban Sanctuary | Denver, CO
Urban Sanctuary is an essential company to invest in this year. Basing its foundations around educating readers with informative anti-racism stats, Urban Sanctuary takes pride in reminding and educating its readers on how they can support Black lives and anti-racism practices everyday. At the heart of this brand is an established yoga company celebrating the importance of nurturing your well-being.
Words by Laviea Thomas
Photo credit: RichesArt Gallery, photo courtesy of RichesArt Gallery team
