The time to listen and learn about issues surrounding race is long overdue. I know there is so much that needs to happen, not just to put a stop to the horrific police brutality, but to bring justice and equality to the Black community. So now that we have thrown up the hashtag #blacklivesmatter and turned our instagram square black for the day, where do we go from here?
Last night I tuned into an eye opening and insightful Instagram Live with Venita Aspen (who lives here in Charleston) and Sophie Gold (a producer out of LA). One of the biggest take home messages was that white people need to do the work and speak out to the brands, businesses, and companies that do not support diversity. “It’s scary and it may feel weird, but that tiny feeling is nothing compared to how we feel on a daily basis.” Powerful words from Venita. In addition, we need to support Black owned businesses. Not just today because #blacklivesmatter is trending, but tomorrow, and the next day, and the next, and throughout our daily lives.
Support, engage, post, retweet, share, buy, shop, and connect. You will find that not only have these businesses and brands been here all along but they are pretty amazing people too.
“Be an ally in a good way. Don’t do it because it’s cool, don’t do it because it’s popular, don’t do it because it’s a hashtag. Do it because you feel that it’s the right thing to do.” – Venita Aspen
Here are some Black owned businesses in Charleston you should check out:
RESTAURANT
1617 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29407
I met Maudell Grayson years ago at The Daily Dose on James Island (anyone remember Daily Dose?!) But the Dell’z family run restaurants have been around for awhile serving up the most delicious vegan foods. Not only is the food amazing, she cares about her town in a way that is so inspiring. Although the downtown and JI locations are closed, you can find her (and all the good eats) now at the new West Ashley location.
YOGA INSTRUCTOR, WELLNESS DIRECTOR, ENTREPRENEUR
@yogi_mama_ash
Better known as Yogi Mama Ash, I meet her at an yoga event when I was pregnant with Bear and I will never forget how compassionate and helpful she was to me as I rolled around like a beached whale. She teaches yoga at Still Soul Studio as well as being the wellness director of a non-profit called Artisan Global and is also co-creator of Brwn Girl Talk. She is doing all the things and the world is a better place because of her. Check her out, you can follow her Instagram to connect.
JEWELRY SHOP
185 A St Philip St, Charleston, SC 29403
My friend Hillary recently lead me to Mimi’s shop, The Tiny Tassel. This shop owner makes the sweetest collection of jewelry, garments, and party decor. All her jewelry has a Charleston name and theme so they make perfect souvenirs if you ever come down for a visit or need a last minute gift.
WINE SHOP AND BAR
700 KING STREETSUITE B CHARLESTON, SC 29403
I am not a big wine drinker, but I love a good dinner party. Next time you need to bring a bottle or are planning to host your own party, support this Black owned wine shop instead of heading to the big box stores. Femi Oyediran, one of the owners, is also an amazing sommelier and will lead you in the right direction.
HANDCRAFTED SOAP
MOTHERLANDESSENTIALS.COM
Andrea initially started making handcrafted soaps as a way to provide more natural options for her own family and friends but soon turned into her own business. All natural, handcrafted, plant based beauty products. She is located out of Summerville but has an online shop you definitely will want to check out.
RESTAURANT
1068 MORRISON DR, CHARLESTON, SC 29403
For 30 years, Martha Lou’s Kitchen has been serving up real comfort food that is the best in town. Also, hand down the best sweet tea I have ever tasted. From their website: “Don’t let the little pink building fool you; Martha Lou’s Kitchen has been praised by the New York Times, The Travel Channel and even Martha Stewart as one of Charleston’s finest restaurants.”
FLORIST
saltandstemflowerco.com
Dani started her business of creating a “wandering flower truck” as a way of combining her passion for being creative, meeting new people in the community, sharing stories, and sharing flowers. Send them a message if you are in need of a bouquet, want to see where the truck is headed next, or just want more flowers in your life.
POET AND ARTIST
I met P-Nut at a sidewalk art sale downtown one day and his charm and kindness drew me in. He is a true Charleston legend and it was an honor to hear him tell stories of growing up in Charleston. Follow his Instagram to keep an eye out for his next pop-up sale.
Johnny Caldwell and Taneka Reaves
COCKTAIL HOSPITALITY
I love these two ladies and I have been so fortunate to run into them at events I have attended around town. They not only share their original cocktail recipes on Instagram and their blog but you can also hire them for your next event, once its safe to start throwing events again! In the meantime, go follow, say hello, and engage on their Instagram page, you will not be disappointed.
Venita Aspen
CREATIVE AGENCY
Venita has grown so much since I first met her years ago at a Charleston Blogger’s Society party where we pretended to know how to do barre but were really just there for the mimosas. Not only is she a beautiful model who’s smile lights up the room, she also runs a successful branding company called the Aspen Agency that can help you with videography for shooting campaigns, creating a photo shoot for a new product, or anything else you may need to creatively launch your business. It has been a great honor getting to know her over the past few years.
BAKERY
110 A SOUTH CEDAR STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483
This is 100% worth the drive up I-26 to Summerville. Danetra’s signature Dark Chocolate, Nutella, & Salted Caramel Fudge Brownies is made fresh daily completely from scratch and prepared with the highest-quality ingredients. Please check out this charming bakery next time you come to Charleston. Since Will can not bake this is where I will be ordering my next birthday for myself from.
PHOTGRAPHER
www.anerisphotography.com
I discovered Sirena through Instagram only recently but her webpage blew me away! She specializes in lifestyle and branding photography but also does weddings and family shoots. Her Instagram page also has tips and tricks for photography which I found quite helpful. If you are in the Charleston area and need a photographer definitely look into Sirena!
BOOKSTORE
216 St. James Ave Unit F Goose Creek SC 29445
The store was started by co-owners/ best friends Valinda Miller and Arrylee Satterfield as a way to spread their love for a good book and give back to their community. Turning Page celebrated its one year anniversary on June 1. I haven’t made my way up to Goose Creek in awhile but I hope to do so soon and if you live near that part of town, definitely check them out!
In addition, to some of the restaurants listed above. Lindsey Shorter, a photographer in Charleston sent me a map that KJ Kearney created pinpointing 79 Black owned restaurants in Charleston. You can visit the Google Map here.
There are many, many more than just these but I hope this will be a nice place to start. If you have a Black owned business in Charleston or know of one you would like to see added to this list, please reach out to me via email at pterzo@gmail.com and I would love to include more and keep this an ongoing, updated list. xx
