Over the past couple of months, new campaigns and initiatives have popped up encouraging consumers to shop Black-owned businesses. First, there was Aurora James’ 15 Percent Pledge, which launched on June 1. Considering that Black people make up nearly 15 percent of the U.S. population, James, the founder of footwear brand Brother Vellies, asked that brands pledge to devote 15 percent of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Sephora, Rent the Runway, and West Elm have opted in, and the pledge has inspired customers to redirect their dollars to Black-owned brands and shops.
Since then, Beyonce Knowles has also launched a directory of Black-owned businesses on her website and partnered with the NAACP to create the Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund. Jay Z has taken out full-page ads in newspapers across the country that highlight Black-owned businesses in their respective cities. And, closer to home, Melissa Butler, creator of Detroit-based beauty brand The Lip Bar, co-founded The Black Pact. Those who sign the Black Pact’s pledge commit to shopping Black-owned businesses as often as possible. The website for the initiative also features a directory of Black-owned businesses.
In the spirit of these call-to-actions, we’re sharing 45 Black-owned businesses to shop in metro Detroit. From luxury clothing to sustainable beauty products and handcrafted arts to tasty tea blends, these local Black-owned brand and retailers are offering up unique goods and finely curated shopping experiences.
Of course, this is just a small snapshot of the Black-owned shops in metro Detroit. Please share more of your favorites with us in the comment section. And don’t forget to call ahead or check each shop’s website for updated hours and other COVID-19-related information.
Clothing & Accessories
Alley and Eye
Started in 2011 by Ashley Addrow-Pierson, Alley and Eye sunglasses are carried on the company’s website as well as at shops such as Detroit Clothing Circle and Third Wave Music. Glasses are available for men, women, and children, and styles are named after Detroit roads, like “Lafayette,” “Mack,” and “Van Dyke.” Alley and Eye; alleyandeye.com
Alter Ego Boutique 313
Ready to take on summer with the trendiest fashion items? Look no further than D’Landon Williams’ Alter Ego Boutique. The shop, which offers sizes from small to 3X, carries jeans, shorts, bodysuits, swimsuits, and dresses in bold colors and designs. Alter Ego Boutique, 19100 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-647-7675; alteregoboutique.shop
BeKind Detroit
Started by Gabrielle Robinson, BeKind Detroit is committed to eco-conscious life and carries a number of certified organic cotton and fair-trade goods. Check out their BeKind Logo Tee, Everyday Tote bags, Reusable Organic Product Bag Set, and reusable Steel Straws on the BeKind website or at the brand’s space at The Rust Belt Market in Ferndale. BeKind Detroit, at The Rust Belt Market, 22801 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-238-8728; bekinddetroit.com
Bob’s Classic Kicks
Have any shoes that you want off your hands? Interested in buying a pair of sneakers? Look no further than Bob’s Classic Kicks, which has been around since 2004. Owned by Jason Johnson, this store buys and resells sneakers and is an authorized Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Puma, and Vans dealer. Bob’s Classic Kicks also sells clothing and accessories and carries a large collection of snapback hats. Bob’s Classic Kicks, 4717 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-7513; bobsclassickicks.com
Dandy Detroit
Located inside Détroit is the New Black, Dandy Detroit offers custom-tailored clothing for men. The brand is owned by Nelson T. Sanders Jr., who has nearly 15 years of experience in high-end custom clothing and previously worked as the creative director at 1701 Bespoke. He’s also the founder of The Seen Detroit, a stylish collective of Detroit creatives. Dandy Detroit, inside Détroit is the New Black, 1430 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dandydetroit.com
DCreated Boutique
DCreated Boutique offers handcrafted organic baby clothing in bohemian, timeless, and vintage styles. The boutique was started by Brianna B. Williams, a local mom who designs and creates signature garments in her home sewing studio. She also sells fabric face masks throughout DCreated. DCreated Boutique; etsy.com/shop/dcreatedboutique
Definitely Different Boutique
Founded in 1995, Imani Love’s Definitely Different Boutique has unique styles for women, with new pieces including tie-dye dresses, colorful statement necklaces, and face masks in animal print, metallic fabrics, and denim. Definitely Different, 22011 Coolidge Hwy., Oak Park; 248-584-2299; facebook.com/Definitely-Different-Boutique-508047206010057
Détroit is the New Black
Roslyn Karamoko’s Détroit is the New Black offers T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and more for men, women, and children, as well as accessories like DITNB hats and totes. The store also sells its own body roller and room spray, featuring a signature scent of sage, frankincense, and sandalwood, and its brick-and-mortar space hosts events like art exhibits and trunk shows. Détroit is the New Black, 1430 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-818-3498; detroitisthenewblack.com/
Detroit vs. Everybody
Tommey Walker released his original “Vs. Everybody” collection in 2012, and his brand, Detroit vs. Everybody, has grown to be recognizable nationwide since then. Always keeping relevant with the times, the brand recently released limited-edition face masks and shirts relating to the pandemic that feature the message “Everybody vs. COVID-19.” There are clothes and accessories for men, women, and kids. Detroit vs Everybody, 2501 Russell St., Detroit; 313-502-5840; vseverybody.com
The Dirt Label
The Dirt Label was founded by Chris Morris in 2006. The brand’s philosophy is “play by your own rules,” and it embodies this in its unique designs. The Dirt Label is known for its bear clothing — illustrations of bears dressed as different notable figures are depicted on the items — and newly released graphic tees feature people like Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Malcolm X, and Kanye West. The Dirt Label, 319 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak; 248-268-3462; thedirtlabel.com
Flo Boutique
Felicia Williams-Patrick’s Flo Boutique carries men’s and women’s clothing by local, national, and international designers. The eclectic mix of unique clothing options at this shop, which is named after Williams-Patrick’s mother, gives patrons the chance to find something that fits their style. The store has been open for 15 years in West Willis Village. Flo Boutique Co, 404 W. Willis St., Detroit; 313-831-4901; flowingflava.com
Fly Behavior
Tee Capel’s digital showroom Fly Behavior offers women’s items that are unique, edgy, and fashionable. Recent offerings include fringe straw totes, hand-beaded headbands, twisted cuffs, and oversized bangles. shopflybehavior.com
Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese
Detroit designer Tracy Reese unveiled her sustainable collection Hope for Flowers in 2019. Made from ethical sourcing practices, the line features feminine dresses and separates in floral prints, stripes, and other unique prints. Ten percent of sales from Hope for Flowers go to recycling organization Detroit Dirt. Hope for Flowers; hopeforflowers.com
K. Walker Collective
This lifestyle clothing company owned by Ken Walker offers clothing for men. K. Walker Collective, which held its inaugural New York Fashion Week showcase in February 2019, carries luxe tees, vibrant pullover hoodies, tracksuit sets, black velvet face masks, and hats and beanies marked with the brand’s “K” logo. The brand also sells stationery goods. K. Walker Collective, kwalker.co
Love Travels Imports
This Detroit company sells fair-trade artisan goods handcrafted in places like Haiti, South Africa, Peru, and Guatemala. The founder of Love Travels Imports, Yvette Jenkins, picks out the women’s and men’s apparel, body products, home décor, face masks, and more during her travels, so each piece has a story behind it. Love Travels Imports, 19452 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-623-5800; lovetravelsimports.com
The Lowry Estate
Named after owner Corliss Elizabeth Williams’ grandmother, this vintage boutique specializes in festive women’s apparel from the ’70s-’90s. Recent items, shared on The Lowry Estate’s social media pages, include a checkered cropped sweater tank, a yellow linen dress with white embroidery details, and a multicolor floral mini skirt. The Lowry Estate’s brick and mortar will reopen with a social-distance shopping experience on July 18. The Lowry Estate, Courtyard Entrance, 23023 Orchard Lake Rd., Building F, Farmington; 917-974-4080; thelowryestate.com
Not Sorry Apparel
This brand, co-founded by Dy-Min Johnson and Jessica Minnick, is for those who are not sorry for being themselves. Sustainability and inclusivity are core focuses of Not Sorry Apparel, which sells shirts, face masks, crewnecks, accessories, patches, and totes. It’s known for its “Not Sorry” items, which include clothing with sayings like “Queer Not Sorry,” “Detroit Not Sorry,” and “Black Not Sorry.” Not Sorry Apparel, 22801 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; notsorryapparel.com
Negash Apparel and Footwear
Inspired by Egyptian royalty, this brand by Rocklin Jackson is known for its luxury sneaker options. Negash Apparel and Footwear also offers clothing and accessories, as well as books, games, and health and wellness items. Negash Apparel & Footwear; 313-355-4647; negash83.com
Offin River’s Accessories, Etcetera
Started in 1994, Kwame and Sharon Yamoah’s Offin River’s Accessories, Etcetera sells clothing from sizes eight to 3X, and accessories like hats, handbags, and jewelry. Some of the items in the shop are created by designers Gloria Bradley, Rena Hinton, Karen Travis, and JoAnne Edison. Offin River’s Accessories, Etcetera, 8325 E. Jefferson Ave. Suite 100, Detroit; 313-499-1122; facebook.com/detroitboutique
Savvy Chic
The name of this shop, owned by Karen Brown, says it all. This Parisian-style boutique located in Eastern Market carries items ranging from fashion to home goods and even food. Savvy Chic has been a Detroit staple for 16 years. Savvy Chic, 2712 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313-833-8769; savvychictrends.com
Spectacles
Open since 1984, Zana Smith’s Spectacles sells sunglasses, hats, and bandanas as well as shirts and CDs. Spectacles, 230 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-963-6886; facebook.com/specdet
Trish’s Garage
“Trish” is Trish’s Garage owner Ebony Rutherford’s alter-ego. The shop sells a variety of accessories and tops, and it specializes in vintage peplum tees. Trish’s Garage also offers styling and custom product services. Trish’s Garage, 313-444-9219; trishsgarage.com
Wayne McGibbon Clothier
Located on the Avenue of Fashion, Wayne McGibbon Clothier offers hats for all occasions. Owner Wayne McGibbon has been selling hats for more than 25 years, and he started his personal styling business in 2016. Wayne McGibbon Clothier, 1948 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-680-0478; waynemcgibbonclothier.com
Xenophora
Brightmoor native Karissma Yve is the creative behind Xenophora, an avant-garde, gender-neutral jewelry and accessory brand based in Detroit. All the pieces are designed and handmade in the city. Xenophora also sells non-gender specific perfumes and skincare. Xenophora; xenophoraobject.com
Zarkpa’s
This West African clothing store, owned by Tracy Garley, offers tops, skirts, pants, head wraps, unisex dashikis, and face masks in bright colors and unique patterns. Using fabric imported from Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia, pieces are handmade in Zarkpa’s production facility in Detroit. Zarkpa’s, 313-685-0024; zarkpas.com
Beauty & Wellness
12th and ViV
This home decor and skincare company, created by Darian Cook in 2015, offers candles, creams, scrubs, and essential oils made from certified organic oils. The brand’s candles are handmade and hand-poured in small batches, and 12th and Viv also offers private candle pouring workshops. 12th and Viv; 248-506-2898; 12thandviv.com
Bath Savvy
Shannon Reaves’ company Bath Savvy offers natural soaps, oil creams, sugar scrubs, bath bombs, and whipped body butters. There are no perfumes, dyes, or artificial fillers in the products, and they are vegan and safe for all skin types. Bath Savvy, 22801, Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 844-237-2889; bathsavvy.com
Cimply Cosmetics
Janelle’s Cimply Cosmetics has you covered when it comes to beauty. The brand offers lips, eye, face, and body products, and it’s even selling hand sanitizer now. Cimply Cosmetics strives to make beauty “cimple” by creating products that fit every skin color, age, and person. Cimply Cosmetics, 313-753-4084; cimplycosmetics.com
Cream Blends
Cream Blends owners Yolanda and Rick Williams use simple ingredients in their body butters, scrubs, oils, lip scrubs, candles, soaps, and bath bombs, which can be found in Whole Foods or through their online store. They also use beeswax from Detroit Hives, a local bee farm. Cream Blends; creamblends.com
Ella Jae Essentials
La’Asia Johnson’s launched her business when skin issues related to her Crohn’s Disease could not be resolved with prescribed medications and ointments. Ella Jae Essentials skincare, haircare, beard care, and beauty products aim to be healthy and healing. Ella Jae Essentials, 4000 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills; 810-814-1443; ellejaeessentials.com
Green Olive Soaps
Green Olive Soaps is a luxury organic and vegan skincare company that specializes in soap bars, body butters and scrubs, bathing salts, and lip balms and scrubs. Started by Camilla Rice, the company’s products are cruelty-free and sold in biodegradable packaging. Green Olive Soaps, 3964 Rochester Road, Troy; 248-602-1917; greenolivesoaps.com
House of Intentions Candle and Metaphysical Shop
Owned by Shekita Long, this shop sells everything from wellness items such as essential oils, herbs and teas, and crystals to household items like candles, fabrics, yoga mats, and incense. House of Intentions Candle and Metaphysical Shop, 288 Richter St., River Rouge; 313-406-3099; facebook.com/shophouseofintentions
Ilera Apothecary
Chinonye Akunne’s natural skincare company is informed by her Nigerian roots. Ilera Apothecary embraces West African practices to create sustainable face and body cleansers, soaps, and other personal care items. Their products are offered at their headquarters and other stores in Detroit, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Ilera Apothecary HQ, 5203 Loraine St., Detroit; 313-936-0223; ileraapothecary.com
Ori
Ori was started by Jamie Wadsworth and offers gender-neutral fragrances, lathers, and oils. Scents include Sundaze, which smells of peaches and ginger, and The Garden, which smells of fresh-cut flowers and cinnamon. In addition to its online store, Ori sells its products at different pop-ups. Ori; 313-576-7414; oriholistic.com
The Lip Bar
The Lip Bar is your go-to spot for lip, face, and eye products. Make the most out of your beauty routine by picking up the Fast Face Kit, a collection of six products that help you apply a full face of makeup in seven minutes. Owned by Melissa Butler, this vegan and cruelty-free brand aims to be inclusive by offering a wide range of shades and producing brand imagery featuring people of all ages and complexions. Lip Bar’s flagship store is in Detroit, and its products can also be found in more than 450 target locations. The Lip Bar, 1435 Farmer St., Suite 122, Detroit; 313-506-9679; thelipbar.com
The Ten
You can get a mani or pedi at this nail salon, which boasts two locations in Detroit, as well as shop an array of beauty goods. The salon sells its own home spray, slide sandals, and candles, which feature a scent of rosewood, blue musk, bergamot, lavender, and amber. Shop online or in the salon. The Ten Nail Bar @ Capitol Park, 1215 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-315-3010; The Ten Nail Bar @ New Center, 6541 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-462-4517; thetennailbar.com
Books
Detroit Book City
This independent book store, owned by Janeice and Reginald Haynes, offers new and used adult and children’s books, as well as books by Detroit Black indie authors and rare African-American books. Detroit Book City also sells T-shirts, CDs, candles, and African body oils and soaps, among many other things. Detroit Book City Bookstore, 24361 Greenfield Road, Ste. #305, Southfield; 248-993-3844; detroitbookcity.com
Source Booksellers
This Midtown bookstore owned by Alyson Jones Turner and Janet Webster Jones offers an array of unique non-fiction books on history and culture, health and well-being, metaphysics and spirituality, and books by and about women. Source Booksellers, 4240 Cass Ave. #105, Detroit; 313-832-1155; sourcebooksellers.com
Food & Drink
House of Pure Vin
House of Pure Vin is a wine shop and tasting room in downtown Detroit. Shop their wide range of wines in store or online or join the Wine Club to get hand-selected bottles of wine delivered to your door each month. House of Pure Vin, 1433 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2501; houseofpurevin.com
Just a Bit Eclectic
This nonprofit shop owned by Darlene Alston is a tea lover’s paradise. Tea blends include Darjeeling, Chai Spice, Pearl Tea, Japanese Cherry Blossom, Orange Chocolate, and Bubba Gum Mango. Customers can sip tea in the shop or purchase the loose-leaf teas to enjoy at home. Just a Bit Eclectic also sells tea-related items as well as handcrafted and vintage goods. All proceeds benefit A Place to Begin, which gives young adults the opportunity to train and be mentored at the tea shop. Just A Bit Eclectic, 19015 W. McNichols Road, Detroit; 313-533-5690; justabiteclectic.com
Home & Art
ArtLoft Midtown
Curator Rachael Adadevoh-Woods handpicks items for her store, which carries brands like Jonathan Adler, Michael Aram, and Carrol Boyes. ArtLoft sells housewares, watches, functional art, and one-of-a-kind jewelry. The shop also offers a bridal registry. ArtLoft Midtown, 4160 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-818-0023; artloftdetroit.com
Eric’s I’ve Been Framed
This personal framing company carries shadow boxes, plexiglass boxes, and caters to custom orders. Owned by Eric Vaughn, the store also sells goods made by local artists. Eric’s I’ve Been Framed, 16527 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-861-9263; ericsivebeenframed.com
Front & Scenter
Founded by realtor Arielle Martin, Front & Scenter offers hand-poured, environmentally friendly candles made using a custom soy and coconut wax blend with 100 percent cotton wicks. Among the many scent options are Belle Isle, which smells of fresh peaches, nectarine, grapefruit, and citrus, and Savage, a scent for men that smells of musk, lavender, coriander, and suede. Front & Scenter also sells room/linen spray and two types of body oil. Front & Scenter, shop at Ferne Boutique Detroit, 6529 Woodward Ave., Detroit; frontandscenter.com
Jo’s Gallery
This second-generation gallery now owned by Garnette Archer is the oldest gallery on Livernois Avenue. Jo’s Gallery sells original art pieces, high-quality prints, sculptures, and jewelry from creatives across the country. The shop also offers framing services and a café. Jo’s Gallery, 19376 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-864-1401; josgalleryonline.com
Leaf Me
An online plant boutique created by entrepreneur Alexis Sims, Leaf Me carries a variety of Ficus, Calathea, Dracaenas, and more. The shop also offers services like plant rental, repotting, and plant styling. Leaf Me; leafme.co
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