Shopping Guide : Black Owned Businesses in Philadelphia

Written By: Office Manager, Brianna Thompson

I’ve spent the past few years celebrating Juneteenth around my community, fostering a space where it feels good to just be around people. I love the energy Juneteenth brings to me. It offers a moment to enjoy the present moment, the people I surround myself with, and the energy we generate. I’m new to the Philadelphia area, and have spent the past year trying to foster this same space here. After my own exploring, countless suggestions, and many saved Instagram posts, I wanted to put together a small look into the black businesses that support this city. Some of these I’ve tried, some are on my list, and others are from the agents at Philly Home Girls!

Photos L to R | Instagram @hor.ti.cul.ture, @vaultandvine.co, @plantandpeople

PLANTS

Vault + Vine | 3507 Midvale Ave, East Falls - My favorite type of business, a plant shop and cafe hybrid! I visited this space when I first toured the East Falls area, and I’ve never looked back. The atmosphere is so inviting, the employees are always kind, and the plant selection is top tier.

Horticulture | 3145 W Jefferson St, Brewerytown - If you’ve ever been to our office, you’ve seen the lush environment that we’ve curated. Obviously, those plants need a lot of work, and Bahjah (the owner) has been our guiding light. She has an incredible knowledge of plants and knows what to do just by looking at them. She’ll give you all the tools you need to care for your plants to help them reach their full potential. Not only that, she’s incredibly kind!

Plant and People | 3952 Lancaster Ave, West Powelton - Plant exchange! Plant-based cooking classes! Your own private plant workshop!! If you’re a plant person, you’ve found your people. They offer so many opportunities to grow your collection, start your own garden, or express yourself with nature's bounty.

Photos| Instagram @kinapparel_, @manny_mitch, @mixfitnutritiongym, @washday

BEauty and wellness

Wash Day | North 2nd Street, Spring Garden - Have you been burned by salons that don’t know what to do with “your type of hair”? Has a stylist ever chopped off jagged layers into your hair to “thin it out” or cut your hair wet? Shake off that trauma and go to Wash Day for the best haircut of your life. I’ve never felt more at peace in a salon, you’ll be in good hands.

KIN Apparel | E-Commerce - Keep those curls and braids protected! No more breakage with their line of satin-lined beanies, baseball caps, and even cowboy hats. PHG agent Patrick Hatfield shared this review: “Philly-based owner who founded the company while attending Princeton. My wife has curly hair and swears by their satin-lined hats and beanies.”

Mix Fit Nutrition | 1426 South 12th St., East Passyunk - In-person and virtual classes to help you reach your fitness goals! PHG Allison Fegel highly recommends: “There are 2 trainers, Mina and Ronnie. They have affordable fitness classes!”

Millions in Motion | 1630 N Mascher St., Olde Kensington - I think PHG agent Kate Shlomo says it best, “Manny Mitchell worked at City Fitness as one of the Personal/Group Thrive coaches. He is one of the best trainers I have ever worked with. He has branched out to his own business as a personal trainer since those days.”

Photos| Instagram @breakfastboutiqueissounique, @downnorth_pizza, @unclebobbies, @blackdragontakeout

EATS

Uncle Bobbie’s | 5445 Germantown Ave, Germantown - This one has been suggested to me quite a few times! A coffeeshop and bookstore dedicated to serving the local community with book readings for kids, author talks for adults, and a welcoming space for all. I’ll be stopping by to peruse their curated book selection soon! 

Down North Pizza | 2804 Lehigh Ave., Strawberry Mansion - I feel like this wouldn’t be a proper list without Down North. This restaurant has been integral to the community, offering jobs to those who were previously incarcerated. They offer a variety of incredible and inventive pizzas; I need to stop looking at the website before my stomach eats itself. PHG Kate Kyle visits on the regs “Down North is delish!”

Black Dragon Takeout | 5260 Rodman Street, Cedar Park - Ah yes, the restaurant that haunts my dreams. I’ve made it a part of my weekly self-care routine (stalking the Instagram page to look at the food). Opened by the co-founder of Down North Pizza, they serve an inspired fusion of black soul food and Chinese takeout at an affordable price. 

Kingston 11 Jamaican | 6405 Woodland Ave, Elmwood Park - Wah gwaan mi bredda y’all bedda visit dis wah jawn (terrible joke). Yet another Instagram account that’s gone platinum in my house, I just replayed their video of ox tail lo mein, not once, not twice, not thrice. They have incredible dishes waiting to be feasted pon.

The Breakfast Boutique | Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, East Falls - The location I know is nestled in a quiet corner of East Falls. This is one of the few places I can think of that offers an upscale atmosphere coupled with friendly service, all for an affordable price. Team Leader Jeanne Whipple visited recently and shared that she can’t stop thinking about the pancakes.

Photos| Instagram @loyal_scentsbymyeverything, @modesttransitions, @vampboutique

Style 

Vamp Boutique | 4231 Main St, Manayunk - A cute boutique on the Main Street of Manayunk! They have a lot of on-trend styles running the gamut of taste, I feel like there’s something for everyone. I recently got a maxi dress that they carry, and I feel like a Goddess walking this Earth (in the biblical sense). 

Loyal Scents | Mobile - I first met Natasha (the owner) at my local Shoprite, where she was set up in a corner, and I couldn’t help but be drawn to her delicious-looking candles. My first thought was, “I want to eat those”, and my second thought was, “I need to smell those”. Now, every time I do my grocery shopping, I always do a quick scan to see if she’s there. Her candles are incredible. My roommate and I have burned her candles for an entire day (I know you’re not supposed to, sorry), and we’ve only gotten through a third of the candle. Our favorite scents have been Fruit Loops, Honeysuckle, and Hot Apple Pie (we love a Gourmand).

Modest Transitions | 312 E. Girard Ave., Fishtown - A natural dye and textile studio right around the corner from our office! Not only is it a great place to get supplies. They offer classes to hone your skills or take the first step in your crafting journey.

I have so many more on my list, but this would become an impossible article to read if I did. Here are two additional resources from Visit Philly and Secret Philadelphia to help you seek out even more of the many Black owned businesses in Philadelphia. 

Take some time to experience what these incredible small shops have to offer.

Happy Juneteenth!