Whether it's choosing a small local eatery over a chain restaurant or buying makeup from an indie brand versus a beauty conglomerate, we have the power to make a positive impact with our shopping decisions. Black-owned businesses were not exempt from the pandemic's effect on the foodservice industry and took a huge hit in early 2020, dropping by more than 40% according to a Wells Fargo report. Now at about 30% above pre-pandemic levels, Black-owned businesses are seeing extremely strong recovery, with women of color driving this new growth.
Ahead we're highlighting some of our favorite L.A. Black-owned businesses for you to support this Black History Month and year-round. With so many flourishing in and around L.A., deciding where to get your next cup of coffee, custom dress, cannabis, clean sunscreen, and more is a cinch. Get ready to screenshot and shop these 29 Black-owned labels and stores that are awaiting and well-deserving of your patronage.
Please note that this list is by no means exhaustive and will be updated regularly with more rising Black-owned brands and businesses we love.
45 Three Modern Vintage Home
45 Three Modern Vintage Home, founded by Staci Cain, offers mid-century furniture, vintage and contemporary art, estate items, and more.
45 Three Modern Vintage Home, 1051 South Fairfax Av., L.A., 90019; (323) 932-0832
Art & Practice
Art & Practice is a 501(c)3 nonprofit exhibition space dedicated to celebrating artists of color and that collaborates with museum institutions to organize exhibitions on its campus.
Art & Practice, 3401 West 43rd Pl., L.A., 90008; (323) 337-6887
Band of Vices
With two locations on West Adams Boulevard, Band of Vices is a contemporary art space and platform for overlooked creative communities, founded by creative director Terrell Tilford.
Band of Vices, 5376 West Adams Blvd., L.A., 90016; 323-480-4220
Bloom & Plume
Los Angeles-based artist Maurice Harris is the visionary behind Bloom & Plume, a bespoke floral design studio in Echo Park whose brand clients include Louis Vuitton, Goop, Dior, Nike, and Gucci.
Bloom & Plume, 1638 West Temple St., L.A., 90026
Compton Vegan
Compton Vegan is a start-up catering service offering affordable and animal product-free alternatives to everyday staples like macaroni and cheese, ribs, and gumbo.
Compton Vegan, 11419 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 90025; (310)356-9579
The Crafty Swirl Co.
Originally from Boston, founders and actors Ilana and Mike began making pieces for their L.A. home before friends and family encouraged them to start The Crafty Swirl Co.
The Crafty Swirl Co.
Crenshaw Coffee Co.
Anthony Jolly, who also founded Hot & Cool Café, has been in the coffee business for over 20 years. Living on coffee farms in Ethiopia, he studied the best beans and perfected the art of growing, harvesting, drying, and roasting.
Crenshaw Coffee Co.
Gorilla Rx
L.A.'s first black woman-owned dispensary founded by mother-daughter duo Haquika "Kika" Howze and Kika Keith.
Gorilla Rx, 4233 Crenshaw Blvd., L.A., 90008; (323)903-6755
Hot and Cool Cafe
Hot and Cool Cafe is a black-owned, family-operated, and vegan-friendly coffee shop in the heart of Leimert Park Village that opened in 2018.
Hot and Cool Cafe, 4331 Degnan Blvd., L.A., 90008; (323) 903-6449
House of Aama
An ode to black seafarers and water spirits set against the backdrop of a fictionalized black resort community, the fashion label was founded by mother-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka in 2015.
House of Aama
Hugh's Hot Bowls
Hugh Augustine founded Hugh's Hot Bowls – a 100% plant-based food truck featuring homestyle comfort food like a BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwich or coconut jackfruit curry.
Hugh's Hot Bowls, (323) 400-2003
Jungalow
Justina Blakeney's mission for Jungalow is to "bring good vibes home" by offering home decor, art, planters, apparel, gifts, and more.
Jungalow, (888) 341-3726
Lavie by CK
Claude Kameni relocated to the U.S. from Cameroon when she was 8 years old and started sewing at 17. Little did she know that one day, she'd be designing outfits for the likes of Viola Davis at The Golden Globes. Read more here.
Lavie by CK
LaRayia's Bodega
LaRayia's Bodega offers crystals, jewelry, accessories, hats, bodega essentials, spiritual goods, superfoods, and much more.
LaRayia's Bodega, 2713 West 6th St., L.A., 90057; (818) 357-9114
McBride Sisters Collection
Largest black-owned wine company in the U.S.
McBride Sisters Collection, 6114 La Salle Ave. #280, Oakland, CA 94611; (510) 671-0739
Obet & Del's Coffee
Thai Town's 1970s-themed, BIPOC-owned coffee shop that was opened by Heather Knox and fiancé Joshua Oliveros in 2020.
Obet & Del's Coffee, 5233 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 90027; (213) 770-0133
Okie! Vegan
South L.A. project with the goal of making plant-based eating easy and accessible.
Okie! Vegan
Pantora Bridal
Black-owned bridal shop whose mission is to provide unique and fashion-forward bridal options paired with a feel-good experience.
Pantora Bridal, 1318 East 7th St. #118, L.A., 90021; (213) 988-7107
Powder Beauty Co.
Luxury manicure, pedicure, and facial bar specializing in the powder-dip technique, organic nail polish, and natural facials treatments.
Powder Beauty Co., 777 South Alameda St. #146, L.A., 90021
Shades of Afrika
Shades of Afrika has evolved from a small retail store to a cultural wellness center that hosts an array of social and educational events, lectures, and study groups.
Shades of Afrika, 1001 East 4th St., Long Beach, 90802; (562) 436-2210
Simply Wholesome
Casual eatery and grocery store for a health-conscious, all-day menu of sandwiches and comfort food.
Simply Wholesome, 4508 West Slauson Av., L.A., 90043; (323)294-2144
Sip & Sonder
Inglewood's (and DTLA's) black woman-owned coffee house, coffee roaster, and multi-purpose event space founded by lawyers Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas.
Sip & Sonder, 108 South Market St., Inglewood, 90301; (424) 800-2242
Tansy
=Bohemian plant shop Tansy, founded by Shawna Christian, builds community by offering a wide selection of eclectic home decor like fair-trade garlands and metal bells, potted plants, garden parties, an event space, and more.
Tansy, 2120 West Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, 91506; (800) 580-0541
The Underground Museum
Arlington Heights' arts and culture center with a mission to ensure that no one has to travel far to see world-class art or to learn from leading thinkers, educators, and artists.
The Underground Museum, 3508 West Washington Blvd., L.A., 90018; (323) 989-9925
Union L.A.
Union L.A. offers Angelenos off-the-beaten-path, high-end global brands.
Union L.A., 110 South La Brea Av., L.A., 90036; (323) 549-6950
The V Tree
Loved by celebrities, Chef Velvet is an entrepreneur, activist, and restaurant owner who founded The V Tree to offer L.A. a unique take on soul food.
The V Tree, 3515 West Sunset Blvd., L.A., 90026; (323) 486-7044
Vector90
Located in the heart of South L.A., Vector90 is a 4,700-square-foot space with desks, a kitchen, and private conference rooms. The company also hosts panels, networking events, and workshops.
Vector90, 6111 South Gramercy Place, L.A., 90047; (323) 531-4112
Voodoo Vegan
Vegetarian and vegan Creole food truck operating on weekends in and around L.A. Check out their IG here for more details.
Voodoo Vegan, South Degnan Blvd., L.A., 90008; (310) 437-9632
Vurger Guys
Founded in 2018 by four former NCAA athletes, Vurger Guys is a 100% plant-based food truck serving a healthy alternative to the standard street food fare.
Vurger Guys, 788 South Grand Av., L.A., 90017; (213) 298-1724
