August is Black Business Month and we have been highlighting on social media a few of the terrific Black-owned businesses we’ve worked with this year. They stimulate our minds, nourish our bodies and raise our sense of style. They are the lifeblood of a vibrant community and a strong local economy. A special thank you to Ally Financial, Uber Eats, Visa and Wells Fargo, the funders who made LISC’s work with these small businesses possible.
BCakeNY
Miriam Milord and Dara Roach are the dynamic duo behind BCakeNY, a custom cake shop whose stunning, tasty creations are the highlight of any event, big or small. The Brooklyn, NY-based Black-owned business was hit hard when COVID-19 crushed the event industry overnight, but Miriam and Dara pivoted to keep their small business afloat. Now they are positioning themselves for success in the post-pandemic economy.
Blacker The Berry
Blacker The Berry is a plant based, social justice company in Inglewood that sells cold pressed juices and merchandise geared toward promoting a healthy lifestyle. When Black small businesses flourish, so do their communities. That’s one reason owner Dominique Burrell buys produce for his business from local vendors and keeps money circulating in the community.
Ninth Wave Custom Framing
Frame what you love—that’s Ninth Wave Custom Framing’s motto. Small businesses like Ninth Wave make our communities great places to live and work. A full-service frame shop in South LA, they provide the highest level of customer service to preserve your art and memories.
The Nourish Spot
After losing her corporate job of 16 years, Dawn Kelly opened The Nourish Spot–a juice, smoothie, and salad bar–5 years ago in the same Queens, NY community where she raised her children. The healthy food entrepreneur has big dreams for the business and is taking steps to realize those dreams.
The Salt Eaters Bookshop
We’re elevating Los Angeles' Inglewood-based independent bookstore, The Salt Eaters Bookshop. Approachable, accessible and community minded, The Salt Eaters Bookshop prioritizes books that are by and about Black women, Black femmes, and Black gender expansive folks.
DoYou247
Julie Williamson visited Beaver Street Enterprise Center for tips on how to expand her business, DoYou247, a clothing brand offering affordable and customizable designs. With support from LISC, BSEC helped Julie access a business loan and gave her advice on how to structure the business to offer franchising opportunities.
Synergy Accounting Solutions
Born out of the pandemic, Synergy Accounting Solutions is a remote accounting and consulting practice in South LA that’s making sure small businesses have access to financial resources as a tool to grow.