10 Amazing Black-Owned Businesses in Philadelphia

It’s no surprise that small businesses all across the country have struggled over the past couple of years. Because of the pandemic, increasing costs, and a smaller workforce, many have had to shutter for good. The disparity in resources and support for small businesses owned by BIPOC, especially women creates an even more difficult climate for success. As a way to make it easy for others to support BIPOC owned businesses, I have created a list of several of the amazing Black-owned businesses in Philadelphia.

Black-Owned Businesses in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Print Works

Where: Online

What they sell: Social Justice centered apparel

This online shop is headquartered in Philadelphia and offers apparel created based on current social justice issues. Most items are printed on site in Philadelphia, but according to their website, a select few items are made in California. I know some are leery purchasing clothing online, but Philadelphia Print Works offers free exchanges, so you can rest easy!

Down North Pizza

Where: Lehigh Avenue, Phila.

What they sell: Pizza, wings, fries, shakes

This “mission-led for-profit” restaurant exclusively employs previously incarcerated people, while serving up some amazing eats. Their mission is to lessen the employment barriers for those who have previously been incarcerated. They boast excellent customer service and high quality food for their customers.

Dope Botanicals

Where: S. 20th Street, Phila.

What they sell: Herbal remedies, tonics, and elixirs

This plant based apothecary is owned by two sisters and located in Philly. They focus on using botanicals to promote optimum health and wellbeing. The sisters use their years of experience being brought up in a home centered around holistic healing so they can provide their customers the utmost care and service.

Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse

Where: Frankford Ave, Phila. and online

What they sell: Philly Fair Trade Coffee, comics, toys, and apparel

Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse was the first Black-woman owned comic book store on the East Coast. The shop specializes in all parts of “geek culture”, which then allows all customers to embrace their “geekdom”. The coffeehouse portion of the shop sells fair trade coffee and baked goods to enjoy during your visit. You can purchase items ranging from cookbooks, comics, manga, and poetry, to wall art, toys, and comic related apparel. Because of the wide variety offered, there really is something for everyone in the comic loving world.

The Sable Collective

Where: Market St., Phila. and online

What they sell: Jewelry, art, home goods, and apparel

The Sable Collective sources its goods from Black, brown, and women makers. Because of this, they are able to uniquely tap in to items that explore the needs and wants of women of color. There are several options for purchasing items. They are available online, in person at the shop, and occasionally at special events around town.

Buddha Babe

Where: Emlen St., Phila. and online

What they sell: All things baby, toddler, and home

This shop started as an e-commerce business, but has expanded to include a retail and design studio. Along with selling adorable baby and toddler clothes, necessities, and toys, Buddha Babe is also home to group sewing classes, private parties, and other collaborations. Buddha Babe keeps it local by designing and making all of their products in Philadelphia, and always keep style in mind.

Grant Blvd.

Where: 36th & Lancaster Ave, W. Phila. and online

What they sell: Clothes and accessories

Grant Blvd. is a shop built with the mission of helping others and creating change in mind. Before even shopping here, I encourage you to read the story of how it came about. Not only does this shop sell beautiful and unique clothing and accessories, but they also give back in the form of books to incarcerated people. Purchases that bring us joy, while also creating progress for the greater good, are ones worth making.

Kellijane

Where: S. Broad St., Phila. and online

What they sell: Luxurious textiles and home goods

The owner, Kelly, believes that our home is a reflection of us. That it is a place to express ourselves in our truest form, and be amongst the items and designs that make us happiest. Because of this belief, she created a shop with luxurious, but accessible home goods. The design services also offered lead you on a journey of self realization, to allow you to move your home from just a house to a space personalized to you.

Mount Airy Candle Co.

Where: Several locations throughout Phila and Narberth and online

What they sell: Hand poured candles and essential oils

What started as an idea to homemake gifts for friends and family, then grew into a beautiful collection of hand poured candles and essential oils. The unique collections feature scents ranging from sweet to sultry and everything in between, so everyone can find a scent they love. Find the shop at several retailers throughout Philadelphia and the Main Line, or shop your favorite scents online.

Vivi Tea Leaf Co.

Where: Germantown Ave, Phila.

What they sell: Farm to cup tea and honey

Christa founded Vivi Tea Leaf Co. with a foundation of traceable ingredients. All plants are grown on their farm in Pennsylvania and are then sourced directly to create the amazing teas that they sell. Visit them at FarmerJawn Greenery to purchase, but also keep an eye out for their Mt. Airy retail shop coming soon!