Black-owned businesses (BOBs) have always been the backbone of the Black community. Despite persistent systemic barriers, BOBs were frontline in ensuring that Black people had resources and community amidst rampant discrimination and exclusion.
In Texas, this legacy continues, today, especially in Dallas-Fort Worth, where Black business owners remain “first” in meeting community needs. But to support us, they need us too. BOBs lead the way in ensuring the market reflects Black folks’ concerns, often to everyone else’s benefit too. We have to do better at giving Black-owned businesses and their owners their flowers.
Read on for a list of businesses in the DFW region that deserve your support.
Apparel
Major Kees Collection
Major Kee’s Collection is a faith-based apparel brand developed by Dallas native Kierra Anderson. In addition to t-shirts that blend fashion and faith, she sells hoodies and sweatshirts.
JoyPop
Dallas-based earrings company JoyPop offers handmade jewelry and accessories in a wide variety of prints, including African print, Texas pride, cancer awareness, and more. The nationally known has been worn by Tabitha Brown.
Homewise Shula
Homewise Shula designs made-to-order, handcrafted luxury throw pillow covers, many of which have African and tribal themes. This Dallas-based company offers cozy pillows in many textures, including velvet, corduroy, and more.
Brown Girls Do Ballet
Founded by Fort Worth resident TaKiyah Wallace-McMillian, nonproft Brown Girls Do Ballet works to “help increase participation of underrepresented populations in ballet programs” through merchandise sales, books, dance accessories, and more. You can also support the business by attending The Ballerina’s Brunch and Ballet on March 30, 2024 or the Ballerina Ball later this year.
Culture: Art, Books, and more
Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center
Located in the heart of Oak Cliff, the Pan-African Connection Bookstore, Art Gallery, and Resource Center hosts countless programs and community events designed to improve the community.
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BLACKLIT
Founded by local educator & diversity and inclusion advocate Nia-Tayler ClarkBLACKLIT began as a monthly subscription box showcasing the works of Black authors and entrepreneurs and has evolved into the first bookstore in Farmers Branch. BLACKLIT’s mission is “to help close the literacy gap, increase representation, and cultivate conversations that bring unity across racial divides.”
Daisha Board Gallery
Dallas-based gallery Daisha Board Gallery, founded by multi-hyphenate Daisha Board, describes itself as a “contemporary art gallery representing BIPOC ARTISTS, LGBTQ+ and artists with disabilities locally and abroad in various mediums.”No wonder it was voted best art gallery by D Magazine in 2022.
Food
Nana’s Kitchen
Nana’s Kitchen is consistently on the favorite soul food list and is a must-visit. Hundreds of reviews celebrate chef Toshia ‘Nana’ Ramsey’s creations, including waffles, rosemary-baked chicken, and smothered pork chops. It’s not hard to see why this must-visit destination has been rated the #1 soul food restaurant in Texas.
Bam’s Vegan
Bam’s Vegan: Smoothies & Wraps offers healthy vegan entrees like sweet potato enchiladas and BBQ jackfruit pasta and desserts like maple vanilla cake and strawberry banana crunch cake. The Irving-based business, founded by Brandon Waller, is open Friday through Sunday and also offers meal-prepped entrees, smoothies, and more.
Cinnaholic
Have you ever had a vegan gourmet cinnamon roll? Now’s your chance. Cinnaholic is a black-owned Fort Worth-based franchise location founded by Shellana Morris.
Shells and Tails 2 Geaux
If you love seafood, you’ve got to check out Shells and Tails 2 Geaux. This Cajan-inspired seafood restaurant in Desoto, Texas, will have your mouth WATERING. (I should know, I’ve had it.) Make a game of it by chasing the food truck down.
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Aunt Irene
Love seafood and big portions? Head to Black-owned seafood spot Aunt Irene’s. The black boxes come with lots of food—chicken salad, fried fish, and lobster—and are located in Dallas, Texas, off South Ervay.
Zac’s Philly
Lancaster has entered the building, bringing with it Zac’s Philly Steaks and Shakes. Some think it’s the best Philly spot in Dallas. Pull up and get a Philly and wing combo, and tell us yourself.
2 Neighbors Hot Chicken
2 Neighbors Hot Chicken offers Nashville-style hot chicken and catfish, candied yams and greens, and banana pudding cake. I hear The Spicy Chick is HOT (pun intended). Bonus: It’s in Grow DeSoto Market Place with plenty of other Black-owned businesses.
Beauty, Self Care, and Wellness
Fort Worth Barbershop
The Fort Worth Barber Shop aims to make men in Fort Worth feel and look their best. Founded by Jonathan Morris, the business serves a vast clientele with a timeless barber look and hosts after-hours hangouts. (Fun fact: Morris is also the founder of Hotel Dryce!).
Good Hair Day Salon
Duncanville-based salon Good Hair Day aims to “promote healthy hair care in a professional environment.” The business’s founder, LaTarah Edmond, has been featured in local and national media for her haircare advice, and t each stylist can do a variety of styles. Plus, they’re open seven days a week! (My mom goes there sometimes).
Chelsia Renee Hair Studio
Chelsia Renee Hair Studio is a natural hair studio in Arlington, Texas, founded by Chelsia Renee, a stylist with a decade of experience doing braids, locs, twists, and other natural hairstyles. Her work is quality, and her custom service keeps customers coming back.
CHIOMA®️Co | Herbal Wellness & Beauty Experts
Founded by natural health and beauty educator Ebele Chioma, the Chioma company has the vision to “shift back to natural, originality and authenticity with products and services that actually help people feel, look and live better.” They offer spa treatments and plant-based wellness services, including herbal teas, supplements, tinctures, and body cleansing products. They even offer group spa parties.
Love Apothecary
Wellness venture Love Apothecary was founded in 2021 by Kellie and Jessica, a registered nurse and licensed esthetician in the dermatology field. The business aims to help customers create “feel-good” moments through soaps, skincare, candles, diffusers, and other bath essentials.
Innergies
INNERgies describes itself as an “essential body care line that promotes balance, peace and health within” through natural, sulfate-free products that are infused with essential oils. Their featured collections include turmeric-based facial scrubs, oils, cleansers, and body creams. But they offer much more.
Pure NRG Cycle
Founded by Greer Christian & Janelle Wright, this Fort Worth and Dallas-based fitness studio offers cycling and strength cardio exercises. NRG Cycle is open from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. and again from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. if you need to squeeze in a group or private session with your work schedule.
Nails that Speak
Cedar Hill-based full-service nail boutique Nails that Speak prides itself on emphasizing “care and creativity while cultivating community.”
Skin By Tam Nicole
Tamara Jones is a licensed medical aesthetician and founder of the Arlington-based business. Her services include facial treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and micro-needling. She also offers full body waxing, lash and brow tinting, teeth whitening, and more. Customers can choose monthly skincare, massage, and spa packages too!
Entertainment
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Clover- Violinist
Gabrielle Clover is a Dallas-based violinist with a smooth, captivating sound that can adapt across musical genres. You can book for weddings and other private events and check her out here.
Jubilee Theater
Jubilee Theatre considers itself “the original home of African-American theater in North Texas” for good reason. This Fort Worth-based venue has been in the community since 1981 and puts on shows like “Thoughts of a colored man,” Black Gospel,” and “Sister Act.”
Plants/Floral
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The Plant Project
The Plant Project was founded by Bree Iman Clarke, a successful plant and floral expert, and her husband, Carlos.Described as “the first black woman owned plant shop in Dallas, Texas,” The Plant project is a plant nursery inUptown and housed in an area that was Freedman’s Town. The business also shares space with another Black-owned business, Olphactory Candles (there’s also a second location in Houston, Texas).
The Brown Thumb
The brown thumb is a
Denton-based business The brown thumbaims “to create an atmosphere that promotes peace and clarity to help you focus on the most important thing: being in tune with yourself.” They offer yoga, ceramics, and a mystery box with a surprise set of plants.
Energy Gardens
Head to Deep Ellum to check out Energy Gardens Living Decor, “a company that focuses on spreading the love of Nature through living decor for homes and offices.” Founded by self-taught plant expert Anthony Robinson, Energy Gardens offers a houseplant delivery service and onsite moss art and terrarium workshops.
M Squared
M Squared ®, founded by Melina Mayfield, specializes in “bespoke event decor that is custom created” to fit each customer’s vision. Services include event production, full-service event decor, floral decor, and floral events.
Honey’s Scented Co.
Dallas-based Honey’s Scented Company started because founder Oyindamola Apanpa wanted “a candle that was safer and easier to melt without worrying about fire hazards.” To this end, Honey’s Scented Co. offers wickless candles that use a wax warmer. It also offers candle-making classes.
