Black Businesses Matter.
Updated: Nov 27, 2020
We stand in solidarity against racism, ignorance, and injustice.
We stand with our fellow Black artists, creators, makers, storytellers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and the entire Black community.
We see the pain, the unrest, and are heartbroken that this is still an issue, after hundreds of years. We are here to learn, by listening, and educating ourselves so that we can be better allies, because Black Lives Matter!
If you don't know where to start, start by supporting Black-owned businesses.
A few months ago, we wrote a blog post for Black History Month showcasing 29 local, Black-owned businesses here in Durham, NC. Since then, our community has voiced their support for even more, and it's time that we update that original list and expand well beyond 29, because we can do better. This blog post will be continuously updated as we research and discover Black-owned businesses, artists, and makers that make up Durham. Thank you for introducing us to some new faces and helping us showcase and support even more Black greatness in our community.
Each entry below is linked to the business' social media. Simply click the linked business name to be taken to their page on a separate window. We encourage you to take the time to follow and support these Durham Black-owned businesses, artists, creators, makers, chefs, writers, doctors, activists.
Posted: June 2, 2020
Last Edited: November 27, 2020
AccessiBull Healthcare
AccessiBull Healthcare is a new Primary Care office, where Dr. B, a Duke Alumni, provides affordable and accessible care to patients. Dr. B is also a certified personal trainer and Zumba instructor!
AfroCurl Photography
Alexandria Anderson is the talent behind the camera at AfroCurl Photography, where she serves Durham, NC, and surrounding areas. She is also a founder of Digital LinCS.
Amber Brown
Amber Brown is a yoga instructor who is passionate about increasing people's happiness through practices of yoga.
Amber Lynne Beauty
Amber is a traveling makeup artist, who specializes in bridal makeup. Her work can be seen in corporate and editorial projects, as well as on TLC's "My Big Fat Fabulous Life" and more.
Ashley Lucinda Style
Ashley is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant helping people find their signature style and feel their best, no matter their budget. She explores sustainable fashion to find self-love and the power of joy.
Barber in Demand
Barber in Demand has a true passion for barbering. He not only cuts hair and trims beards, but also creates products to enhance the client's hair.
Bull City Apparel & Customs
Bull City Apparel & Customs offers one of a kind Durham clothing and stickers, as well as custom products.
Cicely Mitchell
Cicely, a Biostatistician, is one of the founders of the 'Art of Cool' Festival and artistic director of the SummerStage event series at Golden Belt, where she continues to bring the community together through music and art.
At The Intersection Podcast
A podcast hosted by two friends, Brian & Marion, investigating what happens at the intersection of culture & policy.
Backyard Barbecue
Named the best BBQ in North Carolina, Backyard Barbecue has to be on your go-to list!
Be Connected Durham
"Be Connected Durham is an iset excelsior initiative providing markcomms + curatorial services that connect audiences and foster equity through the arts, culture, and music."
Bespoke Bakery & Dessert Bar
Bespoke creates delicious custom dessert bars and confections around the Triangle.
Beyu Caffe
Beyu Caffe is a local coffee shop offering food and live music in the heart of Durham. They've been feeding the community during the pandemic.
Big C Waffles
According to Twitter, they're the best waffles on earth, changing lives one waffle at a time! Check out their restaurant or food truck out and about.
Black Byrd Media
Black Byrd Media provides specialized marketing plans for clients, inclusive of breaking down the utilization of social media markets and differentiated platforms
Black Girls Guide to Menopause
Omisade Burney-Scott lends her voice and wisdom to connect black girls to share their journey through menopause, life, love, and aging.
Blackspace
Afrofuturism digital maker-space. Blackspace allows a safe place for the Black youth to continue to grow their creativity. Pierce Freelon, a writer, musician, Emmy award-winner, activists, former mayoral candidate, creative director of Northstar, is the founder Blackspace.
Blend of Soul
Fresh cold-pressed juices, food, and restaurant finder brought to you by Margo & Ki.
Blu Tee Spoon
Mouthwatering plant-based gourmet vegan burgers, delivered Fridays & Saturdays around the Triangle.
Body Games Center
A community movement center that offers 50 minute HIIT classes, spin classes, rehab & massage therapy, yoga & Zumba, and more. Try their free 30 day play pass!
Boricua Soul
Boricua Soul is a food truck, turned brick and mortar located inside the American Tobacco Campus serving southern Latino flavors.
Bright Black Candle Company
Bright Black Candle Company is a candle company created by scent artists Tiffany & Dariel who honors the brilliance of Blackness with every candle. Bright Black Candle was also featured in our Winter Box.
Bstill Clothing
"Bstill Clothing is a lifestyle brand meant to embrace what makes us unique." They believe in being proud of yourself and not caring what others think.
Bull City Butler
Bull City Butler is a concierge service providing savvy and detailed service for clients managing their personal, professional, or social commitments.
Bull City Carwash
An amazing carwash and car detailing business located in Downtown, Durham.
Bull City Confectionaries
Bull City Confectionaries specializes in yummy mini bundt cakes and one of a kind sweets.
Bull City Dental
Dr. Desiree T. Palmer, Dr. Kemp & their associates help create smiles that make Durham bright. They offer high-quality, state-of-the-art dental care in downtown.
Bull City Laughs
Bull City Laughs is a veteran, Black-owned comedy city tour that entertains while guiding you from street to street in their bus of laughter.
Bull City Street Food & Lula & Sadie's
Bull City Street Food truck offers delicious variations of street food from regions around the world. Lula & Sadie's just opened inside the Durham Food Hall and we are so excited for them. They offer a modern take on dishes from Southern US regions.
Busy Bee Soft Play
Busy Bee Soft Play is a mobile soft play rental company coming soon to the Triangle and surrounding areas.
Candy Carver
Candy Carver is a Durham based visual artist and art instructor in Durham. Her abstract art is vibrant and pulls the viewer in from the pattern and texture she uses to display the beauty of the human form.
Chef J & Skewer's Bar & Grill
Chef J creates soul food for your events and can also be found at Skewer's Bar & Grill. Skewer's is known for its great music, food, and a good time.
Chez Moi Bakery
Chez Moi Bakery specializes in brown sugar vanilla rum cakes. Be sure to follow for when they're popping up around town.
Crumbs Bakery
Keyana Bourne is the vegan baker behind Crumbs Bakery, popping up around Durham and Chapel Hill.
Culture Boutique
Culture Boutique is a clothing, apparel, and accessory store. Shop online or at their new storefront in Downtown, Durham.
Cup of Tea Events
Cup of Tea Events is a consulting, planning, and coordinating business creating memorable events.
Dames Chicken & Waffles
Dames Chicken and Waffles is a restaurant located in Durham, Cary and Greensboro and are famous for their, you guessed it, Chicken & Waffles.
Darius Quarles
Darius Quarles is an artist in Durham, where his work can be found around the city. You can view a large mural painted by Darius at the Liberty Warehouse Apartments.
Deion Williams
Chef Deion is the operations manager at Coast to Coast Catering Co. and offers meal prep services, as well as a personal chef experience.
Delores J. Hayes Pottery
Delores J. Hayes Pottery is created in Durham by self-taught potter, Delores. Her pottery reflects organic shapes, color, and texture. Find her on Saturday mornings at the Durham Central Park.
Deryle A. Daneils, Jr. & Narrow Podcast
Deryle Daneils Jr. is the creator behind the Narrow Podcast, addressing topics impacting the black and/or millennial communities with hopes of expanding once narrow perspectives. Deryle is also a freelance photographer and brand strategist.
Design Inkredible
Don Ricardo is the extreme talent behind his interior design business, Design Inkredible. He specializes in residential and commercial interiors and is known for his bold and breathtaking designs.
Devine Womb & Heart Connection
Devine Womb & Heart Connection offers education and tools to help with mental & vaginal wellness, pain, fertility, spiritual life coaching, and more.
Digital LinCS
Digital LinCS was founded by Allison Mathews, Natty Hawley, and Alexandria Anderson to connect people in need to free HIV prevention and treatment meds and providers.
Dr. Bahby Banks
Dr. Bahby gets you motivated and stimulated to elevate your goals to become prepared to send your best self out into the world. She's an incredible speaker, leader, consultant, and also drummer!
Dr. Swiner & Ric Swiner
Dr. Swiner is a MD at Durham Family Medicine, speaker, publisher, and news & media personality here in Durham. She is also the creator of The Superwoman Survival Kit, a quarterly self-care box delivered to your door. Her husband, Ric Swiner is a photographer, videographer and DJ - DJ Big Fella.
Dreamboat Cafe
Chef Jasmine of Dreamboat Cafe is a private caterer that creates food series of nostalgic craft and heritage through her pop-up dinners. Check out her current weekly delivery meals!
E'MAGINE Events & Co.
E'MAGINE Events & Co. is a planning and design firm, owned & designed by Shaunda Eggleston, where she specializes in blending sophistication, luxury and fun.
Edith Grey Designs
Natasha Powell Walker is an artist and illustrator, who also serves on the board of the Durham Art Guild.
Elevate With Tre
Fitness coach Tre not only trains his clients at the gym and online, but he also educates and provides tools for healthy eating through meal preps.
Elizabeth Ashely & Co
Elizabeth Ashley is a photographer and visual artist.
Emaje Naturals
Vegan, cruelty-free skin & hair care products that are affordable.
Empower Dance Studio
Empower Dance Studio is a dance studio in downtown Durham. The 2020 Summer Camp is coming soon!
Exotique
Exotique connects its shoppers by using the opportunity of having traveled afar. Artisans want to sell to make a living and the community wants to support. They make that happen. They offer unique authentic and fair trade items at an affordable price.
Favor Desserts
Favor Desserts create sweet cupcakes and cakes! Follow them in their food truck to try it for yourself.
Food That Fits U
Jasmine Burroughs, MS, RD, LDN is the plant-based dietician behind the brand helping people learn the benefits of consuming plants.
For Alma Home
For Alma Home is a gift shop with luxury products for the home, including bedding, clothing, jewelry, and home decor created by Traci Ford, in remembrance of her Aunt, Alma.
Franmone Fragrances
Raven Hairston, owner of Franmone Fragrances, creates beautifully scented hand-poured soy candles.
Freedom-Clay
Randy C. Rogers, also know as, Freedom Clay is an internationally recognized Afro Folk artist, thought facilitator, leader, published author, and the Founder and Chief Curator of Artsy People of Color (APOC). APOC is a creative collective that provides culturally curated shopping and socializing experiences in an inviting atmosphere.
Gavin Christianson Bridal
Gavin Christinanson Bridal is a unique bridal studio styling for brides-to-be in Downtown Durham.
Golden Krust Bakery
Golden Krust Bakery is an Authentic Jamaican restaurant, where the food is made from scratch throughout the day.
Goorsha
Goorsha offers traditional Ethiopian with a modern twist dining in downtown.
Grass Grazed Farm
Grass Grazed Farm offers transparency from their farm to your table and prides itself on raising their products grass-grazed and free of genetically modified organisms while implementing sustainable practices to nurture the land.
Habits Co.
Habits Co. is providing affordable and fashionable streetwear for everyone.
Hairizon Beauty Bar
Hairizon Beauty offers custom handmade and natural hair and skin care.
Harlem Beer Distributing NC
Harlem Beer Distribution of NC creates extraordinary beers with empowering stories.
Harper's Parlour
Haper's Parlour is a nail salon offering stylish one of a kind nail designs.
Hylton Daniel Design & Construction
Alicia Hylton Daniel is an Interior Designer & Licensed General Contractor. Follow her as she designs her way through new and old homes in Durham.
I. C. You Lashes
I. C. You Lashes offers beautiful 3D and 25mm lash sets.
I Can You Can Vegan
Desiree is a vegan blogger, where she creates tasty recipes to inspire other black women.
Indulge Catering
Queen and Jay are the chefs behind Indulge Catering. Let them cater or be a personal chef for your next event.
Jade Wilson
Jade Wilson is a powerful documentary photographer and video artist. Find their work inside of Indyweek.
Jeddah’s Tea & Maha's Candle Company
Morgan, owner of Jeddah's Tea, is proudly serving tea in downtown Durham six days a week. Located at Jeddah's Tea, and surrounding retailers, is Morgan's daughter, Mahaliya's hand-poured small-batch candles. Jeddah's Tea was in our Winter Box, and we are proud to have Maha's Candles in our upcoming launch.
Jessamyn Stanley
Jessamyn is an author, has a podcast, an advocate for cannabis, and also a yoga instructor/owner at The Under Belly, where yoga is for everyone.
Joshua Gunn
Joshua is an activist, artist, and entrepreneur that shares powerful messages through his lyrics. He does a lot of work in this community and recently ran for Durham City Council.
Just Face It Makeup Artistry
Just Face It provides classic, glamorous makeup and lashes to enhance the natural beauty of their clients.
Kale's Kitchen
Each week, Moni & Chels create the most mouthwatering looking meals that one has ever seen. They sell out fast, and we see why!
Kat's Beauty Bar
Kaitlyn, owner of Kat's Beauty Bar, is a nail tech business.
Kennedi Carter
Kennedi is a fine art photographer and creative director, where Black subjects are her main focus. Her work is emotional, powerful, and striking and is currently on exhibit at CAM Raleigh.
Kharmika - Realtor at Keller Williams Elite Realty
Kharmika is a real estate agent serving the triangle with Keller Williams Elite Realty.
Kira Parris-Moore - Books 2 Inspire
Kira is an author and self-publisher that strives to increase mental health awareness and inspire hope through children's books.
Knox St Studios
Knox St. Studios is a design-centered space that provides tools to help current or aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives.
Kompleks Creative
Kompleks Creative is a creative agency that specializes in utilizing creative strategies for brands, non-profits, and higher education.
Kumolu Studios
Kumolu Studios is a wedding, portrait, and event photographer that captures moments that will last a lifetime.
Let's Eat Homestyle
Let's Eat Homestyle is a food truck serving Authentic home-cooked food for the soul.
Liberation Station Bookstore
Victoria Scott-Miller is the owner of Liberation Station Bookstore, an independent pop-up bookstore that carries books written for, by, or about children of the African Diaspora.
Loving You Quietly
Loving You Quietly was created by TJ Mundy, a queer trans graphic designer and artist. Shop their designs, apparel, stickers, and merch and/or donate to TJ's top surgery.
M & M Tutoring Service
M & M Tutoring Service offers K-12 and various college courses throughout the day.
Margaret A. Brunson, PhD & Illuminated Leadership Solutions
Margaret A. Brunson, PhD is a speaker and author and CEO of Illuminated Leadership Solutions where she offers leadership coaching and consulting.
MasterMIND
MasterMIND is a digital marketing agency helping their clients tell their story.
Mike D's BBQ
Mike D's BBQ offers award-winning delicious sauces and rubs for your cooking needs.
Millennial Love Brunch
Millennial Love Brunch is a community of millennial couples who love to brunch.
Mindfulness Movement
Mindfulness Movement promotes emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration to improve health and fitness while tackling the issue of self-care and mental health.
Motiv8, Inc.
Motiv8 is a non-profit dance studio committed to helping young people create a better sense of self through the performing arts.
Mystic Touch
Mystic Touch is a local crochet artist, who's work can be found online and at various festivals and events.
Morgan Crutchfield Photography
Morgan Crutchfield Photography specializes in portraits, graduates, weddings, engagements, families, and headshots.
Morehead Manor Bed & Breakfast
The Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast has operated in Downtown Durham for over 23 years as the first Black-Owned Bed and Breakfast in Durham. It's a place where Elegance, Excitement, and Hospitality Meet.
Nailz
Nailz is a non-toxic nail and beauty studio offering natural nails, lashes, brow henna, skin therapy, and waxing.
Natty Neckware
Natty Hawley, who we mentioned earlier in the list, is the creator behind Natty Neckware, where he designs and makes limited-edition apparel accessories.
NaturalGal Stylist
NaturalGal Stylist is a natural hair care specialist and stylist.
Nicole Furnace Realtor at Urban Durham Realty
Nicole is a broker at Urban Durham Realty, where she connects people to places around Durham, NC.
Noble Companion Handbag Studio
Noble Companion Handbag Studio offers quality and affordable fashion handbags.
Noila Family & Coffee
Nolia Family & Coffee offers a safe space for children and parents who want to relax and enjoy the comfort inside a kid-friendly coffee shop.
Northstar Church of the Arts
Phil & Nnenna Freelon created Northstar to provide an arts and cultural space that is openly accessible to all Durhamites. Phil & Nnenna have produced decades of award winning music and architecture and their son Pierce Freelon, who we mentioned earlier, is the creative director.
Nzinga's Breakfast Cafe
Nzinga's Breakfast Cafe serves cajun & southern-inspired cuisine, where they claim to have the best shrimp & grits, french toast, AND strawberry lemonade. Check them out!
Piri
Piri is a family-owned business that serves food that is deeply connected to their roots and identity.
POSH Fruit Bliss
POSH Fruit Bliss creates delicious jars of fruit spreads.
Pareure Fine Jewelry
Tonya Powell, owner of Pareure Fine Jewelry, is the talented designer behind each piece. She also sponsored our first launch. Thank you, Tonya!
Perkins Orchard
Perkins Orchard is the largest outdoor fruit & vegetable stand in Durham, NC. Donovan Watson, owner of Perkins Orchard is also the former candidate for NC Commissioner of Agriculture.
Prime Athletic Training and Fitness Institute
Prime Athletic Training & Fitness Institute is a gym that offers classes for all fitness levels, as well as sports training. They pride themselves on being a community, not just a gym, with faith, family, and fitness as their motto.
Profound Elegance RCS
Proufound Elegance is an event & wedding planning company that specializes in romance concierge, romantic getaways, and date night events.
Provident1898
Provident 1898 is a diverse coworking community in Downtown Durham serving entrepreneurs, innovators, and artists.
Purple Puffs
Purple Puffs create healing experiences with cannabis-infused food, sweets, and products.
Rachel The Healer
Rachel Levina, the owner of Rachel the Healer, is a spirit-based business offering Reiki, energy healing, and spiritual coaching.
Rebellious Investor
Rebellious Investor helps guide you through real estate investing and ownership.
Romanz Tea
Romanz Tea is a bottled craft sweet tea company.
Ronald's Unisex Barbershop
Ronald's Unisex Barbershop offers haircuts, fades, and beard and mustache trims.
Roy's Kountry Kitchen
Roy's Kountry Kitchen has been serving Durham for 29 years. This restaurant gives you tasty southern food and desserts, as well as offers catering.
Royal Cheesecake & Varieties
Royal Cheesecake & Varieties is a bakery where they specialize in cakes and other sweet treats.
Russell's Pharmacy
Russell's Pharmacy is an independent Pharmacy offering prescription meds, immunizations, medication therapy management services, in-depth counseling, over the counter products, and gifts.
Safari Calligraphy
Joanna, the owner of Safari Calligraphy, offers beautiful, custom stationery for event invitations.
Saltbox Seafood Joint
Chef & Author Ricky Moore is the mastermind behind Saltbox Seafood Joint in Durham, NC. There are two locations to enjoy, one downtown and one near Rockwood.
Shaped by You Lingerie
Shaped by You Lingerie was created to boost self- esteem and promote body acceptance and positivity through their size-inclusive products for all women.
SiadeKarle Style Design
Sia Gattis is a fashion and interior stylist offering all-around styling advice and services.
Six Eighty Eight
Jessica of Six Eighty Eight has a natural talent for all things. Her lifestyle brand combines her love for entertaining, decorating, thrifting/vintage shopping, curating personalized gifts, pottery making, and local foodie excursions.
SOAR Aerial Dance
SOAR features professional aerialists, dancers, circus performers, and movement artists who bring aerial dance to the Triangle. Watch them fly.
Soul Fresh Spring Rolls
Soul Fresh Spring Rolls is a food truck offering delicious unique spring rolls, incredible mac 'n cheese, and more.
Straight Talk With Dean & Marc
“Straight Talk with Dean and Marc” is a podcast that touches many aspects of our society, featuring guests from various backgrounds.
Sweets by Alexandria
Sweets by Alexandria is a small batch cake and cupcake shop baked in Durham. They take special orders and they ship!
TNP Fit
TNP Fit's owner, Russell Dudley, designed a program for all ages and genders that are looking for an exercise routine from beginner levels to advanced levels in 50 minutes. What I love about his classes is that they start never 15 minutes, so you'll never miss a beat.
Tall Grass Food Box
Tall Grass Food Box uses its platform to support and encourage the sustainability of Black farmers in NC. Every other week they offer produce from NC Black farmers in a box for local pickups, securing them a space in the marketplace.
The 360 Approach
The 360 Approach is a boutique wellness studio that helps balance the mind, body, and spirit.
The Black Chamber
The Black Chamber invests in the growth and development of Black entrepreneurs, Black-owned businesses & ecosystems, the Black community as a whole.
The Black Market
The Black Market is a marketplace highlighting Black-owned businesses and Black farmers. Support and shop the market on June 14th.
The Chicken Hut
The Chicken Hut has been proudly serving Durham delicious home-cooked meals since 1957.
The Comedy Lounge
The Comedy Lounge is Durham's mobile venue for laughter and entertainment, created by Christopher "C Raw" and Ashley Rawlinson.
The Dankery
Shrimp and Pasta's Dankery is a food truck serving out of this world flavors with their food. Follow them to see where they are next.
The Girlfriend's Pod
The Girlfriend's Pod is a digital platform helping black women grow to conquer their beauty, wealth & health goals.
The Glam Studio
The Glam Studio offers Full Sets, Gel Polish, Acrylic, Ombre, and incredible nail art.
The Lash Vault
Owner of The Lash Vault, Samoni, is a beginner lash tech that offers Natural, Hybrid, and Volume lash sets.
The Living Room
The Living Room is Durham's newest premier bar & lounge coming to downtown soon. Follow them for the latest updates.
The Renaissance Barbershop
The Renaissance Barbershop offers haircuts, mustache and beard shape ups, fades, designs, and more.
The Palace International
The Palace International specializes in East African dishes, but also offers otherworldly cuisine with an African twist. Their ‘Africana Nights‘ are filled with delicious African food, music, and drinks.
The Zen Succulent
The Zen Succulent is everyone's favorite go-to plant shop in downtown Durham. You can find house plants, gifts, home decor, stationery, skincare, and more. Megan's Raleigh shop was damaged and looted this weekend, so support her Durham shop extra hard.
Tips and Needles
Tips and Needles is a nail studio offering nail art, acrylic sets, glitter sets, fill-ins, polish changes, manicures, and pedicures.
Tressed by A. Benet
Tressed offers hair, hair wraps, lashes, and more.