The U.S. is home to approximately 2.5 million black-owned businesses and Detroit is proud to have cultivated so many in the Central Business District and beyond! Voting with your wallet is one of the best ways to effect social change and we’re committed today more than ever to continue supporting and promoting black-owned businesses in the community.
These businesses are by no means an exhaustive list. We’d love to know your favorite black-owned businesses too – drop us a DM @exp.det!
Détroit is the New Black
Détroit is the New Black is a brand and concept store serving as both a popular downtown destination for the fashion line and a retail incubator for local artists and small businesses. Roslyn Karamoko has effectively created a conversation on the past present and future of Detroit, its underlying socioeconomic and racial issues, and the city’s steady revitalization.
1430 Woodward Avenue
Live Cycle Delight
After moving to NYC to work in fashion for major retailers, Amina Daniels came back to her Detroit roots and founded Live Cycle Delight, the first cycle and licensed TRX (Total Body Resistance Exercise) studio. Live Cycle Delight is more than just a fitness studio, it’s a community, a fan club, and an oasis in West Village.
8019 Agnes Street
House of Pure Vin
Wine lovers rejoice because House of Pure Vin is Detroit’s premier fine wine shop with a selection curated to fit all pallets, even aspiring connoisseurs. Wine is the best accessory for any occasion and Detroit natives, Regina Gaines, Terry Mullins, and Andrea Dunbar made sure you have a variety to select from.
1433 Woodward Avenue
Savannah Blue
Savannah Blue feeds Detroit’s soul and is a hidden gem on the second floor overlooking the people mover in Times Square. It prides itself on serving Northern Soul Food with fresh ingredients prepared with Southern flavors, presented with Detroit style. The Parmesan grits with Cajun shrimp and Adnouille mushroom gravy is something you’ll be dreaming about forever.
1431 Times Square
The Lip Bar
The Lip Bar is a vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand born in Detroit with one mission: Everyone is beautiful and you are the standard. The beauty brand launched in 2012 by Melissa Butler and has a national presence in large retailers. The Lip Bar calls Detroit’s Parker Alley home with its first brick and mortar and flagship store.
1435 Farmer Street
The TEN Nail Bar
The TEN is founded by Kelli Coleman & Anika Jackson and is the city’s first modern nail bar. Nothing says pamper yourself like getting a mani and pedi while drinking champagne. The aesthetic and ambiance of the salon is so welcoming and relaxing. It’s all around a #perfect10 experience that we highly recommend.
1215 Griswold Street
The Social Club Grooming Company
Sebastian Jackson, Founder and CEO of The Social Club Grooming Company is disrupting the grooming industry with a mission that goes beyond haircuts and shaves. He as created a dual -purpose barbershop and content studio whose mission is to support cultural discussion, building community, personal growth, and diversity.
5272 Anthony Wayne Drive
1515 Broadway Street
Dilla’s Delights
‘Uncle Herm’ has been a chef and baker his entire career. Donuts are his specialty and after the tragic loss of his nephew, legendary hip-hop producer J. Dilla, Herman start Dilla’s Delights for his nieces to a living bond to their father’s legacy. The wide variety of classic cake donuts will leave your mouth watering for more. We promise the Beverly Bavarian Cream filled is the best donut you’ll ever taste.
242 John R. Street
BOYD Beauty
Dr. Charles Boyd is a man of many talents will a mission. He’s an expert in countless surgical and non-surgical practices, a full-time faculty member at the University of Michigan, and an avid humanitarian. Dr. Boyd is continuously evolving the practice at Boyd Beauty in Detroit’s Capitol Park.
1230 Griswold Street
Norma G’s
Food is a universal thing that brings people together. From the food truck to the restaurant in the quaint neighborhood of Jefferson Chalmers, Lester Gouvia, chef and owner of Norma G’s created an authentic atmosphere with tasty Caribbean cuisine. The concept is influenced by his mother who always had an open heart and home.
14628 E Jefferson Avenue
Detroit vs Everybody
Detroit vs Everybody is a homegrown label that is an anthem for Detroit. Artist, creator and founder, Tommey Walker created the label to combat the negative media attention the city received. The brand symbolizes so much and has united the community. Retail shops can be found around Metro Detroit, but the flagship shop is in Eastern Market.
2501 Russell Street
YumVillage
Godwin Ihentuge is Owner and Chef at YumVillage and is committed to maintaining a green and socially impactful restaurant. It’s a classic food truck turns brick and mortar kind of fairytale. If you’re looking for flavorful Afro-Caribbean dishes it’s a quick electric scooter ride up to the booming neighborhood of New Center.
6500 Woodward Avenue
Detroit Blows
Nia Batts is the co-founder and CEO of Detroit Blows and is supporting and empowering other female entrepreneurs across the city. Don’t head to the burbs for your services because Detroit Blows is a one stop shop for all your beauty needs. Did we mention for every blowout $1 is flows into their philanthropic arm Detroit Grows?
1232 Library Street
Bert’s Market Place
Bert Dearing Jr. opened Bert’s Market Place in 1987 but his family’s and contribution to the entertainment industry has roots that date back to the early Motown years. The marketplace in Eastern Market serves up delicious soul food and live entertainment every day of the week. We recommend starting your Saturday morning in the market with karaoke and BBQ at Bert’s.
727 Russell Street