This week, we’re telling the stories of some Black-owned businesses in the Rose City. This is one of a series of Support Black Business segments in the coming weeks and months. Led by hip-hop legend Cool Nutz, our production crew spent time in Portland visiting local staples.

We stopped at The Black Mannequin to visit CEO Bryan Walden, who started the company in 2017 as he pursued his passion for fashion and clothing sales. Always an entrepreneur, Walden was looking for ways to expand his business horizons and did so when he opened the brick-and-mortar store in 2019.

This week, we’re telling the stories of some Black-owned businesses in the Rose City. This is one of a series of Support Black Business segments in the coming weeks and months. Led by hip-hop legend Cool Nutz, our production crew spent time in Portland visiting local staples.

Creative Justice hosted their Black Health and Wellness Day at Washington Hall last weekend, featuring numerous organizations, guests and resources focused on community well-being. Organizer and Musician Rell Be Free said the goal of the event was to fulfill community needs and provide opportunities for healing.

“Sole Mates is all about the sneaker community,” owner of Sole Mates Parris Johnson said. “Sneakers are more than just a shoe. They’re an icebreaker, a way to get to know people. Sneakers bring people together.” 

Colina Bruce, owner and CEO of Noir Lux Candle Bar, says she believes candles can be a conduit for community building, networking and growth.

The multi-talented Latrice Williams has not only built one of Spokane's fastest growing Real Estate companies, but she’s also a talented musician, the legislative lead for housing and homeless advocacy for District 4, and an author. Her journey, though, hasn’t been easy. As a formerly incarcerated Black woman, Williams fought her way into the world of corporate real estate firms before realizing it wasn’t for her. She said she felt overlooked and knew that she needed a change.

“Someone said to me that maybe folks of Color don’t enjoy a good beer. I called bull****,” Rodney Hines, owner and founder of Métier Brewing, said.

“I realized I needed to do something to create a space that didn’t exist for me.”

Joyce's Market and Cafe serves and sells fresh, scratch-made food with a focus on community and health. Owner Joyce Hosea has focused on the culinary arts from a young age, attending culinary school and working towards her dream of providing the community with her food.

Seattle native Ashanti Mayfield is serving ice cream sourced from right here in the Pacific Northwest at the Creamy Cone Cafe. Watch the video to see what delicious flavors are available at the cafe and what other options are on the menu.

African art gallery and streetwear boutique Taswira celebrated their one year anniversary and owner Avery Barnes had a special announcement.

Acacia Corson started her company Badder Body after being frustrated with her hair, and when she spilled some product on her hands she realized she had discovered something even better. She new makes products like body butter, face masks and her husband even makes beard oil.

Toure Apparel offers t-shirt printing, custom gold grillz, and streetwear right in Seattle’s Central District. Owner Moe Toure has been running his shop for 19 years and has been at the current location for the last four. During that period, he’s overseen the growth of his brand into a local staple.

Still looking for a little romance even though Valentine’s Day has passed? Check out our recap of the love-themed cocktail class hosted by Ashaunti Martin-Smith, owner of Seattle-based Bartending Service Couture Cocktails last week.

Boon Boona Coffee hosted the grand opening for its third and newest location at the University of Washington’s University Book Store on Monday, located at the site previously occupied by The Book Store Cafe.

“Food is culture, and that means we create the culture,” Seattle Chef and Owner of Jerk Shack Trey Lamont said.

Lamont brought his signature dishes and flair to Field to Table at Lumen Field on Sunday night as he served dinner to those in attendance. Our Besa Gordon was there to take it all in, as the unique atmosphere combined with Lamont’s cooking created an unforgettable experience.

Wa Na Wari hosted a game night and community mixer with games, art, and music on Friday night as they continue to create space for the Black community to come together. The event was designed and hosted by Event Coordinator Soulma Ayers and featured the world-famous sounds of DJ Topspin.

From Ox Tails to Brisket to Burnt Ends and Ribs, Lil Red's Catering & Takeout has barbecue staples as well as Jamaican food and Soul food. Owner Erasto "Red" Jackson said he’s proud to bring delicious food to the community, providing an outlet for barbecue and soul food lovers in South Seattle and beyond.

Local business Boon Boona coffee is hosting the grand opening for their newest location on Monday at 10 am at the University of Washington’s University Book Store. Located at the site previously occupied by The Book Store Cafe, Boon Boona will serve their African specialty coffee to a broader community.

Central Cafe and Juice Bar is serving up scratch-made healthy food items in the Central District. Located next to Garfield High School, owner and Garfield alumn Bridgette Johnson says it’s her mission to provide the community and especially students with healthy and delicious food options.