Black-Owned Twin Cities Businesses to Check Out

Let’s face it; the past few years have rocked our worlds. They especially haven’t been kind to our business owners, and many Black-owned Twin Cities businesses are not expected to survive this pandemic. The good news? We can get out in our communities and support our Black business owners.

Below is a variety of business types you can utilize right now throughout the Twin Cities because every facet needs support right now.

Food and Beverage

This industry has been rocked by the pandemic. We have seen hundreds of restaurants shut their doors for good since March 2020, and this industry has had to rise to some interesting obstacles to keep their doors open. Check out a few of these spots in the Twin Cities! 

Soul Bowl: This restaurant, located in the North Loop food Hall, is all about celebrating the community of North Minneapolis. The flavor profile of these dishes is vast, and you really won’t be disappointed with whatever you order; however, I would say a must is the Bobsled Beef Patties. In fact, order at least 3. You’ll thank me later. 

Trio Plant-Based: This vegan restaurant is on Lake Street in Minneapolis and the menu isn’t full of salads, instead it’s full of comfort food. Trio Plant-Based has been booming as of late and I only expect this restaurant to continue to grow. The Mac Attack Burger is a fan favorite. 

Gus Dean Coffee: Twin Cities Mom Collective does Fresh Cup Friday, and I cannot recommend Gus Dean Coffee enough. Gus’s coffee will bring joy to every oversized ceramic cup you have in your cupboards. Head to this former veterinarian’s website to setup home delivery. In our house, the favorite is Salty Caramel but you can’t go wrong with any purchase from Gus. 

Jajja Wellness: This Black-owned business is taking co-ops by storm! You can find these tasty tonics at Lakewinds, Seward, Valley Natural Foods, Mississippi Market, Hampden Park, Mastel’s, Wedge + Linden Hills, and Longfellow Market. Don’t live close to one of these spots? Then you can buy online. 

Golden Thyme Coffee & Cafe: You can’t go wrong at this spot whether you’re in the mood for coffee or shrimp and grits. The menu here sports Mocha Medleys, and oh my goodness, these drinks sound phenomenal. With various flavor combinations, you won’t get many other places. Are you feeling a bit more like winter? I would try the Billie Holiday. This drink is made with dark mocha, caramel, espresso, steamed milk, and whipped cream.

Health and Wellness

This industry has undoubtedly had to step it up on the cleaning and sanitizing front, not to mention having to get creative with how they provide support to clients. I mean, you can see your regular provider virtually now, it’s wild! 

Altrui: Dr. Brittnei Scott is a chiropractor and Florida transplant in Eden Prairie. She recently signed a contract to work at Luxology two Saturdays a month in Savage. Dr. Scott’s motto is clarity, confidence, and consistency. You won’t be disappointed by her gentle techniques and all the knowledge she has to offer you. 

Luna Massage & Wellness: Feeling a bit celebratory with school back in session? Book a massage at Luna or gain some knowledge on your chakras through meditation to get through a new school year. Laura, owner and founder, specializes in myofascial release and takes a more clinical and sports massage therapy approach to her client sessions. 

KJFITco: I have some dear friends who train with Kameron Johnson, Owner/CEO of KJFITco in Minneapolis, and let me just say, WOAH! This guy knows what he is doing. These workouts are killer. You can train with him privately, in-person, and/or virtually. 

The FIT Lab: This gym in Falcon Heights has classes for everyone. If you are interested in elite athlete training, they have you covered. Want to get more specific and do a class designed with women in mind? Then sign up for the Women of Strength class. 

612 Jungle: Looking to switch up your yoga practice? Then I highly recommend this hip-hop yoga studio. Classes are currently offered in-studio and virtually.

Beauty and Fashion

What better way to celebrate another season of masks and uncertainty than working on your glow up! These boutiques and salons are the perfect places for retail therapy and pampering.

D.NOLO: D.NOLO is a co-op boutique in the North Loop and is all about being fashion forward. According to the website, you will find the following designers among their racks (just to name a few): Bumbershute, Jaxon Grey, and Kindred. The shopping doesn’t stop there, maybe you have an entry way or a room you are looking to refresh, D.NOLO has home furnishings that will freshen up a space. 

Queen Anna House of Fashion: Rock your new fashion from Queen Anna’s House of Fashion when you head back to the office, or for one of your 37 Zoom calls for the week. This boutique even has a Work From Home and Video Conference Style collection, you won’t be disappointed shopping here. 

Arway: Headed back to the office? Arway is a must! This spot has amazing bags, and what better way to head back to work in a new season than a new bag? 

Hybrid Nation: Want a shirt that makes a statement? Then Hybrid Nation will not disappoint. HN has attire for the whole family, including activewear and even a few home goods. In addition, a portion of all proceeds goes to community-level initiatives and year-round programs with their non-profit partners. In other words, you won’t only be supporting a Black-owned business but also the entire community.

Fit 1st Running: Kids in sports, or maybe you have run through the soles of your sneakers? Then this shoe store has everything you need (including fanny packs!).

The Nail Bar: New season, new nails. The Nail Bar is located in Uptown, and while you get your nails done you can browse for a new top or phone case. 

Lela’s Virtue Lounge: If you are expecting, you have to go to Lela’s because this Black-owned business offers a Jelly Belly facial that will leave your belly feeling smooth and moisturized. In addition, Lela’s offers various services, including nails and lash extensions. This spot will meet all of your skincare needs.

Birth and Postpartum

I’m a birth nerd, that’s just how it is when you are a birth doula. Therefore, it would be a disservice not to share some of the amazing Black birth workers in the Twin Cities area.

Metro Midwifery: Owned by Britt Jackson, a community midwife, who is currently running a Black home birth initiative. The aim of this initiative is to increase the access to culturally safe care with a Black home birth midwife for Black families. Britt offers prenatal care, home birth/water birth, postpartum and newborn care, lactation support, and placenta encapsulation. Britt also shares a list of IBIPOC providers on her website.

Roots Birth Center: Rebecca Polston is the owner of Roots Birth Center located in North Minneapolis. The goal of this birth center is create access to quality midwifery care throughout the northwest metro area. This birth center was an investment in the community Rebecca lives and works in, and they provide excellent care. 

The Oily Doula: Rhonda Fellows offers childbirth education and doula support in the Twin Cities area. Rhonda is also working to decolonize birth with Britt Jackson from Metro Midwifery. She also co-hosts a socially distanced Preggo in the Park event with Birth Twin Cities. Check out her classes page to get more details on when and where these events are taking place.

Baby Bonito: These entrepreneurs started crafting health and beauty products after the birth of their daughter. Now, they are making all-natural products from their home in St. Paul and you can have items porch delivered. They haven’t kept to just baby products though, you will find pregnancy and postpartum products available on their site as well.

There you have it! It’s time to schedule a babysitter or leave the kids with dad, change out of your black leggings, take a shower and show up for the Black-owned Twin Cities businesses in your area.

Also, this list is by no means all-inclusive, so here is a list of resources that will help you find even more Black-owned Twin Cities businesses and beyond the Minnesota Border: The MN Black List, Shoppe Black, MPS Mag, and Support Black Owned.

Additionally the team over at MYMOVE has put together a comprehensive guide highlighting 25 black-owned home decor businesses. A perfect resource for spring updates!