Juneteenth is deeply rooted in the Black struggle for freedom at the hands of systemic oppression, embedded in the same country that only recently recognized Juneteenth’s significance. Nearly 200 years after the event took place, Juneteenth was marked as a federal holiday, bringing more attention to the day that commemorates when Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas, post-Civil War, to inform enslaved African-Americans that they were free—despite still being enslaved long after the Emancipation Proclamation. Revisionist history would have us believe that Abraham Lincoln set everyone free, but the truth remains that freedom is a ways away and Black people will always find ways to honor and find joy anyway.
Despite ongoing disparities, Black people have grown as leaders, business owners, and creators across the globe, and today, we’re taking a moment to highlight the Black entrepreneurs building a legacy from the state where Juneteenth was born. Read on to discover 19 small, Black-owned businesses you can support to celebrate Juneteenth and Black excellence this year (and beyond).
Organically Bath & Beauty | San Antonio
Owners and spouses, Kevin and Kela Nabors were inspired to start the brand Organically Bath & Beauty when their daughter developed eczema. Beyond their legendary soaps, the shop offers whipped butters, facial serums, and eucalyptus bundles for full-body luxury. It’s a go-to for self-care essentials that I highly recommend.
Wasota Vegan Paradise | Austin
Industry-veteran Lawrence Eguakun opened Wasota Vegan Paradise in Austin to give locals their fill of deliciously flavored African cuisines that are fully vegan. These chef-crafted specialties feature staple dishes like jollof rice and fried plantains as well as meatless takes on traditional recipes. Support a local Black business and dine on food that reaches the soul? Yes, please.
Black Coffee in Fort Worth
Pressed Roots | Dallas, Plano, Arlington
We all know the struggle of getting our hair done, but thanks to founder Piersten Gaines, you can change your hair woes into walk-up-and-go’s when in Dallas. Gaines opened Pressed Roots (and has since opened additional locations in Plano and Arlington), the first silk blowout bar specializing in the “Art of Textured Hair Care.”
Black Coffee Fort Worth | Fort Worth
If you’re looking for caffeine and culture, Black Coffee Fort Worth should be on your list. Black Coffee offers patrons specialty brews like the Butter Cup Latte featuring peanut butter, hazelnut, and a drizzle of mocha. Owner Mia Moss is also looking out for the community with good-cause blends like the Rosemary Cold Brew that supports AfroGreen'D Gardens.
Loft22 Cakes | Dallas-Fort Worth
As an award-winning visual artist turned pastry chef, Tareka Lofton knows how to make art on and off the canvas. The Le Cordon Bleu alum is also a painter and sculpturist, two skills that come in handy when crafting her cakes at Loft22.
Black Pearl Books | Austin
Black Pearl Books is owned and family-operated by matriarch, Katrina Brooks. Their curated collection of literature promotes diversity and equity by bringing cultural awareness to the Austin community.
Soirée Coffee Bar | Dallas
Soirée Coffee Bar is for Black excellence, according to owners and couple, Clive and LaFree Ryan. The Dallas coffee bar features live jazz musicians alongside its spiked coffee drinks to highlight the value of Trinity Groves and West Dallas, which is a predominantly Black neighborhood.
Berkshire Farms Winery | Fort Worth
Proud cowboys and brothers, Jonathan and Jason Jackson, built Berkshire Farms in Fort Worth back in 2011 before opening up their winery in 2017. The brothers draw on seasonal flavors that are savory, spicy, and sweet mixes worth indulging in.
Bird Bird Biscuit in Austin
Bird Bird Biscuit | Austin
The self-proclaimed “Capitán/Biscuit Whisperer” Brian Batch co-founded this Austin hotspot with his good friend and business manager, Ryan McElroy. Known for their delicious chicken and biscuit sandwiches, Bird Bird Biscuit is chock-full of buttery, saucy goodness that you have to try in ATX.
The Dock Bookshop | Fort Worth
The Dock Bookshop is the largest African-American-owned full-service bookstore in all of Texas and the Southwest. Sisters and owners Donya and Donna Craddock are proud of this fact and have a collection of stories everyone should be digging into.
Sienna Sauce | Sienna
Founded by 18-year-old Tyla-Simone Crayton, Sienna Sauce is a family-based brand that appeared on Shark Tank in 2021. Although Tyla-Simone and her mother Monique started the sauces in their Brooklyn apartment, they launched the brand in Sienna, Texas in 2017.
Pan-African Connection Bookstore & Resource Center | Dallas
Akwete Tyehimba, CEO of the Pan-African Connection Bookstore & Resource Center hopes to continue on its legacy, which started back in 1989. The center was one of the first high-quality rare bookstores in Dallas and has grown to be a must-visit destination for Black history and culture.
Manna Juice Bar | Mansfield
On the Arlington/Grand Prairie border, you’ll find Manna Juice Bar, owned and operated by Dominick and Kristi Andrew. This line of organic, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, açaì bowls, and other health foods was developed in partnership with a food scientist to ensure nutrient-rich options for customers looking to optimize their health.
Konjo Beauty | Dallas-Fort Worth
"Konjo" means "beautiful" in owner Lidya Winnie’s native language of Ethiopia. The brand’s products are made to keep you looking fresh with plant-based, cruelty-free formulas to highlight all your natural beauty.
Val’s Cheesecake in Dallas
Val’s Cheesecakes | Dallas
During a visit from her native country Haiti, Valery “Val” Jean-Bart’s mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal breast cancer. Despite being given a devastating diagnosis, including being given six months to live, Val’s mother went on to live four years past her prognosis—a time spent in the kitchen with her son. The two created a ritual with food, trying new meals and desserts, including what went on to become Val’s signature cheesecakes. Val continues to be inspired by his mother’s strength and legacy with every order, so be sure to make yours.
B. Lauren Salon Studio | Arlington
B. Lauren Salon Studio specializes in short hair styling. Owner and operator, Nikki Binion relocated from Chicago to Arlington to establish herself as the short hair specialist in the beauty industry. The entrepreneur is also a public speaker, educator, business coach, and author motivating others to pursue all their passions.
Winding Wick Candles | Ferris
As the creator behind the unique assortment of dessert candles, Winding Wick Candles, Tiana Coats is inspiring you to discover what’s outside the box. Coats has taken all the things she loves and transformed them into delectable handmade candles—from fragrant latte flavors to Wonderland-inspired collections. Coats is also a YouTube star with over 46K+ subscribers tuning into all her creations.
Damian's Cajun Soul Café | Arlington
If you’re craving authentic Cajun cuisine in Arlington, check out Damian’s Cajun Soul Café. The family-owned and operated restaurant is spearheaded by Damian L. Placide Sr., who is originally from New Iberia, Louisiana. Enjoy everything from smothered pork chops to seafood étouffée from this soul food joint.
GRIT Fitness | Dallas
If you’re looking to add woman-powered fitness to your repertoire, GRIT Fitness has it all. Founder Brittani (Brit) Rettig Wold opened the fitness community back in 2015 based on her belief in mental grit for long-term prosperity. She earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.
HONORABLE MENTION
Because there’s no such thing as too many Black-owned businesses, here are two Black-owned healing spaces to support in Texas!
The Fountain | Denton
Katina Stone-Butler, host of Black History for White People, is a creative activist, podcaster, and entrepreneur in Denton who founded the Fountain. The Fountain is a melanated mecca of healing and community, committed to centering the voices and experiences of Black women and other women of color through cultural experiences, events, and expressions.
Affinity Healing | Austin
Austin native Trina Fowler BSW, M.A. MFT is a certified Life Coach based in Austin. After earning her undergrad degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University, Fowler opened Affinity Healing with a mission to bring balance back into people’s lives, one step at a time.
