Support These Black-Owned Shops

Mahogany Books

If you’re looking for a good read to enjoy as you spread out on the National Mall, please look past the Barnes & Noble and into Mahogany Books. Mahogany is a family-owned bookstore located inside the Anacostia Arts Center. The store is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Derrick and Ramunda Young, who got their start selling books online 10 years prior to opening a brick-and-mortar store. Now with two stores under their belt (the second location is at the National Harbor), the team can host in-person events, signings, and book club meetings that bring authors in direct contact with their readers.

The bookstore is known for having the largest inventory of Black books online. They are community focused and committed to connecting readers to writers. Having donated over 1000 books to youth, held numerous story times, financial workshops, author talks, seminars, and other events they have a proven track record of their dedication to the culture. The website is a great resource for book reviews, especially the staff recommendations and the reviews from a young reader’s perspective. If you are planning a trip, check out their website, you may find that one of your favorite authors will be in-store doing a signing. 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE, Washington, DC 20020 844-279-6239

Lee’s Flower Shop

When William and Winnifred Lee started their family business, Lee’s Flower Shop, back in 1945, they received the financing needed from Industrial Bank, a Black-owned financial institution. Both businesses are still a vital part of the Black business community today. Now being run by the couple’s granddaughters, Stacie Lee Banks and Kristie Lee Jones, the shop has endured through many changes and difficult times, including the 1968 riots after the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to the more recent uprising associated with the death of George Floyd. In fact, the business has been thriving.

Known for their beautifully handcrafted arrangements, commitment to customer service, and overall knowledge that comes from generational ownership, they are a wise choice for all of your floral and gift needs when in the Washington Metropolitan area. If you are in town for a shower, funeral, or just visiting friends or family, why not surprise them with the gift of fresh flowers and shop local with the Lees? Same-day delivery is available. 1026 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 202-265-4965

Nubian Hueman

If you are looking for unique finds in apparel, jewelry, accessories, body care and cosmetics, look no further than Nubian Hueman. This shop with two locations in Baltimore and DC is an incubator for upcoming and well-known makers to partner with a retail establishment to sell their wares. Featuring brands that reflect the African Diaspora, their unique business model sources items from both local and global designers and makers. The program even allows the brand to collaborate with its makers to offer unique corporate gifts.

The brand also offers both retail locations for rent. Coming into the area on business? Do you have a unique brand that you want exposure for? Partner with Nubian Hueman to create a special event featuring your offering in the vital DMV marketplace. 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE, Washington, DC 20020 202-610-9516

The Spice Suite

I became enamored with this little shop after coming across their Insta page during the pandemic. The Spice Suite’s owner Angel Anderson is a marketing genius. Vibrant photography and videos showing recipes in action, beautifully designed spice combinations and branded housewares had me standing in line on a Sunday afternoon to get inside and see it all firsthand. 

Her tagline “Food is Fashion” is an understatement, as the shop is as vibrant and visually captivating as the owner herself. The shop is filled with colorful spices, branded houseware, cookware items, and specialty finds from all over the world. All skillfully merchandised in the small space. The branded glass tea kettle is the perfect example of utility as art. Mine has a prominent spot on my counter, so I see it whether it’s in use or not. In addition to designing, marketing, and selling her own selection of curated housewares, the owner has hosted over 450 pop-up shops, giving a platform to other makers from the area. Check out their website for hours. 6902 4^th St. NW, Washington, DC 20012 202-506-3436

Fia’s Fabulous Finds

If you have an eye for couture but a budget for off-the-rack, Fia’s Fabulous Finds just may be your sweet spot. Fia’s is a thrift store experience with a twist—the shop is open by appointment only except for Saturdays when the shop is open from 11 AM – 6 PM. and for her Fia’s Fill a Bag (FFAB) events (rsvp required). During the FFAB event, you purchase a bag from the store for $40 and then commence filling it. That’s it! When the bag is full your shopping experience is done, unless you purchase more than one bag, of course. 

A few key things to note: There are no dressing rooms provided; Fia says to wear thin clothes (it makes trying on easier, the only bags that are allowed at the sales are those issued by Fia’s; don’t overstuff your bag; and, of course, have fun!  If you are someone who enjoys digging for a special find, you’ll find this place a gem. 806 Upshaw Street NW 20011 202-492-8278 

Black Pepper Paperie

Hadiya Williams is a visual artist and designer who hails from DC. She founded Black Pepper Paperie Co., a mixed media design and art studio in 2017. Her canvases range from ceramic jewelry to paper, textiles, and digital art. She notes that her aesthetic is inspired by the richness of black culture across the diaspora. I would describe it as modern tribal. The beautiful lines, thick and rich with depth of contrasts in color and texture are a visual delight.

In 2019 she collaborated with local design incubator Nubian Hueman to create the logo for The Black Love Experience. In 2020 she collaborated with Best Buy on their Black History Month Campaign “Write the Next Chapter” which celebrated the stories of Blacks in tech. Her design, a hand-painted and digitized, cuneiform-like print is featured as a backdrop throughout the campaign. Her designs can be found at West Elm Local and Nubian Hueman.

Everard’s Clothing

Everard’s Clothing is a Black-owned boutique located in the heart of Georgetown. It is a family-owned business operated by husband-and-wife team Louis and Jennifer Everard. The store opened in 1999 and features carefully curated collections of little- and well-known designer wear in addition to custom pieces designed and constructed on-site. They also offer tailoring and alterations. 

Before opening the shop, Louis spent over 20 years working in the retail clothing industry for Bloomingdales. As a child growing up in Jamaica his family owned a tailor shop, making this a very natural career choice for him. His expertise is used to outfit some of Washington’s most elite. From casual wear to evening attire, even wedding gowns, the Everard’s brand is built on quality customer service and pride in expertise. 1802 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-298-7464