Supporting Black-owned businesses is not just a trendy hashtag, it is key to helping shape the future of our economy.
This year will go down in history for many reasons and one of them is advocating for and supporting Black-owned businesses. The call to support Black-owned businesses is long overdue, and understanding why it matters and how our spending habits have power is important.
1. Closing the Racial Wealth Gap – Today’s racial wealth gap can be traced back to Jim Crow-era practices like redlining and job discrimination. These practices segregated African Americans from higher-paying jobs and homeownership opportunities that ultimately prevented generational wealth building.
2. Supporting the Local Economy – When small businesses thrive, so do their respective communities.
3. Holding Large Corporations Accountable – Launched in 2020, The 15 Percent Pledge, a 501c3 non-profit advocacy organization, is urging major retailers to commit 15 percent of their shelf-space to Black-owned businesses. The 15 Percent Pledge seeks economic equality and prosperity for Black future founders, Black students, and Black people in the workforce.
Here are 10 local notable Black-owned businesses to support in Greater Lakeland.
LOCAL SPOTS TO SHOP
Amonie Jo’s Coffee
A mobile coffee and pastry shop.
118 Avenue A SE, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Amonie Jo’s Facebook page
Midtown Dental
Established over 10 years ago, Midtown Dental is known for its customer service and engagement in the community.
607 S. Missouri Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33815
mymidtowndental.com
Lauren Nailed It
Owner and Nail Technician of Lauren Nailed It, Ashanti Lauren is an expert on all things natural nails and nail designs.
1224 S. Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33803
Amonie Jo’s Facebook page
Relax It’s Natural
A unisex salon + spa focusing on natural hair care.
807 Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL
relaxitsnatural.com
LKLD Food Tours
A guided walking food tour of Lakeland.
lkldfoodtours.com
Natural Vibes for Life
Natural, plant-based health and beauty products.
naturalvibesforlife.com
Hocus Pocus Comics
An independent publishing company producing comic books for education.
118 Avenue A SE, Winter Haven, FL 33880
hpcomics.net
Alévri & Co.
Alévri & Co. is a 100-percent vegan bakery. They are dedicated to creating fine goods with an artistic flair, sourcing high-quality ingredients that are sustainable, ethical, and simple.
Servicing Central FL
alevrimarket.com
Wax Haven
Winter Haven’s first waxing center dedicated to removing hair safely and gently through wax services.
2200 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
thewaxhaven.com
16.92 Coffee Matcha Bar
A mobile coffee and matcha bar.
16.92 Instagram