Spread the Love, Now and Always!
Honoring the perseverance, triumphs and tribulations of those who came before us and helped shape our country is an essential part of what it means to be an American citizen, and, in the month of February, we get to do exactly that by taking time to celebrate the remarkable contributions made by African Americans, both past and present, to our nation’s culture and history. And what better way to show support and gratitude for these contributions than by showing local Black-owned businesses some extra love? Check out these 12 incredible Black-owned businesses in Los Angeles that have become an integral part of the communities they serve!
Tansy
Opened in 2019 by Shawna Christian, Tansy is a whimsical plant shop chock-full of lush foliage and bohemian decor with pops of color at every turn. An LA native and lifelong plant lover, Christian opened Tansy after a 20-year career running an IT company, creating not just a plant store, but a community gathering space. 90% of Tansy’s home decor is from artists around the globe or from a charitable organization—a testament to the shop’s ethos. And, in addition to Tansy’s collection of artisan goods and plants, the shop also hosts workshops and events, ranging from candle-making to sound bath experiences and paint nights.
Location: Burbank
Blackbird House
After launching virtually in 2019, Blackbird House in Culver City has become a beacon of prosperity, progress and well-being for African American women across all of Los Angeles. This innovative coworking, networking and private office space serves as the focal point of a growing community of young Black women, offering a space to collaborate, listen, work and learn from one another. And, with a growing calendar of events and programs lined up for 2024, now is the perfect time to visit their site and see how you can join or contribute to help support one of the brightest Black-owned businesses in LA.
Location: Culver City
Cafe Ruisseau
For those seeking one of the best cups of coffee in the city, add Cafe Ruisseau to your must-visit list. Not only is the artistry, attention to detail and commitment to sustainability extraordinarily high here, but the warm and inviting energy of this unique, upscale cafe is infectious. And with four locations to choose from, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Glendale and Playa Vista, people from all over the city can enjoy excellent coffee while also supporting a growing Black-owned business in Los Angeles.
Location: West LA and Glendale
Logan’s Gardens
If you’re looking for fresh produce, or to get started with building your dream garden, then pay a visit to Logan’s Gardens. This charming Santa Monica and Hollywood pop-up curates, plants and sells a wide variety of rare edible flora, including everything from fresh pepper seedlings to blooming zucchini. Not to mention, the wonderful individuals who own and operate this pop-up shop are always happy to help newcomers get started, sharing wisdom and kindness with any who are lucky enough to stumble upon this incredible business and wonderful community.
Location: Santa Monica and Hollywood
Octavia’s Bookshelf
Celebrating some of the greatest contributions made to American art and culture by both renowned and lesser-known Black authors, Octavia’s Bookshelf in Pasadena is an independent bookstore dedicated to enriching the minds of its patrons with the words on their shelves and the individuals behind the counter. Founder Nikki High’s passion for curiosity and growth bleeds into every wood-paneled and leather-bound nook and cranny of this uniquely wonderful bookstore. Be sure to stop and shop next time you are in the area.
Location: Pasadena
Sip & Sonder
From accomplished lawyers to coffee connoisseurs, Sip & Sonder’s co-founders Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas have poured passion and excellence into their love for java, and the result is one of the very best coffeehouses, roasteries and global brands. Not only is their coffee excellent, but Sip & Sonder also boast an impressive calendar of events, including special interviews and conversations, like last month’s “Cypher Sessions” with the renowned Dr. Byron Young, and even concerts and live performances, staying true to their mission to stoke intellectual growth while serving up delicious drinks.
Location: Inglewood and Downtown
Just Succ It
With her degree in social work and previous work experience in corporate wellness, Andrea Galbreath found success amidst the pandemic by building a business from the ground up and “embracing the succ.” Inspired by succulents’ ability to flourish in even the most arid and rugged landscapes, Galbreath created Just Succ It. Her online-based business creates vibrant and exciting planter arrangements and succulent tapestries for home and corporate environments as well as event spaces. Just Succ It also hosts succulent workshops around Los Angeles that are perfect for all plant enthusiasts.
Location: Los Angeles
Reparations Club
Speaking of stoking intellectual growth, Reparations Club is one of the most captivating and innovative businesses in all of Los Angeles. Diluting this unique venture down to the title of “bookstore” would be massively underselling its mission. Instead, Reparations Club takes the multifaceted title of bookstore, community hub, creative space and event center. Aside from housing a dense and constantly updated collection of BIPOC books, poetry and audiobooks, Reparations Club also hosts enriching speakers, performers and author showcases, making them a true gathering place for all looking to grow and get inspired.
Location: Crenshaw
The Barbershop Club @ THE LINE LA
To say that The Barbershop Club is not your typical haircut experience would be an understatement. This stunning, Black-owned barbershop located at Koreatown’s THE LINE employs some of the most talented and meticulous barbers and estheticians in all of Southern California, offering a variety of haircut, grooming and self-care services, including their acclaimed therapy and life coaching sessions, ensuring that every customer’s physical and mental well being is cared for. Be sure to book an appointment with them next time you want to look and feel your best.
Location: Koreatown
Happy Ice
One bite of Happy Ice’s delicious, hand-scooped Italian shaved ice and it’s easy to see why “happy” is in the name. Vibrant, sweet, refreshing, delicious. These are just some of the many compliments this popular Fairfax dessert spot receives on a regular basis. With over eight flavors, each of which can be swirled together and topped with creamy, frozen soft-serve, Happy Ice’s unique take on this treasured Italian delicacy has quickly become an LA dessert staple, making it well worth stopping by.
Location: Fairfax District
Bia Blooms
For floral arrangements that are nothing short of a spectacle, you will definitely want to contact Bia Blooms. Bolstered by the work of its talented founder, Tabia Yapp, Bia Blooms has gained notoriety as one of the best florists in the entire country, with big names such as Louis Vuitton, ESPN, Disney and Instagram populating her rapidly expanding portfolio of incredible work. Her passion, craftsmanship and eye for design make her an extremely desirable candidate for any event or occasion requiring the very best in the floral arrangement business.
Location: Los Angeles
Post & Beam
Rounding out our list is none other than the delicious Post & Beam, a foodie hotspot and beloved Black-owned restaurant in Los Angeles. With a sprawling garden patio and a warm and inviting dining room, Post & Beam is oozing with modern comfort, and the food matches the vibe to a tee. Serving up delicious comfort classics such as hand-baked cornbread, mouth-watering pizzas and authentic southern comfort classics, their menu is chock-full of delicious entrees, appetizers and cocktails stretching across multiple cuisines while maintaining that signature warm and inviting allure. Be sure to check out their calendar as well, as they often have great live music playing on the patio, making this the perfect spot for date night, a celebration or any occasion.
Location: Baldwin Village
