*updated 2/29/2024
An important footprint on the amazing growth of Detroit and the surrounding cities is the presence of the many amazing Black-owned businesses. Our rich culture is embedded in the city–in the graffiti, the music, the food.
February is a special time to highlight this, but it doesn’t stop there. Whether it’s a vegan-friendly pastry, a relaxing spa experience, or an active cycle class, Black-owned businesses provide the necessities and luxuries of living in the Motor City. You’ll also find:
- Business owners to help minimize the profound racial/wealth gap in America
- More jobs to help grow the economy
- Resources to stay/remain in the local community
- True authentic cultural expression
Here are 20 Black-owned businesses to try in + around Detroit:
Beauty
Crème Brûlée Salon | Midtown Detroit
Crème Brûlée Salon is your one-stop shop for all things beauty. It is beautiful and right off Woodward. As soon as you walk in, you are whisked to the back to change into a robe to begin your luxury experience. Oh, there’s also a full bar! Talk about an experience.
The Lip Bar | Detroit
Offering vegan and cruelty-free beauty products for every skin tone. I am obsessed with the 3-in-1 tint moisturizer. It is light and easy. They recently announced adding skin care products! The Lip Bar is still in Downtown Detroit in a new location on Woodward! You can also find them in major stores like Walmart and Target.
Nail Counseling | Roseville
Housed in the new Boho Beauty Studio, you can experience an amazing manicure or even a champagne pedicure! Octavia, the owner, specializes in healthy nail care. Try the innovative chip installation or counseling nail set.
Neon Gold Beauty Lab | Southfield
The owner, Dominique, is a licensed skin care specialist. She is amazing! Neon Gold offers facials, hydrojelly masks, and personalized skin care options and routines. In the fall, they will offer chemical peels.
Clothing + Apparel
Detroit vs. Everybody | Eastern Market
This business embodies the pride of Detroit that has now started a movement. This clothing chain started a movement around the U.S. where everyone wanted to use the coined phrase, “Detroit vs. Everybody.”
Dose Collective | Detroit
Geared in collaboration, this location houses a variety of Black-owned brands providing a unique shopping experience.
Food + Drinks
House of Pure Vin | Detroit
This is a Black-owned tasting bar that is housed in the middle of downtown Detroit. Offering a unique experience with tasting, they also have a variety of wine for sale.
Ima Noodles | Various Locations
Serving Japanese-inspired dishes; check website for operating hours. Their locations have the most amazing Pho. From ramen to dumplings, there is something you can find here to enjoy!
Petty Cash | Detroit
This moody spot is new to Detroit’s Livernois Avenue of Fashion. Providing curated cocktails and seasonal small plates, you will not be disappointed with the food here. One of the signature menu items is the Jerk Lobster with coconut curry rice. Yum!
Health + Wellness
21/5 Grind Fitness Studio | Warren
Motivated by her own desire, owner Theresa Moore uses the motto, “If you strive to make the right decision 21 hours of the day and at least 5 days a week (21/5), you are on a great path.” 21/5 Grind Fitness Studio offers a variety of packages including group sessions and personal training.
Tealing & Co. | Online
Tea “crafted to move the human spirit”; also offers a variety of collections for a true self-care experience. The spiced apple is my favorite.
Woodhouse Spa | Detroit
The Black-owned Detroit location offers an oasis experience in the heart of downtown Detroit. You will walk in and feel like a queen with their plush robes and complimentary mimosas.
Pastries
Good Cakes & Bakes | Detroit
Serving scratch-made organic and vegan baked goods. Their carrot cake is the go-to! Their goodies are found in stores all over Detroit.
Sweet Potato Sensations | Detroit
Rooted in a story of love, this local shop offers all things soul food. Their specialty: sweet potato pie! They are found on the weekends at Eastern Market, and in their storefront in Detroit on Grand River and Lahser. Their sweet potato cookie is AMAZING!
Other Great Black-Owned Businesses
Lettering By Kenisha | Online
Lettering designs for chalkboards, mirrors, wood, etc. This is the perfect personal touch for any occasion. She is now booking calligraphy wedding services, the perfect addition to wow your guests!
Lil Dumplins | Online
Exploring ballet through song and dance–especially created for preschool-aged children. Ms. Shirel hosts virtual dance classes and in-person opportunities to learn!
Little Movers Soft Play
Little Movers Soft Play offers soft play rentals including ball pits, slides, and even an electric merry-go-round. They can customize anything from the color of the balls, to having a grassy play area, to including the birthday kid’s name! They have toddler-friendly soft play materials, and that is what I loved when planning a party for my toddler.
Scent Science Candle Bar | Auburn Hills
Scent Science offers a unique candle-making experience! The candles are handcrafted and 100% soy. Personally, I love warm tones and oak moss, and amber is a favorite!
Small Bites | Online
Small Bites creates and elevates any event you host. From individualized cups for each person, to a full-on graze, EVERYTHING is customizable. You can also catch the monthly drop of curated charcuterie boxes!
Source Booksellers | Midtown Detroit
Offering a unique niche of non-fiction books and more.
Sharing, supporting, and promoting Black-owned businesses is important to increase visibility and bring access to invisible communities. It opens the door to close the gap of inequities and minimize the division that has become our norm.
Great to see more businesses pop up in and around Detroit, MI.