Support the Black community by shopping with these businesses! The list below contains Black-Owned businesses on the North Shore in the categories of Arts, Beauty/Body Care, Creative Services, Community, Fitness, Food, Parenting, Real Estate and Shopping. I’ve also included some businesses from elsewhere in Massachusetts at the end of most categories. If you know of another Black-Owned business missing from this list, please email it to me at [email protected].
Black-Owned Businesses on the North Shore
—Arts—
A Chalk to Remember – Salem, MA
Grace Durán can tackle all your lettering needs for any special occasion on either chalkboards or mirrors. She also creates personalized cups, shirts, balloons and other party essentials. Find her work at @achalktoremember on Instagram and DM her for your crafty needs!
Eat Drink Explore Podcast – Salem, MA
A podcast hosted by Salem husband and wife team, Day and Philip Bugler (along with their son “Burrito”). Eat Drink Explore discusses food and beverage topics like sous vide, sommeliers, and what happens to the nutrients in veggies when they are cooked. They also recommend great local places to eat! Find more details at eatdrinkexplorepodcast.com and listen to their podcast on most platforms.
Express Yourself – Beverly, MA
Express Yourself is a non-profit focused on immersing youth in the arts, where they find a powerful tool for self-expression, uncover inner strength, and deepen connection with others. They serve young people between the ages of 5 and 21. 80% are from low to moderate income homes, and 94% are trauma survivors. They work with underserved youth in residential, inpatient, and outreach programs funded by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and with community youth who bring normalizing and empowering support to our population. Learn more, including how to make a donation or become a sponsor, at exyo.org.
Joe’s Photo Co. – Beverly, MA
Joe is a New England wedding photographer based in Beverly. His hope for every shoot is to capture images that his client can look back on and remember exactly how they felt in that moment. See his work at joesphotoco.com.
—Beauty/Body Care—
Seven Spinning Wellness – 70 Herrick Street, Beverly, MA
Located inside New Horizon Wellness Center, Seven Spinning Wellness provides massage therapy, chakra balancing, meditation classes and reiki. Stephanie seeks to help women align their mind, body and chakras. Learn more or book an appointment at sevenspinningmb.com.
Star Kreations Salon & Spa – 124 Newbury Street, Peabody, MA (Rt. 1 South)
This Peabody salon’s services include: styling, hair color, extensions, braiding, wig service, lash extensions, waxing and more! Visit starkreations.com to learn more and call (978) 854-5842 to make an appointment.
The Loft Hair Studio – 362 Salem Street, Medford, MA
A curly and natural hair salon located near Boston. At The Loft, Sharita and her team are not only educating you on how to care for your hair, but they are also giving you some of the best curly cuts and TLC in Massachusetts! View their services at theloftmedford.com and then book your appointment here.
Elsewhere in Massachusetts
Beauty N Simplicity – Quincy, MA
Beauty N Simplicity is a handcrafted natural bath and body care line focused on individual wellness, self-care, and healing. Founded by Mavis Elmyra Hicks, the products are designed to give customers a total body sensory experience that allows you to slow down, relax, and pamper yourself. Shop at BeautyNSimplicity on Etsy.
Bèl Tresse – Boston, MA
Bèl Tresse is a beauty brand focused on using all natural and organic products to enhance beauty. Their small-batch handcrafted products were created by founder, Djanikah Elysée, to strengthen, restore, and grow healthy hair. Shop at beltresse.com.
Bèlla Beauty – Boston, MA
Bèlla Beauty is an all-natural beauty line dedicated to providing pure and organic products that promote healthy and beautiful skin. Their commitment is to educate and celebrate the beauty of natural/organic skin and hair, without the junk. Shop at bellabeauty.store.
Em&Ade – Somerville, MA
Emily and Ade are partners that created a line of hemp-derived CBD-infused creams, balms, intimacy oils and tinctures to promote pain relief and release. The line was inspired by an initial desire to prevent and relieve rugby related pain (the couple are active with the North Shore Men’s & Women’s rugby teams). Shop at emnade.com.
Natralee – Malden, MA
Natralee is a collection of handmade eco-friendly and botanical-based skin care products. Natralee products are handmade, vegan, and sustainably made with fair trade & organic ingredients. Founder, Eunice believes we each have one body and live on one planet let’s take care of them both. Shop at ShopNatralee on Etsy.
Organic Bath Co. – Charlestown, MA (Also stocked at Face/Food in Newburyport, MA & Tada in Reading, MA.)
Founded by Gianne Doherty and her partner Jay Weeks. Upon discovering that women—and particularly women of color—are marketed toxic personal care products, these two have made a commitment to creating a straightforward, unisex bath and body line using nothing unnecessary, harmful or synthetic—just what’s essential. Shop at organicbath.co. (They also have super-quick shipping! I ordered products from their website on a Friday and they were delivered next day!)
Queya Beauty – Boston, MA
Queya Beauty was created by Nivdarla Anselme with a simple mission: connect Black women with healthier beauty products. They carry bath & body, skincare and hair products from established and emerging brands that are at minimum clean (contains toxic-free ingredients), cruelty-free, and eco-friendly. Shop at queyabeauty.com.
—Creative Services—
Charming Blooms – Boston, MA
Charming Blooms is located on the North Shore of Boston and provides beautiful flower bouquets and arrangements for all occasions. Whether you need a graduation bouquet, floral centerpieces for a bridal shower, wedding floral service, or just a simple arrangement for your kitchen table, Charming Blooms is your go to flower shop. Find our more at charmingblooms.com or follow them on Instagram @charmingblooms.
Dot Connector Consulting – Lynn, MA
Mikki L. Wilson owns and operates this Marketing Consultancy focused on providing marketing services to micro businesses. Learn more at dotconnectorconsulting.com, and follow along at @mikconnectsdots.
Inbound Ink – 271 Western Avenue, Lynn, MA
These ink slingers, led by owner Victoria, focus on screen printing, embroidery and promotional products. Find out more at inboundinkonline.com.
Inkperial Tattoo – 73 Harbor Street, Salem, MA
Joey has been a licensed tattoo artist since 2014. He owns Inkperial Tattoo in Salem and you can see examples of his work at @joeytats on Instagram. DM for appointment.
(Elsewhere in Massachusetts)
Rhodesia J Designs – Boston, MA
Company founder, Rhodesia is a self-described designer, web developer and closeted nerd. She creates websites and brand identities as well as offering brand audit workbooks and website coaching. A great find for small business owners looking to take their branding up a notch! Learn more at rhodesiajdesigns.com.
—Community—
North Shore Juneteenth Association – Lynn, MA
The North Shore Juneteenth Association exists to give back to the Black community while creating events and providing resources that expose ALL cultures to positive images of African American culture. Upcoming events include the virtual Juneteenth Family Fun Day 2020 and Black Excellence 5K.
(Elsewhere in Massachusetts)
Offbeet Compost – Lowell, MA
OffBeet Compost diverts restaurant, household, and commercial food scraps from going to traditional waste facilities (landfills & incinerators) in the Merrimack Valley Region. They collect food scraps and bring them to their local composting site where scraps are broken down into nutrient rich material. They service the Greater Lowell region including: Lowell, Dracut, Tyngsboro, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Billerica, Lawrence, Andover, North Andover, Boxford, Methuen and Haverhill. Learn more at offbeatcompost.com.
—Fitness—
Body Rock by Robin– Swampscott, MA
Personal Trainer Robin Cotter has over 21 years of experience helping people achieve their fitness goals through kickboxing, personal training, small group training or boxing. Subscribe to Robin’s YouTube Channel for workouts.
Lynn Fitness Center– 161 Eastern Avenue, Lynn, MA
Lynn Fitness Center is for everyone (including many programs for kids). Their creative and cutting edge workouts allow the ordinary person looking for extraordinary results to surpass their fitness goals. Learn more at facebook.com/velocityfitnesslynn.
Reyes Boxing Inc. – 38 Swampscott Road, Salem, MA
Reyes Boxing Inc. is a training and management company providing a full-service boxing facility. Reyes Boxing Inc. is changing how the boxing world treats fighters. They believe that the boxers should have full transparency and a say in their careers. Learn more at reyesboxingclub.com and follow them at @reyes.boxing.
Salem Fitness Center – 38 Swampscott Road, Salem, MA
Salem Fitness Center offers a variety of group exercise classes, boxing, personal training a women’s only workout area and more! Learn more at salemfitness.net and follow them at @your_salem_fitness.
Soul City Yoga – 271 Western Avenue, Suite 212, Lynn, MA
Soul City Yoga is a unique community Yoga studio founded by local mom, Shanel Anderson. Whether you are just beginning your yoga journey or looking for a deeper connection, Soul City encourages practitioners of all levels to come flow in a safe practice space where diversity is celebrated and representation is valued. Learn more at soulcityom.com and follow them at @soulcity_yoga.
TACHOUYoga Inc – 174 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA
Exercise your mind, body, and spirit. Empower yourself with the revitalizing and rejuvenating practice of yoga. Learn muscle control, strength, breathing techniques, and balance, while feeling the benefits in your body of increased flexibility and relaxation at TACHOUYoga Inc. More details at tachouyoga.com and follow Tachou at @tachouyoga.
Total Inspiration Athletics – 65 New Salem St Unit C, Wakefield, MA
This youth cheerleading and tumbling training center was founded by local mom, Tia Forlizzi, in 2012. Total Inspiration Athletics prides itself on building champions with character. Learn more at totalinspirationathletics.com and follow them at @totalinspirationathletics.
(Elsewhere in Massachusetts)
Bare Fitness – 38 Montvale Ave Suite G-60, Stoneham, MA
Bare Fitness is a Pilates studio owned by Laura Williamson. Her studio offers virtual and in house personal training, health coaching and Pilates. If you want to improve your flexibility, increase strength, lose weight, decrease pain and improve mobility then Bare Fitness is for you. Learn more at barefitnesspilates.com and check out her video series including workouts and other health topics.
––Food & Drinks—
Beraka Juice – 46 Woodside Avenue, Winthrop, MA
Beraka Juice is a juice and smoothie brand located in Winthrop. Visit them to try one of their signature juice blends, like the immunity-boosting Peace Juice. Also find them on Facebook at facebook.com/berakajuice.
Flavors of Your Palate – Salem, MA
Chef Jonil is a Certified LGBTBE® personal chef who specializes in Carribean fusion cuisine. His company, Flavors of Your Palate, is a catering business with an educational and awareness component. Chef Jonil envisions a world where we can all sit at the table, break bread and have meaningful conversations, all while embracing one another’s uniqueness. Visit flavorsofyourpalate.com to schedule a private dining service, meal prep and more.
Larry J’s BBQ Cafe – Locations at 1148 N.Shore Road in Revere and the Boston Seaport
Larry J’s BBQ Cafe’s mission is to offer an amazing, lip smacking, finger licking, life changing BBQ experience. Order by calling 781.286.6781.
Romeo’s Juices – 62 Wharf Salem, MA
Owned by local mom, Jesenia, and named after her son Romeo. This smoothie and juice pop-up bar is located in Salem. Jesenia also offers smoothies, juices, smoothie kits, juice cleanse packages, margarita mix and more, available for pickup and delivery. Order here.
S.M.A.S.H. Soul Food – Saugus, MA
The mission of S.M.A.S.H. Soul Food is provide rich-flavored soul food and raise awareness of sexual harassment. Learn more on their Facebook page.
The Neighborhood Kitchen – 84 Spring Street, Medford, MA
The idea for this restaurant started in our kitchen, expanded into the kitchens of our catering clients, and we are ecstatic to have a local gathering place for our friends and neighbors. The dishes at Neighborhood Kitchen bring Asian and Haitian flavors to classic comfort foods. Find their menu at nkboston.com and then call (781) 391-9000 or email [email protected] to place your order.
(Elsewhere in Massachusetts)
ReMix Waffles – Boston, MA
ReMix Waffles founder Ryan Bonaparte seeks to bring restaurant-quality food to home cooks using only natural and wholesome ingredients. Shop regular and gluten-free Waffle Mix here.
Reveille Trading Company – Boston, MA
Owners partner with only the highest-quality farmers and roasters to import coffee beans from 6 different countries. Every coffee is unique–just like the people that produce it. Shop at www.reveille.io/shop.
You can also find a list of Black-Owned Restaurants in Greater Boston on Boston.com.
—Parenting—
Baby O & I – Based in Wilmington, MA
Jensine Casey is a Certified Sleep Consultant and Developmental Specialist as well as a mom of two. She helps parents come up with age-appropriate sleep plans for their kids, so that the whole family can get better rest. Read more about her work here. And check out her answers to some common sleep issues here. Visit her babyoandiconsulting.com to book your free introductory 15 min. consultation call.
Mamás Unidas – Salem, MA
Mamás Unidas is a free Latina mom support group in Salem, that provides playdates, resources and family events. Founded and operated by local mom Yamily Byas. Learn more at @mamasunidas_ on Instagram.
—Real Estate—
Kahari Realty Group – 37 Pacific Street, Lynn, MA
Peter has been a real estate agent for the last 18 years. He assembled the team when he realized people needed a one-stop-shop for real estate needs. He wants his customers to get the best service and be 100% comfortable throughout the entire process. Visit krgselect.com to learn more.
Talisa Rafferty – Topsfield, MA
Talisa has been active in the Real Estate industry for over ten years. She’s doing more than just selling houses in the North Shore, she’s helping people live the dream. Visit talisarafferty.com to learn more.
—Shopping—
Glitterati – Locations at 30 Maple Street, Danvers, MA; North Shore Mall, Peabody, MA & Liberty Tree Mall, Danvers, MA
Opened in 1968 and run by three generations of women, Glitterati Style provides fashion styling of the highest quality for prom, pageant, homecoming, wedding guests and other special events. Glitterati carries more than 20,000 dresses! Shop their extensive inventory online at gilleratistyle.com and follow them at @glitteratistyle.
Makings by Marina – Revere, MA
Custom handmade products from this shop include decorative floral shadow boxes, hand painted wine glasses and lettered drinkware of all sorts. Visit Marina’s instagram account, @makingsbymarina to see examples and order at etsy.com/shop/MakingsByMarina.
Susies Stories Rockport – 51 Bearskin Neck, Rockport, MASusie Rich is both a local bookstore owner and an author herself. Her work includes four children’s books and a graphic action comic called D.U.A.N.E. (Don’t Underestimate Any Natural Elements). You can also shop online here and have your order shipped.
(Elsewhere in Massachusetts)
Cat’s Creations (also CJ Cuppy Cakes) – Boston, MA
Formerly known for one-of-a-kind cakes and cupcakes, CJ Cuppy Cakes has now pivoted to another creative endeavor: Cat’s Creations. Find her on etsy at CatsCreationsUS to shop her Equality, Free*ish t-shirts and more! Follow along on Instagram @cats.cricut.creations.
Fawn – Worcester, MA
Owner and mom of two, Christine Brown, is currently making face masks (kid’s sizes in stock!), but usually makes and sells baby items like bibs, stuffed rattles, onesies and more. Find FawnOverMe on etsy and at area outdoor markets and events.
Frugal Bookstore – Roxbury, MA
A community bookstore located in Roxbury with a passion of promoting literacy within children, teens and adults. Offering many great titles in stock and available to shop at frugalbookstore.net, as well as the ability to request books.
Fusion Dolls – Randolph, MA
Owner, Widline, founded Fusion Dolls to help girls of all hue, by creating a diversity of dolls that looks like them. Empowering them to love their looks! Shop online at fusiondolls.com.
Girls Chronically Rock – Cambridge, MA
Girls Chronically Rock is a t-shirt business founded by Keisha Greaves, after being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. She wanted to make something inspirational and motivating for people who may have a chronic illness or may be battling anything in their life, to let them know that they rock. Shop the adult collection here or the kids collection here. Keisha also created and sells a line of Black Lives Matter t-shirts.
Hope Design – Roxbury, MA
Hope Design is a lifestyle brand, selling clothing and accessories, with the goal of spreading the message of HOPE in order to unify those around us. Shop at hopedesign.work.
Last Lust – Billerica, MA
Founder Fiona Kay, is a local mom who started Last Lust to express her love of fashion. She sells handmade robes, kimonos, beachwear and pillows. Shop at lastlust.co.
Queen Adeline – Studio #102 at 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA
Queen Adeline creates wearable art inspired by the joy of living and celebrating the rich pattern and color of African textiles. Each piece is a one of a kind, hand made, highly functional statement piece, designed for women on the go. Shop at queenadeline.com.
More Information on Massachusetts Black-Owned Businesses
- Northshore Magazine’s list of Black-Owned Businesses North of Boston (including some categories not included in our list like Barbershops, Home Improvement and IT Services)
- Yankee Magazine’s spreadsheet of Black-Owned Businesses in New England
- Instagram account Black Owned Bos. has also compiled an extensive spreadsheet of Black-Owned Businesses