Florida is a hub of cultural diversity and innovation, which also promotes black-owned businesses as part of its community. Moreover, this blanket of technological innovation and community development contributes to Florida’s economic well-being. In every corner of Florida, you will find a Black-owned business offering services in various fields, such as food, clothing, technology, and many more. The most attractive part of these businesses is that they not only offer exceptional products and services, but also value culture. Community plays an important role in the overall success of an enterprise, as it responds to its services. Therefore, if you don’t engage with the public and fix your services with their feedback, you can’t grow your business.
Top 5 Black Owned Businesses to Know About in Florida
In this article, we’ll discuss the top five black-owned businesses in Florida, known for their impeccable services. Moreover, we’ll also understand how these businesses have been contributing to the local economy of the area with their facilities.
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Five Sisters’ Blues Cafe, Pensacola
As interesting as its name sounds, this cafe is not just a landmark to have delicious food with your family and friends. It signifies the cultural values and beliefs of the black community from every inch of its walls. Moreover, its aromatic food and ambiance will force you to try its specialties in Pensacola, Florida. The specialized and customer-favorite dishes include the Southern classics of Florida, such as slow-smoked BBQ and shrimp. These dishes are fused with the traditional flavors of the black community, with the richness of vegetables and spices.
Trying to decode the context behind ‘Blues’ in the name of the cafe? No worries! The cafe is renowned for its live performances, including jazz and blues performances, from which it got its name. This way, it celebrates the community building of African-American cultural differences and references.
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Naked Bar Soap Co., Orlando
As mentioned above in the article, black-owned businesses are thriving in Florida in various fields. Naked Bar Soap Co. is owned by Natasha Byrd-Gaylon and Jennifer Peets, who are putting efforts into their skincare business. Moreover, they are not selling the usual chemical-based wellness and skincare products in the market, just like others. Their products are homemade and will not cause allergic reactions or itchiness to your skin, as natural ingredients are used. This organic skincare routine got viral in the community, as who doesn’t want their skin to glow from the inside?
The founders of this enterprise have done a great job in marketing their products, which are rich in natural ingredients. Additionally, they have ensured that these products are sustainable, free of chemicals, and artificial fragrances.
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Shantell Just Until…, Sanford
This is a restaurant operated by Chef Shantell Williams, who has successfully fused his skills into his flavorful dishes. The inspiration behind cooking home-like food, free from health-detrimental compounds, enlightened her after a personal life crisis. Her daughters were diagnosed with diabetes due to overeating the unfresh, oily fast food, causing dietary issues. This was when she decided to open a restaurant that takes care of the food quality served to customers. She has customized the menu according to the requirements of customers, serving her special Southern-Caribbean dishes. It is situated in the middle of the town, which attracts people with its warm ambiance and recognition for using fresh ingredients.
Moreover, this restaurant is a little different from all the restaurants you will find around you. This is because it has a mission to feed people with healthy and fresh food with low gluten and sugar. The absence of these ingredients never impacted the rich Caribbean flavor in customers’ dishes.
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The Fuzzy Pineapple, Tallahassee
Nowadays, entrepreneurs are not just there to create products that already exist in the market. They have come up with new brain-rotting products to make customers’ lives simpler and a bit more fun. The Fuzzy Pineapple has outgrown its wings in the market for its boutique items made from recycled material. It is an outstanding concept that helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment. Moreover, once a waste is processed and converted into jewelry, clothing material, and even home decor options.
This business frontline has not forgotten its root culture and beliefs, which makes it share its success with some local businesses. It organizes several workshops, art festivals, and pop-up markets to support the small businesses in their growth. This is mainly because the owner, Nefettari Dennard, was in the same position once, needing funds for expansion.
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Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT), Sarasota
Artistic contributions are often ignored when we sit down to discuss the economic contributions of companies. However, you cannot dismiss the name ‘Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’, which delivers awareness about social issues through its acts. This theatre company directs plays about the African-American historical and cultural differences. Additionally, they have released several musicals, such as Black Nativity, and many dramatic and comedic plays. This company is consistently thriving and expanding its centers to reach the maximum people for their entertainment. Apart from that, it has been offering some mentorship programs all across the state to spread awareness about this skill. They have provided interested students with insights to improve their performances on the stage.
Conclusion
These five businesses represent the efforts put forth by all communities to support each other and their beliefs simultaneously. Moreover, they foster the growth of the black-owned businesses in Florida, which is also considered a safe place for blacks. This is not because the black community is still used and treated horrifically as in the past. It is due to the hatred some people still persistently breed in them for the Black community in modern society. However, these businesses are not only expanding themselves, but they are also exposing people to the black culture. They are spreading awareness about cultural inclusivity, and many people have already accepted it.
