As August winds down, plenty of local entrepreneurs are celebrating a successful National Black Business Month. The history of the annual celebration goes back to 2004, when engineering entrepreneur Frederick E. Jordan and scholarly publishing editor John William Templeton joined forces to empower Black business owners and push for equity in entrepreneurial fields.

According to Aisha Waters, founder of Space & Grace Yoga and Wellness in Mt. Airy, this month brings an opportunity for local residents to make an impact.

“Systemic barriers have made building and passing down wealth a challenge,” Waters said. “Supporting Black-owned businesses empowers our communities, strengthens our local economies, and helps create generational wealth. Representation matters. When young Black and brown kids see a reflection of themselves in all spaces, especially in entrepreneurship, it inspires confidence and builds self-esteem.”

Rashied Amon, owner of SOOK Vinyl & Vintage in Mt. Airy, also understands the importance of keeping small Black-owned businesses afloat.

“As far as Black-owned businesses, it’s important to support in order to sustain,” Amon said. “If people appreciate the businesses that they visit, they should be intentional about supporting businesses that they’d like to see stay around.”

Aliesh Pierce, owner of AskAliesh Skin Care Studio in Chestnut Hill, adds that economic benefits are not the only reason to show support.

Pierce said, “When it comes to supporting Black-owned businesses, at least for a business like mine, it’s not just about building a resilient economy — it’s about offering support, without bias, based on the quality of service and results I can achieve.”

For shoppers looking to support Black-owned businesses before the end of the month and beyond, here is a guide to some of the participating establishments.

Chestnut Hill

AskAliesh Skin Care Studio (92 Bethlehem Pike, Suite 1-A) celebrated its one-year anniversary on the Hill on Aug. 17. Founded by esthetician Aliesh Pierce, the studio provides personalized facials, microneedling, chemical peels, and laser hair removal for clients looking to enhance their skin.

Between Friends Boutique (7833 Germantown Ave.) was founded by mother-daughter duo Claudia Averette and Atiya Smith in 2023. The store specializes in affordable silk and knit clothing and accessories for women of all ages. Between Friends also carries clothing brands created by Black independent designers, many of whom are women.

DanceFit (98 Bethlehem Pike) is a dance fitness studio offering group classes for everyone, no matter their dancing ability. Founded by Megan Kizer in 2018, DanceFit helps clients disguise their exercise by joining a Zumba, Motown Movement, Bootcamp, or HipFit class. Members are encouraged to focus on their strength, sensuality, and confidence.

Foliage (8139 Germantown Ave.) was founded by Yolanda Palmer in 2021. Customers can find a large variety of indoor houseplants across all price points, including succulents, Monsteras, hibiscus, and snake plants. In addition, Foliage provides services such as plant installation, repotting services, plant maintenance, and plantsitting.

Home Works (8129 Germantown Ave.) is a haven for interior designers. Owner Shawn Gibbons features classic, modern, and eclectic pieces from around the globe. In addition to the store’s retail showroom, Home Works also partners with designers and architects for home styling, curation, and consulting services.

Jennifer’s Leaf (8135 Germantown Ave.) is a welcoming yoga studio committed to making the practice accessible to all, from seasoned yogis to those who are brand new to the mat. Owner Desiree Pressley encourages clients to move with intention, practice gentleness, and embody kindness.

MIXD.Salon (8614 Germantown Ave.) is a beauty salon owned by stylist Jasmine Smalls, who is dedicated to providing an individualized experience for each client. The salon offers facials and waxing services, as well as plenty of options for men’s and women’s hair — cuts, styling, coloring, extensions, conditioning, and more.

NoName Gallery (8127 Germantown Ave.) is owned and operated by Jonene Lee. The gallery specializes in urban, street, pop, abstract, and contemporary art. Since opening in 2022, the gallery’s monthly rotating exhibits have featured artists such as Sean Lugo, Joe Boruchow, and Natalie Hope McDonald.

Serenity Aesthetics and Wellness (8133 Germantown Ave.) is a medical spa founded by Dr. Gina Charles, who combines her skincare experience, medical knowledge, and passion for self care. The spa offers everything from personalized skin treatments to wellness physicals, with a special focus on improving conditions affecting ethnic skin.

Style by Blain (8433 Germantown Ave.) was opened in 2018 by Voltaire Blain. The luxury shoe store carries a variety of brands such as Gaziano & Girling and Alden. Most of the shoes are displayed on top of a pool table, augmenting the vision of a men’s club atmosphere in the store.

TC Unlimited Boutique (8518 Germantown Ave.) sells designer-inspired clothing with inclusive sizes to fit all body types. From Gucci to Chanel, owner Keia Chesson adds inventory to the store weekly. Chesson has been selling merchandise online since 2005 and opened the storefront in 2016.

The Duke Barber Co. (7946 Germantown Ave.) provides upscale grooming services for men. Established by Will Brown, the shop specializes in traditional shaves with hot lather, trims, haircuts, and more. Brown can trace his barbering roots back for generations, as he was trained by his father in his grandfather’s barber shop in Philadelphia.

Mt. Airy

BLACQSKIRT (7161 Germantown Ave.) was founded by Sherri Hall as a woman-focused boutique offering a wide variety of clothing and accessories. Handcrafted, wholesale, and upcycled garments in sizes small to 3X can all be found at the store or online.

SOOK Vinyl & Vintage (7169 Germantown Ave.) is Philadelphia’s only Black-owned record store. Rashied Amon has filled the store with thousands of vinyl records, along with CDs, VCR tapes, antique toys, clothing, books, and more. The majority of the items represent aspects of Black culture and musical history.

Space & Grace Yoga and Wellness (6120 Greene St., Unit B) is a yoga studio founded by Aisha Waters, who is dedicated to cultivating a safe and welcoming space. Clients are encouraged to discover healing, connection, and joy through yoga, rather than by perfecting poses.

Young American Cider (6350 Germantown Ave.) is a small-batch cidery and tasting room — the creation of Stephanie Cole, Jesse Bilger, and Kate Kaman. Guests can enjoy handcrafted hard ciders made from local Pennsylvania apples, as well as light food made in house. Live music and special events are also announced weekly.

Germantown

Lily of the Valley Cupcakery and Cafe (26 Maplewood Mall) is owned and operated by Terrance and Rashida Baldwin. The married couple serves more than 40 different gourmet cupcakes, plus homemade muffins, pies, cookies, cakes, and soups.

Perfectly Flawless Boutique (5312 Germantown Ave.) was founded by Crystal Jackson, who believes fashion is more than just clothing. The store is a space where style meets empowerment and shoppers can build a wardrobe that inspires confidence and beauty. There is also a nonprofit arm called the Perfectly Flawless Foundation, which highlights the importance of repurposing clothing and helping those who can benefit from it.

Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books (5445 Germantown Ave.) has been a pillar in the community since 2017. Founded by Marc Lamont Hill, the bookstore and cafe provides underserved communities with access to a space where everyone feels valued. The store frequently holds free author talks, workshops, and weekly storytimes for kids.

Maggie Dougherty can be reached at Margaret@chestnuthilllocal.com.