80+ Black-Owned Businesses To Support In Greenville, South Carolina
Happy Black History Month! Although it's almost over, remember that Black history should be celebrated monthly. It's especially important when there are still efforts to erase or appropriate our history. Today, I want to highlight over 80 Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in Greenville, South Carolina. Growing up in Greenville, I've witnessed the city's growth and the flourishing of Black businesses.
I've had the privilege of working closely with and personally knowing many of these business owners. I've supported most of them in various ways, whether by sharing or liking their posts or making purchases. Even if I haven't supported some financially, I still want to acknowledge and appreciate their hard work. Starting a business is challenging, and these businesses deserve recognition and support.
Let's also remember to be kind with our criticism. It's easy to give a fast-food chain another chance, but we're often quick to criticize small businesses publicly instead of offering constructive feedback privately. Some businesses may experience breaks or temporary closures to restock or address other needs. Others have faced setbacks like fires and had to adapt by going back to where they started off, like selling food from their food trucks. Let's be patient and understanding when businesses don't meet our expectations or need time to recover or rebrand. Many Black-owned businesses are run by individuals or families without the resources that large corporations have.
Finally, I know there are more businesses out there that aren't listed here. If I missed any, please know that you are seen and appreciated. Here are over 80 Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs you should support in Greenville, SC! #YeahThatGreenville
“There were more black businesses in the 1930s than there are today, said T.A Mosley, a used car dealer who has been in business since 1934. When segregation was the law, more blacks did business in the black community, he added.
Back in the 1930s blacks owned cafes, barber shops, stores and other services, Mosley said. They weren’t large, but “they were doing something,” he added.”
80+ Black-Owned Businesses To Support in Greenville
Let's start by highlighting the amazing businesses in the food industry. There are so many delicious places to check out, including those selling plates from their homes. While some might hesitate to eat home-cooked meals from others, let's be real—if you trust fast food, you can trust your friend's cooking, and it's likely to be much better than Taco Bell! As mentioned in the news article above, many Black-owned businesses began operating out of their homes.
I'm also including Black franchise owners. While they might not be the founders or CEOs, they own franchise locations, like your local Chick-fil-A. Next, I'll highlight businesses in event and decoration planning, health and wellness, and photography/art. Some of these businesses serve multiple locations or have expanded to other cities but have roots in Greenville. Finally, I'll cover businesses that don't fit into these categories.
I would have shared detailed information about each business, but that would make this post very long. Instead, I've linked each business so you can explore them yourself!
Food industry:
Dessert:
“Karen Mosley said it was a “challenge” for her father, who founded T.A. Mosley’s New & Used Cars business in 1934, to secure bank loans. She said blacks are sometimes required to have more collateral than whites for loan approval.”
Event Planning/Decorating:
YiaYia Creations - Event Decorations/Luxury Dessert
DKG Weddings - Luxury Wedding Coordinator
The Orange Club - Community Events
ByKaylinSuber - Creative Director
JC-Associates - Economic Development & Planning
Glitzd Designs - Event Decorations
Health/Wellness:
A Traveler’s Hand LLC - In-Home Care
Naturalfarmacy - Vitamin & Beauty Store
WerknBear - Wellness Influencers
Asia Easley - Personal Trainer
Conscious Fitness Coaching - Personal Trainer
Radiant Births - Doula
Precious Peeks Boutique - Elective Ultrasounds
Kevin Anthony Springle - Pediatrician
SunFlower Births - Doula
Makeup/Hair/SkinCare:
CrownedbyMegan - Hairstylist
Finessed Designs LLC - Hairstylist
Jemil.N.Co - Skincare
LashedbyAlxndrak - Lashes
Serenity Hair Designs - Hairstylist
PortiaJanee - Makeup Artist/Stylist
Essie Yvonne - Makeup Artist
RayofBeautyCo - Skincare
The Deidra Mills - Makeup Artist
HelloPrettybyKira - Makeup Artist
“Thirty-five years ago, the neighborhood cafe was a meeting place for blacks. Today blacks are free to go elsewhere,” Said Mosley’s daughter Donna.
They’ll go where their money can take them and that’s not the neighborhood cafe...
Mosley and his father Daniel started a junkyard in 1934. In those days, starting a business meant learning “the means of survival. Whatever you had, you used to your best advantage,” he said. “You couldn’t borrow money from banks, but it didn’t take much money to start.” he said.”
Photography/Artists/Content Creators:
Smithalee - Photography/Weddings/Marketing
Omni Productions LLC - Photography
Ra’Amen Stallings - Artist
Amber Martin - Youtuber - Lifestyle
Ericka Ajanae - Content Creator - Lifestyle/Beauty
Jamario Davis (@Pounddcakee_) - Makeup Artist/Content Creator
David McClintock(@Big_Dave_Eats) - Content Creator - Food Reviewer
JecoryxPhotography - Photography
Torah Fields - Host/Content Creator
Tiffany Lasha’ - Business Owner/Host
Raven Magwood Goodson - Author/Achievement Coach
Double A Photography - Photography
Jatoya Lanisha - Photography
Greenville Boudoir - Photography
Donte Anderson (@Dontesocrazy) - Comedian
Other:
Soulful Beginnings Academy - Academic Service
Little Brother Inspires LLC - Mentorship
Smart Solutions Group - Insurance and Consulting
The Cigar Experience - Cigar Lounge
John The Handyman LLC - Home Improvements
EGP AllStar Cheer - Athletics
ShopVernaJewelry - Jewelry
Veterans Roadside Solutions - Roadside Assistance
Young Brothers Academy - Mentorship
Nannies4u - Childcare Services
Elevate with Ayesha - Credit Repair
Spurgeon Group - Life Insurance Agency
If you've been considering starting a business but feel like you don't have much to begin with, start! My great-grandfather, T.A. Mosley Sr., began by hauling away junk cars for $5 or $10, and his business grew from there. Ask an uncle or granddad; they might remember the Mosley deals he offered for slightly used cars! Let's continue to support and uplift Black-owned businesses so they can thrive and grow.