Many large cities have Black Chambers of Commerce or other business organizations, but when I really started looking for ways to celebrate and support our Black Community in Union County, I kept coming up empty.
While my search truly began this summer, being Black History Month, I found myself revisiting this topic. While yes, Black history tends to focus on the past, what's often overlooked is that the Black business leaders of today are shaping tomorrow's history. So, by throwing our weight (and our wallets) behind them, we are paving new pathways to future excellence.
Thankfully, we have a very robust Black Business community in Union County and here are 20 Black-owed businesses you need to know!
Heart and Home Realty:
Owned by husband/wife team Karyl and Mike Jones, they bring the heart back into your home with their personal attention and detail. Karyl and Mike spend time educating their buyers - focusing on finances and credit, but also paying mind to the pride of ownership and the long-term legacy that homeownership brings. The Jones are change-makers. They are creating a new pattern within their own community that educates on the value of homeownership and works tirelessly to help make those dreams a reality for their clients.
Party Party Parties:
What started with a handful of character costumes (Chase, Skye, PJ Masks and Hello Kitty), emerged as a full-on party business! Jernae was driving across country during the early days of the pandemic and realized that there was a need in new ways to celebrate at home and safely. Her goal is to help customers celebrate everyday events like birthdays and graduations in a fun and unique way. We display a large customized phrase of your choice in the front yard of your recipient using 22" letters and fun accents to bring out the design. Our Yard signs are a hit with all ages and for all celebrations. Her inventory is amazing and, while there are other yard sign businesses around, she's a class-act and we are big fans!
Serve Unity:
Ulunda and Richard Baker never sleep - between the two of them, they wear at least 20 different hats, all of which support and serve our community in ways that many people can't even dream of doing. Married for nearly 17 years, the two met while working at a big-box retailer and knew that they were both cut from the same cloak of service. She and Richard started Serve Unity in 2020 with the mission of bringing people together through service in life, education, and community. They are committed to educating people on the importance and power of serving and raising awareness to increase volunteerism for service-based organizations.
Mainely Cupcakes:
Cassandra Tyndall knew that something was missing from her career in banking. She'd always loved baking and was known to be very talented among her peers and friends. And at some point, she decided to have faith in herself and jump all-in. This proved to be one of the best decisions she's made. With faith and courage, Mainely Cupcakes was born - and it is delicious! Cassandra's cakes are delicious and inventive, she is masterful with her "lace" and has even jumped into trends like the winter 2020 rage: Hot Cocoa Bombs! She offers custom cakes and cupcakes or you can order from her daily menu.
The Cupcake Queen:
Tara Smith, the Cupcake Queen of Waxhaw, started her baked good business in 2012 with a small mall Kiosk. in 2017, she took up residence in downtown Waxhaw and we're so glad she did! She offers moist delicious cupcakes and treats from her cases and custom orders online. This summer, she began offering frozen treats including milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches. And, when we emerge from this new Covid protocol, she will once again offer her classes for the public. Within walking distance of the park and skate park, and a hop skip and jump from some of the best train-watching in our area - this is a must-visit while in Waxhaw.
Cake Affect:
This husband-wife duo knew they had a sure thing when they compared childhood memories. Both raised by dynamic mothers who loved to cook, Angela and Ryan both bake with the passions that were nurtured in their homes as children. Hobbies and passions make wonderful businesses and Cake Affect has done just that. Cake Affect specializes classic cakes like Red Velvet, German Chocolate, Lemon Cake, Pound Cake and a signature Cheesecake with strawberry topping. They also create delicious pies and other goodies - all from scratch - with a touch of love. You can find them at 4305 Unit K Old Monroe Road, in Indian Trail.
Brotherly Glove Commercial Cleaning:
Brotherly Glove Commercial Cleaning is a full-service cleaning contractor, serving Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus and York counties. We specialize in providing professional cleaning services to commercial. building owners and managers. Brotherly Glove Commercial Cleaning will provide you with the standards of cleanliness that your building requires, at a price that makes sense. And price, while important is only one of the factors that must be considered when choosing your cleaning contractor.
Mercy Animal Hospital:
Drs. Dawn and Charles Jones have been caring for Union County pets for the last 11 years, and in 2013 opened a brand new facility on Sardis Church Road in Monroe. Both life-long animal lovers, the couple met at Tuskegee University, and have seen it all. Their mission in opening Mercy Animal Hospital is to provide affordable veterinary care in a loving, safe and family-based environment that allows for easy access to animals, adequate room for surgical procedures, open-air feel for employees and clients as well as immaculate kennels for our boarding animals.
Brother's Seafood House:
If your family loves seafood like mine does, this is THE place in Union County to grab the freshest seafood around. From live crabs (above) to salmon and halibut, Brother's Seafood House gets fresh deliveries daily. Check the facebook page for fresh catch and frozen food information!
Union County Kids:
Selina Campbell created Union County Kids when she, as a single mother, realized how little she had been educated in matters of finance. Motivated to break that cycle among today's youth, she set out to create Union County Kids, the only program in our area of its kind. Focused on celebrating our teens and tweens, Union County Kids through its Communiversity Online merges mentorship and financial literacy for teens of all colors, races and religions. Relying solely on volunteers and donations, each month the organization offers a financial literacy workshop, a life skills webinar and an employment workshop. Since its inception in 2015 it has helped kids learn how to find financial freedom and become leaders avail themselves. Find out more HERE.
Ebonee Images:
Not all hairstylists are created equal - and it's important to have a stylist who is well-versed in your hair type. For women of color, this can be incredibly difficult to find - especially close to home. Enter Alfreda Leek Green. She is as masterful with extensions as she is with her traditional styling of natural hair. Whether you are looking for long or short, curly or straight, male or female - Alfreda is your gal!
Dream, Plan & Thrive:
As a wife and working mother, Leslie Boyd had to create a structure that would allow her to be present for her family, while still working on both professional and personal goals. Seeing that she wasn’t alone prompted her to share that same strategy with others through her coaching business, 3 Step Strategy. Leslie helps you use the time you have effectively to accomplish the things that matter to you. And don't we all need more time to do the things we love?
Kreations by KeKe:
Taking care of and maintaining healthy natural hair can be challenging - especially for those who use extensions or braids, regularly. For KeKe, educating her clients about their hair and how to keep it in its best shape is a top priority.
KymNeco's Salons:
Located in downtown Monroe, KymNeco's has been a salon fixture in Union County since 2003. With an ultimate goal of empowering professionals by helping them feel and look their best, KymNeco's has weathered the storms of this past year with style and grace and is once again serving the community with a commitment to fabulous and healthy hair.
Sea Hut:
Located in downtown Monroe, Sea Hut has been serving up fried fish deliciousness since 2006. What started as a food truck that parked mostly on Old Charlotte Highway and Dickerson blvd, in 2009 they decided to find a brick and mortar suitable to fit the needs of the community. After careful consideration we decided upon Monroe NC. Customers love the service and the food - with special attention to food allergies and sensitivities. If you love seafood, you will love Sea Hut!
K's Bounce N Play:
In a world where we've been encouraged to stay home to stay safe, running a bounce house business has got to be tough, but Kevin Rogers has made it work, even adding several new "attractions" to his inventory. Known around town as one of the best, K's Bounce N Play is available for small at-home events and larger-scale celebrations, with both indoor and outdoor bounce-houses.
Randii Smith:
Randii Smith is a former elementary school teacher, mother of 2 and local Children's author who saw a need for self-help books for kids. Even more important now, as we are all struggling to understand this new world around us, Randii has found that our kids are resilient and capable - just needing guidance. And, parents, while they mean well, are just unable to take on one more thing. Through her self-published series, Logan and Lucky, she helps school-aged children understand their feelings and how to manage them. The first of her books, Logan Loses her Cool, is about controlling anger and frustration and is available now. The next in her series, Logan and Lucky in the works and a sneak peek coming soon! (follow her on IG to stay in the know).
Piedmont Family Dentistry:
Dr. Tiagha at Piedmont Family Dentistry is known for her "bedside" manner - she is kind, patient and works with her patients to best help them understand their dental health needs. Not only is she adored by her patients, but she extends discounted payment plans for those who are uninsured and still require dental work. For fifteen years, Piedmont Family Dentry has been serving our community and they are worth a call if you are looking for a new dentist!
Ja Makin'Me Dance Fitness Studio:
Offering creative classes like Hip Hop Bar, Zumba Fusion and Strong Nation (formerly Zumba Strong) as well as yoga and other dance classes, this studio is committed to feeding the mind, body and spirit. Jatrine Bentsit-Enchill, owner and lead creator, opened this studio almost a decade ago with the vision of inspiring women to transform their lives with fun fitness. Her team is comprised of a diverse group of strong women who are committed to ensuring that each client walks out of the studio feeling BETTER than when she arrived.
Reed's Academy, Waxhaw:
William Reed opened Reed's Academy in 1998 with the mission of building character, discipline, love and respect. He believes strongly in instilling a sense of family values, life skills and appreciation for unity and diversity while focusing on fitness and self-defense. These traits, skills and characteristic values should be, in his opinion, the foundation of humanity. His students love him for his compassion and leadership. He's grown his academy to include afterschool programs, homeschool options and most recently, virtual learning opportunities for children who are not in-person school at this time. He offers classes for kids and adults - ranging from martial arts to general fitness and yoga.
