It’s no secret that small businesses were hit hard by the pandemic, but did you know that Black-owned businesses experienced a disproportionate impact? A study conducted by UC Santa Cruz found that 41% of Black-owned businesses permanently closed as a result of the pandemic compared to 17% of White-owned businesses. While money is tight for everyone during this difficult time, please consider being mindful in your shopping habits and #BuyBlack when possible. Here are some of our favorite Columbia-area spots to get you started!
- A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen
-
IG: @apeaceofsoulsc
If you’re vegan and haven’t tried Peace of Soul’s fried “chicken” are you really vegan at all? They’re located conveniently on Main Street and are currently offering online ordering and contactless pickup to help keep the community safe. What we love most about Peace of Soul is the variety; instead of being limited to plain salad, you’ve got choices between “meat”ball sandwiches, kung pao “chicken” and mac and “cheese”. They also have cute merch in the form of Tees, tanks, and tote bags. To check out their full menu or place an order by clicking here.
- AfricStyle Initiatives LLC
-
IG: @africstyleinitiatives
AfricStyle is a shop that sells custom made women’s, men’s and children’s clothing as well as home decor, fabric, accessories and more. We love their bright fabrics and prints as well as their annual fashion show. Check out their handmade items here.
- Love and Light Beauty
-
IG: @loveandlightbeauty
The team behind Love and Light Beauty consists of Owner Selina Johnson, Beauty Advisor Viveca Ritchie and Miracle Braider Miracle Hickson. They sell a variety of beauty products including body butter, lashes, hair oil and lip glosses. Their products come in a variety of scents and colors, like sugary rose and juicy watermelon. Don’t miss out.
- Sweet Temptations Bakery
-
IG: @cakesbysweettemptations
Sweet Temptations is a bakery located within walking distance of central campus at 2231 Main St. In addition to gorgeous custom cakes (can’t wait to get one for graduation) they sell cupcakes, cake by the slice and other treats. In addition to classic flavors like red velvet, they have seasonal specialties like strawberry lemonade.
- Reinvintage
-
IG: @myreinvintage
Reinvintage is all about giving new life to old furniture, decor and more. They accomplish this through upcycling and painting. In pre-COVID days they offered painting classes which will make the perfect date night someday. In the meantime, check out their shop in Five Points (912 Harden St) or view their gallery here.
- Messie’s Closet
-
IG: @messiescloset
Messie’s Closet is a boutique started by UofSC alumni Hawa Lukulay at just 23 years old. The clothes are trendy and you know they’re on point since they’re being cultivated by someone in our age group. The items are in great condition, many of them new with tags still on them, and being sold for great prices. You can visit Messie’s Closet at 729 Meeting St and check out her website to see some of her styles.
- The Balloon Squad
-
IG: @the_balloon_squad
The Balloon Squad is a Black Veteran owned business and is THE place to get balloons to nail those B-day pics or grad photoshoots. They do custom balloons too so if you want to surprise your bestie with a balloon version of your fave pic, they can make it happen. Check them out at the Columbiana Centre.
Following and interacting with small businesses through social media is a great way to support these businesses without spending money, and we encourage you to do this!