In a patriarchal society, it’s important that we all do our part to try to support and uplift women. Women aren’t provided with a lot of the opportunities that men are, so it’s important that we do all we can to support women who manage to accomplish things despite society working against them. One of the easiest ways to do so is to support some local women-owned businesses in your city. Here are five women-owned businesses that I absolutely love in Richmond, Virginia!
- True’s Cultural Kitchen
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True’s Cultural Kitchen is located at 415 W. Grace St. and is owned by True-Asia Daniels. The restaurant specializes in Caribbean cuisine, soul food, seafood and Italian cuisine. The restaurant also has a number of vegan options to choose from and sells a variety of smoothies, juices and lemonades as well. The food is flavorful, and the portion sizes are pretty large as well.
In the few times that I visited True’s Cultural Kitchen prior to the pandemic, I was greeted so warmly by the owner, and she even offered to let me try some of the other entrees that she offered for free the next time I visited since I was a relatively new customer. The curry chicken, curry shrimp and curry potatoes and chickpeas are to die for! I also absolutely love the cabbage and spicy red beans and rice that accompany the meal as well. The food is very filling and definitely is worth trying!
- Tipsy Cupcakes RVA
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Tipsy Cupcakes RVA is located at 3423 W. Cary St. and is co-owned by Mesha Cousins and Shay Cousins. They offer a variety of different cupcakes that are spiked with alcohol, and the cupcakes taste delicious! The alcohol flavor isn’t too notable in the taste of the cupcakes, which is great for people like me who don’t particularly care for the taste of alcohol that much but still enjoy drinking it every now and then.
The owners also offer vegan and non-alcoholic options as well. I’m not a huge chocolate person, so I have not tried their chocolate or red velvet cupcakes, but I highly recommend the jumbo twisted strawberry shortcake flavor and the peach bellini flavor cupcakes. Try this place out; you won’t regret it!
- Mama J’s Kitchen
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Mama J’s Kitchen is a relatively well-known Richmond restaurant that has even been visited by a few celebrities, and the best part about it is that it’s owned by a woman! Mama J’s Kitchen is the best place to go if you’re in Richmond and want some good ole down south home-cooking. The restaurant is located at 415 N. 1st Street and is owned by Velma Johnson. The soul food at this place is immaculate, and every meal will leave you wanting more. I should know—I often end up ordering more food than I initially intend to.
The fried catfish, fried chicken, crab cakes and baked chicken are all great options when it comes to entrees. Now when it comes time to order sides, you absolutely must get the mac and cheese; it’s life-changing. The cabbage is also really good as well and accompanies the mac and cheese beautifully. The restaurant has relatively affordable prices, but the portions are still a very good size. This restaurant should be moved up to the top of your list for places to visit if you haven’t had the privilege of eating there as of yet.
- Ms. Bee’s Juice Bar
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Ms. Bee’s Juice Bar is located at 114 W. Brookland Park Blvd. and is owned by Brandi Battle-Brown. This juice bar offers a variety of different smoothies, cold-pressed juices, teas, wellness shots, detox packages, soups and other healthy food options. There are still so many things I want to try here, but I can say that the Ebony Island Hangover Juice that is supposed to help with hydration tasted great and made me feel a lot more refreshed after I drank it. This place is a must-try for anyone who loves a good juice bar!
- Adiva Naturals
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Adiva Naturals is located at 1802 E. Franklin St. and is owned by Nadira Chase. This shop specializes in hair care, body care, skincare and beard care products. Things like bath bombs, hair care, soaps, body oils, skincare sets, body wash, natural deodorant and other self-care items can be purchased here. I tried out the gourmet whipped shea body butter in the scent ‘warm honey’ and fell in love. The body butter is very moisturizing, smells great and doesn’t leave my body with a greasy feeling after application which makes it a winner in my book. Check this place out if you are looking for some new self-care products to try out!
Celebrate Women’s History Month the right way and support some of these women-owned businesses!