Like many other local businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest caused disruption in business. They were forced to shut down temporarily. But Brown persevered despite adversity.
Black Business Spotlight
This space is dedicated to offer snapshots of Minnesota’s Black-owned businesses.
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Black Business Spotlight: Urban 29
After suffering business setbacks due to COVID-19 and unrest, Joyce Sanders has opened her Urban 29 clothing store at the Mall of America.
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Black Business Spotlight: Rocky Robinson
‘I was the only person that looked like me in the room and that really didn’t sit well with me at all.”
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Black Business Spotlight: Du Nord Social Spirits
Du Nord Social Spirits, known as the only legal Black-owned distillery in the U.S., is headquartered right in the heart of South Minneapolis.
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Black Business Spotlight: The Black Threadist
‘I broke the mode by learning and perfecting an art form that was never taught or offered to my culture.’
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Black Business Spotlight: Ashley’s Apples
‘A lot of people like Granny Smith, but I like using Gala Apples because Granny’s are a little too sour for my liking.’
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Black Business Spotlight: Ideal Commercial Interiors
‘The mission and purpose of Ideal Commercial Interiors are to provide high-quality furniture and services to our customers…’
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Black Business Spotlight: Diva Rags
Diva Rags was established in 1999 and offers one-of-a-kind accessories, couture apparel, and more.
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Black Business Spotlight: Life Juices
‘That’s why I started this juice brand, because it’s a low barrier entry to health—a little lifestyle shift can have a big impact upon your overall health.’
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Black Business Spotlight: Roseline’s Candles
Local candle business seeks to brighten the community.
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Black Business Spotlight: Sammy’s Avenue Eatery
Perseverance was key in helping Sammy McDowell flourish as the owner of two Sammy’s Avenue Eatery locations.
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Black Business Spotlight: Finish Touch Boutique
The MSR recently caught up with Willie Frazier, owner of Finish Touch Boutique. The shop, located near George Floyd Square, is surviving in spite of the odds.
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Black Business Spotlight: The F.I.T. Lab and Chizel Inc.
A lot of hard work, dedication, and capital go into operating the F.I.T. Lab and Chizel Inc. businesses.
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Black Business Spotlight: Redmon’s Popcorn
Zack Redmon is the owner of Redmon’s Popcorn, which serves up unique and unforgettable flavors of gourmet popcorn.
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Black Business Spotlight: Ludy’s Gym Champions Only Boxing & Fitness
The new gym, a nonprofit, was established in late January 2021 through a collaboration between coach Ludy Webster and Jeremy Jacobsz of Champions Only Boxing.
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Black Business Spotlight: Houston White Men’s Room
Houston White established the Houston White Men’s Room (HWMR) in 2007, located in the vibrant and welcoming, Camden neighborhood.
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Black Business Spotlight: Dauren
‘We have to have endurance to get through something that is very frightening and uncertain.’
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Black Business Spotlight: La Boulangerie Marguerite
Local, French artisan bakery continues to rise above pandemic.
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Black Business Spotlight: Urban Lights Music
‘Music has the power to change your day and put you in a different space, and that really motivates me every day.’
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Black Business Spotlight: Whole Heart Images
As a photographer, Edward Walker, Jr. defines his business on the connection he creates with his subjects.