Support Local Black-Owned Businesses All Year Long
By Maya Polton
As we move through winter, most of your kids can tell you that February is Black History Month. A wonderful way to acknowledge this designation is to support local Black-owned businesses all around town. Small businesses are the backbone of Montclair and by shopping, eating, and opening your wallet to small businesses, you’ll support the people who have poured their heart and soul into their shops.
Montclair has a wide variety of Black-owned businesses, from restaurants, dental offices, plant stores, and so much more. It’s worth your time to seek out these small businesses in February and all year long.
Every home feels warmer, cozier, and lighter if you fill it with some greenery. For a lush escape this winter, head to Mind Your Beads and Seeds, which bills itself as a “gift garden.” Located at 147D Valley Road, this green oasis has everything from plants, vases, planters, crystals, incense, and so much more. For those with a semi-green thumb, we love that the gift garden staff offers a repotting service. Simply bring in your rootbound plants and you’ll get an on the spot evaluation and a welcome upgrade to the right pot for your plant. Speaking of potting, Mind Your Beads and Seeds also hosts a wide variety of events, from “Paint, Pot & Sip” to “Puff, Paint, & Pot” (for adults only).
Image Courtesy of Mind Your Beads & Seeds
If you’re still in the mood to shop, head to Johari at 76 Church Street. This jewelbox of a shop sells bathing suits, bras, undies, and other special goodies. Ladies, if you’ve never been fitted for a bra, your time is now! A custom bra fitting can be eye opening and the amazing salespeople at Johari are expert fitters. It’s even possible to make an appointment online for your own private fitting.
Before filing those bellies, it’s time to support your body. KIKA Stretch Studios provides “a gentle assisted stretching process that loosens up tight muscles, freeing your body from pain and stress.” Doesn’t that sound amazing? Located at 255 Bellevue Ave, KIKA Stretch Studios is easy to get to and close to plenty of parking. There are stretch session plans that work for you, whether it’s a single session, monthly packages, or even an at-home package if you’re not ready to venture out. Don’t delay this important form of self care.
KIKA Stretch Founder & Franchiser! Image courtesy of KIKA Stretch
Now, it’s time to eat and drink! For a meal full of soul, head to or order from Saveur Creole, a modern Creole restaurant that’s been a Montclair staple since 1994. Located at 131 Grove Street, the restaurant makes it easy to enjoy the food: dine in (reservations recommended), curbside pick up, or UberEats are all easy options for you. For the full experience, dining in is fully recommended. It’s likely to be a party atmosphere in the restaurant, where everyday is a celebration.
For another option, give the South End’s favorite Cafe Moso a try. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, there are so many tasty delights on the menu. Everything from a traditional catfish fry to shrimp and grits or the amazing “breakfast bread board” with a scratch biscuit is irresistible. Located at 307 Orange Road, you’ll go once and then start planning your return before the check arrives.
The final stop, although not the final Black-owned business, is the lively Montclair Brewery. A wonderful addition to our community, the brewery, located at 101 Walnut Street, is “building a stronger community, one beer at a time.” With indoor and outdoor seating (with heaters and firepits), it’s easy to have a good time. Bring your own food (or friendly furry friend), kick back, and sip some local brew. Montclair Brewery is also a cozy spot to see live music and there’s always a list of upcoming events on their website or social media accounts.
