Small Business Saturday: Where to shop Black-owned in Baltimore and D.C. 

By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com

For many small businesses owners, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is one of the most important days of the year. This year, Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 29, offering a chance for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services and connect with their local community.

Jennifer Funn, regional director of the Maryland Small Business Development Center for Baltimore City and County, said the day is vital for local entrepreneurs.

“With calls to boycott big-box stores, this civil action can redirect spending toward local shops, giving them a meaningful boost during challenging economic times,” said Funn. “Small businesses are already navigating rising costs, tariffs and an unpredictable economy that strains their margins. Choosing to shop small keeps money circulating close to home. Every dollar spent locally returns about sixty cents back into the community through jobs, services and neighborhood investment.” 

Though small businesses are often referred to as the backbone of local economies, many are underappreciated and underrecognized, even as they provide essential support to families and neighborhoods. Carl Brown, executive director of the D.C. Small Business Development Center, noted that their influence goes far beyond dollars and cents. 

“When you shop small, that store owner can now send their kid to ballet or school, or they can get medical services they need. The impact is so much greater,” said Brown. “A lot of times, we overlook our small businesses in our community, and we have to support them because if we don’t, they’re going to go away.” 

In honor of the upcoming 2025 Small Business Saturday, the AFRO has compiled a list of a few small, Black-owned businesses to shop from in Baltimore and D.C. 

Baltimore 

Pandora’s Box Boutique 50 E Cross St. Baltimore, MD 21230https://pandorasboxboutique.com

This gift and home decor shop, owned by Monesha Phillips, curates items with style, humor, whimsy and charm. Located in Baltimore’s Federal Hill neighborhood, Pandora’s Box Boutique sells apparel, accessories, home goods, fragrances and stationery while supporting local designers, jewelry makers and artisans. 

L.R.L. Clothing 36 E 25th St.Baltimore, MD 21218http://www.lrlclothing.com/

Based in Baltimore’s Charles Village community, L.R.L. Clothing is a Black-owned streetwear brand selling beanies, bucket hats, hoodies, T-shirts, matching sets and more. The shop’s acronym stands for, “love, respect and loyalty,” emphasizing its commitment to customers. Its clothing is known for its positive messaging and signature red heart. 

Natasha’s Just Brittle6617 Harford RoadBaltimore, MD 21214https://www.justbrittles.com

Natasha Brown-Wainwright grew up making sweet treats in her grandmother’s kitchen, and in 2010, she decided to turn the hobby into a business. Natasha’s Just Brittle specializes in handmade, artisan brittle, gourmet popcorn and craft chocolates. It has a lineup of distinct flavors, including pumpkin spice pecan, maple bacon walnut and dulce de leche. Each treat is made with organic sugar, fresh nuts, salted butter sea salt and without any preservatives.

D.C. 

Habeebah’s Herbals https://www.habeebahsherbals.com

Habeebah Muhammad has been studying the use of herbs, flowers and medicinal plants for more than two decades. Her online shop, Habeebah’s Herbals, sells all-natural, organic skincare and aromatherapy products, like body butters, massage oils, candles and soap. 

The Spice Suite2201 Channing St. NEWashington, DC 20018https://www.thespicesuite.com

Angel Gregorio created The Spice Suite under the motto, “Food is fashion.” The gourmet spice shop and incubator offers unique spice blends—like coconut curry and cajun heat—infused oils and gift boxes to introduce global flavors into home kitchens. Beyond its products, The Spice Suite also supports Black entrepreneurs through workshops, pop-up shops and mentorship. 

Lee’s Flower Shop1026 U St. NWWashington, DC 20001https://www.leesflowerandcard.com

Lee’s Flower Shop is a Black-owned family business with a legacy dating back to 1945. Operated today by the founders’ granddaughters, Stacie Lee Banks and Kristie Lee Jones, the shop is known for creating fresh, thoughtfully-designed floral arrangements and cards for all occasions. 

Small business events throughout the end of the year: 

From Public Service to Private Success

Dec. 1-34 p.m. – 6 p.m.Virtual 

The Maryland Small Business Development Center invites public service employees to discover avenues for transitioning into entrepreneurship in this three-day, virtual workshop. Each day will cover a different topic, including building a business plan, identifying target markets and securing funding to launch. 

2nd Annual Small Business Evening of Networking

Dec. 45:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.2401 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Access Rd.Arlington, Va. 22202

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is partnering with the Metro D.C. Hispanic Contractors Association, the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association and the National Association of Minority Contractors to connect small construction firms with major developers in the region. 

Tether’d Year-End Launch and Career Networking Experience

Dec. 104 p.m. – 7 p.m. 836 Guilford AvenueBaltimore, MD 21202

Tether’d, formerly Baltimore Based Jobs, is hosting a free in-person networking event to connect job seekers, employers and career professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore hiring trends, build relationships and grow their teams. 

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