With the official start of Black History Month, many are trying to be more conscious about their consumer behavior. However, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Luckily we are here for you. These five black women-run businesses have been named local favorites.
CoCo is from the frame
Owner Colleen “CoCo” Adams has owned her special occasion clothing store in East Lansing for 10 years. She said that one of the greatest joys of being in the Lansing area is watching her clients grow.
“Sometimes they’re in the dance studio as little kids and then they come back as teenagers or adults and then they get married,” Adams said. “Going through the process, watching them as their lives blossom and bloom.”
Adams said she’s able to bring her own unique femininity to her work, which is important to her as a female business owner.
Coco is off the shelf is located at 3320 E. Lake Lansing Road and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Monday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m
Sweet Encounter Bakery & Café
Owner Nikki Thompson Frazier specializes in creating gluten free, soy free, peanut free and vegan desserts. She opened her physical location at 112 S. Washington Square in 2021 after running her business from home for six years.
Frazier said it’s important to support minority and women-owned businesses because they don’t always receive the same funding and capital as their male counterparts.
“There are so many more of us entering the entrepreneurial world,” Frazier said. “But we don’t always get the knowledge and support we need.”
Frazier said the best part about owning her business was touching the lives of people in the community.
“I have kids, and I know how important it is for them to celebrate special occasions with food they love,” Frazier said. “And food she loves back.”
Sweet Encounter Bakery & Café is open Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m
DBN boutique
DBN Boutique is a women’s clothing and accessories store. It belongs to Onylah Taggart, MSU’s junior advertising executive.
“Becoming pregnant with my son pushed me to do more,” Taggart said.
Taggart said she enjoys owning her own business because she is able to create her own schedule. She also appreciates that her store’s proximity to campus allows students to easily walk to her store.
You can visit the DBN Boutique at their physical store at 301 MAC Ave. shopping, right? on-line.
socialist society
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socialist society is a bookstore that aims to celebrate black women by selling only books written by black women authors.
Owner Nyshell Lawrence said everyone is welcome at the Socialight Society.
“There is no exclusion of anyone at this celebration,” Lawrence said. “It’s amazing when people come in and want to learn from a different perspective or just want to try something that isn’t already on their shelf.”
You can shop at Socialight Society on-line or at their physical location at 5454 W. Saginaw Highway.
Meika’s boutique N More
Meika’s Boutique N More sells men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Owner Shemeika Barney said she has always been drawn to the world of fashion, so she loves being able to help other women dress on trend.
“It was a childhood dream,” Barney said. “When I was 17, I always wanted to open my own boutique.”
You can buy their products on-line or the store at 6920 S. Cedar St., Suite #1.
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