Celebrating Black-owned small businesses
Seven Black-owned businesses that are making a name for themselves in the Garden State
In New Jersey, Democrats like Governor Phil Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, and local and state leaders work tirelessly to bolster economic opportunities so that small businesses can flourish in our state. For our Black and Brown residents, these opportunities are essential, not only to support working families but also to ensure growth and prosperity for their communities, particularly communities that have been historically undervalued and under-resourced.
This Black Business Month, we’re highlighting seven Black-owned businesses that are making a name for themselves in the Garden State. These businesses provide essential goods, food, fun, and most importantly, are places where friends and family can gather and be together. Small businesses are the heart of our communities in New Jersey. From a shop you can stop for your daily coffee, to a store you can pop in and be suited up for a night out, all of these Black-owned businesses are making moves and moving New Jersey forward.
Be Suited, Trenton
Located in downtown Trenton, Be Suited is a men’s clothing store owned by young entrepreneur Evan Harris. As a small business owner, his dream to help New Jerseyans dress the best is already well on its way! Residents of Trenton can stop by Be Suited to purchase custom or ready-made clothing for any occasion. Be Suited also has a number of personal branded pieces and accessories, so if you’re interested in supporting Be Suited with a phone case or embroidered sweater, you can!
Check out the Be Suited Instagram here.
Black Swan Espresso, Newark
Whether you’re looking for coffee, food, or gifts, Black Swan Espresso in Newark is the place to go! Black Swan is a specialty coffee house that serves as both a cafe and art gallery, leaning into the art culture of Newark — and conveniently located just down the street from the Newark Museum of Art. The owners, Laura and Adam, have worked tirelessly to stay open and continue to serve their community throughout the pandemic, and they have frequently given back to the larger Newark community through food donations and partnership on community events.
View their full menu and art for sale here.
Glassy Brown Cookies, Burlington
Glassy Brown Cookies out of Burlington, New Jersey has all that online ordering services have to offer. You can buy these delicious cookies from anywhere (yes, anywhere!) in the United States. If you get mail, you can get these Jersey cookies. Open since early 2021, this cookie shop offers a variety of flavors including banana pudding and salted caramel crunch. Interested in a cookie subscription box or even cookie baking classes? You can get that too!
Click here to order your own Glassy Brown Cookies today.
Brown Mill Clothing Company, Newark
Brown Mill Clothing Company is a fashion brand founded in 2009 and located in Newark, New Jersey. Their clothing is a “crosscurrent of bespoke tailoring and streetwear” influenced by the grandparents of the owner, Justis. Brown Mill is focused on an upcycled and no-waste model of design and manufacturing clothes while also doing good for its wider community. Each summer, it hosts a basketball camp in Piscataway, New Jersey, and it is currently a co-sponsor of a community garden in Newark.
Check out their 2021 Season 2 Lookbook here.
Aunt Berta’s Kitchen, Oaklyn
Grab some homestyle cooking at Aunt Berta’s Kitchen in Oaklyn, New Jersey! Whether your favorite soul food is mac & cheese, cornbread, or collard greens, you can get it at Berta’s, which has made its home in Camden County for over 20 years! You can even pick up their famous barbecue sauce to take home and have at your own dinner table.
View Aunt Berta’s menu options here.
Urban Vegan, Newark
Urban Vegan has brought accessible and affordable vegan food to downtown Newark! Opened in July 2021, this vegan spot takes on the fast-casual market with a completely plant-based menu and locally sourced ingredients. Their ethos is centered on the energy our bodies can reap from a plant-based diet and that our planet is the only one we’ve got! They serve a signature burger on a biscuit and a variety of sides including plantains and coleslaw.
You can learn more about Urban Vegan and see its menu here.
Feed Ya Soul, Avenel
Feed Ya Soul in Avenel is a family-owned business that Barry and his son Aaron opened almost two years ago, just before the pandemic. They wouldn’t have survived without the support of the community over the past year. They pride themselves on bringing Southern comfort food into the heart of their community in Central Jersey.
