Looking for more ways to support local? Check out this guide highlighting Black creatives + entrepreneurs.
Shops
Love, EROS, 45 E. Main St. | This woman-owned spot offers customized hats, permanent jewelry, a charm bar, vintage denim + small tattoo services — follow on Instagram for various community events the store puts on.
Pepper Palm, online | You can shop handmade ceramics — from planters to mugs — home goods, and fragrances from the Smell Goods Bar. Bonus: Follow along on Instagram for pop-ups to make your own.
Escential Things, online | This small business opened in 2020 + offers handcrafted candles and home fragrances.
SOL Rejuvenated, online | Cleanse your mind, body, and spirit with handcrafted items like soaps, candles, serums, and body butters — check out its Instagram for where to find the products in-store locally.
Mooshi Mugs, online | Brought to you by local artist Genesis the Greykid, these handmade tea and coffee mugs will bring art to you every morning.
The Floral Gallery, 3467 Wilcox Ave. | The next time you’re in need of an arrangement, try out this spot that has services for standard floral + edible arrangements or something more specially curated to honor loved ones.
Unveiled Bridal Studio, 100 Cherokee Blvd. (inside of INCubator) | Request an appointment to meet with owner Veatrice Conley who is a Regina James Fashion Designer + say yes to the dress that fits your unique style. Bonus: This studio also uses signature beauty and skincare products developed by women of color.
Blue Boys Barber Shop & Beauty Salon, 734 E. MLK Blvd. | Check out this shop in the heart of downtown for your next fresh haircut.
BarberKings The Original, 517 E. MLK Blvd. | Whether it’s hair or beard care you’re in the market for, this spot will take care of you — bonus: See the skincare line.
The Nostalgic Place, online | Owner Ashley Atkins was inspired by other Black creatives to create her own line of enamel pins — bringing the nostalgia of the 1990s + early 2000s back to life.
Try an array of cuisine, from smoked meats to sweet treats.
Photo by @katiewester
Food + drink
Home Bar, 409 Market St. | Brought to you by Genesis the Greykid + his wife Kreneshia Riellé, this bespoke lounge offers small plates and cocktails that make you feel at home. Bonus: Get a feel for the place.
Blue Orleans, 1463 Market St. | This spot has been downtown for 18 years, serving up Creole-inspired dishes.
Uncle Larry’s, locations vary | Opened by Larry Torrence in 2017, you can expect classic southern comfort food items at all locations.
Mac’s Subs and Fries, locations vary | This food truck offers hearty items like the Philly Cheesesteak sub + loaded steak or chicken fries.
Fūd Vybez, locations vary | This truck specializes in Caribbean and Southern-fusion dishes + can be booked for small and large events.
Bohemian Village, 2511 N. Chamberlain Ave. | Sip on fresh cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and healthy treats from this shop’s cozy couch + enjoy free wi-fi and musical selections celebrating the African diaspora.
Chatt Taste Food Tour, locations vary | Taste a little bit of everything around town with a guided tour while learning more about the culture and history of the city.
Bad Wraps Incarcerated, 426 E. MLK Blvd. | Enjoy various tasty wraps from this downtown spot.
Chatter Box Cafe, 6801 Shallowford Rd. | Chow down on classic smoked meat dishes like wings, barbecue, and brisket.
Neutral Ground, online (permanent location coming soon at 38 East Main St.) | This spot offers Afro-Creole inspired dishes brought to you by chef Kenyatta Ashford, a Food Network “Chopped” champion + is currently operating on catering orders only, with plans to open in Southside.
Cocoa Asante, online + found in local shops | Get your sweet fix with this local artisanal chocolate company that went viral on TikTok — City Editor Haley loves the bonbons, especially if it’s the Carnival Apple.
Sweet or savory, these local spots have it all.
Photo by @cocoaasante
Plant Power Cafe & Juice Bar, 6215 Lee Hwy. | Enjoy your next meal at “Chattanooga’s best- rated vegan cafe.”
Chattanooga Cigar & Hookah Lounge, 1518 Market St. | Have a hand-rolled cigar with your speakeasy-style craft cocktail at this cigar and cocktail lounge — dress code requirements apply.
The Green Bean Coffee Co., 806 E. 12th St. | This coffee shop offers plant-based coffees, matchas, and teas.
Lady Naps Winery, 6940 Lee Hwy. | Opened in 2022 by cousins Pamela McKinley and Nikki Nicholson, you can sip on these chilled small-batch wines Wednesday-Saturday — they even have a wine club.
Scoop Around Ice Cream Bar, 831 E. Main St. | Bring the family out for a sweet treat and order anything from crazy shakes and cones to affogatos and woozy cups made with rosé.
Shey Natural Health Bar, online | Get your wellness fix by ordering smoothie bundles, detox + wellness shots, herbal teas, and more from this woman-owned shop — shipping and delivery is available in the Chattanooga, East Ridge, and Cleveland areas.
Humidor Cigar Bar & Lounge, 3202 Brainerd Rd. | This social lounge is for those 21 and older + features bar food with weekly specials and blends cigars, music, and drinks together to create community.
Marckita’s Munchies, online | Get customizable cakes or cupcakes for your next event from a third-generation baker.
Bhamanooga Wings, locations vary | This food truck travels around the Scenic City, offering wings that can be made with eight different sauces — from classics like buffalo and lemon pepper to specialties like Bhamanooga + Whoopty Whoop sauce.
Cookies By Artsy Lindsay, online | Order customizable sugar cookies for any occasion from this home baker — bonus: The cookies are nut free.
Collective groups
Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, 401 E. MLK Blvd. | For nearly 40 years, this local organization has offered resources to local African American + other ethnic minorities and disadvantaged persons, enabling them to have economic self-reliance and empowerment. Bonus: Check out their Minority Business Directory.
Noir Nooga | This group aims for “spotlighting + supporting the forgotten and ambitious black middle class” in Chattanooga.
Chattanooga Business Elite | While informing and networking with Black entrepreneurs in the city, this group provides business + youth development initiatives and community engagement.
Arts + Entertainment
Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. MLK Blvd. | Visit this museum to learn more about African American history and culture in Chattanooga.
The Chattery, 231 Broad St. (temporary location) | Take a variety of informational + recreational classes at this women-founded nonprofit.
Rhyme N Chatt, locations vary | This interactive poetry nonprofit brings together fellow writers to not only hold space to discuss their work but to put value to their words — check out the next event.
Let’s Paint by Zilly’Artz, 624 E. Main St. | Get crafty + paint while listening to music, playing games, and having a bite to eat during one of the walk-in days or stop by an event.
Upper Room Studios, 734 E. MLK Blvd. | Musicians and podcasters can get full-production + post-production services that suit their needs and vision or can even co-work in the studio with others and host events.
Syndicate Studios, 6802 Ringgold Rd. | This “luxury recording studio” is rentable for local musicians and podcasters.
Chattanooga Segway Tours, 204 Walnut St. | Explore the Scenic City via a segway, bike, or walking tour — just look for the folks with the capes.
Sharp Slingshot Rentals, 6111 Shallowford Rd. | Take a joyride around Chattanooga on three-wheeled roadsters — renters must be 21+. Bonus: Check out the owner Euwayne Bennett’s mobile auto repair shop.
Millicent Garland Photography, 4030 Brock Rd. | Get professional snapshots done for any occasion (think: family portraits, senior photos + special events) by a local family photographer.
CMF Photography, location by request | Since 2019, this local photographer has offered services for weddings, maternity shoots, graduations, creative portraits, and more.
First Verse Productions, 4817 Hwy 58 | Order DJ and photo booth services from this local company that’s been operating for 17 years to capture the most special moments of events through photography + videography.
Wellness
Southern Soul Yoga, locations vary | Take guided yoga classes for all level types at this studio.
Cempa Community Care, locations vary | Get different health screenings and care at any location — keep an eye out for the organization’s community outreach + mobile services.
Adventure Pediatric Dentistry, 6413 Lee Hwy. | This dentistry focuses on providing care to children of all ages in a “safe, comfortable, compassionate, and kid-friendly environment.”
Innovative Women’s Health Specialists, 2158 Northgate Park | Led by Dr. Shevonda Sherrow, the all-women team at this local obstetrician-gynecologist office offers full services for women’s healthcare.
Other
River City Restoration, LLC, location by request | This family-owned business offers its cleaning services (power washing, gutter cleaning, etc.) to Chattanooga + surrounding areas for home and commercial buildings.
Winnie Paris, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, 7158 Lee Hwy. | If you’re in the market for a new home, check out this local realtor who can help you with your search.
Carmen Taylor Weddings, online | Book this local wedding planner who has been curating those special “I do” moments since 2013 + can help with services like vendor contacts and creating your wedding mood board.
Cue the Champagne Event Planning and Design,
201 Frazier Ave. | This full-service company has been named Chattanooga’s No. 1 agency + offers assistance from curating color palettes + layered textures to bespoke stationery and more for brides and grooms.
Bonus: Check out this directory of Black-owned businesses + artists curated by the Hunter Museum of American Art and the museum’s bi-monthly networking event Black Professionals at The Hunter.
Know of a business you want us to add to this list? Let us know.
