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Even as the Twin Cities has been rocked by both the pandemic and the killing of George Floyd, time continues to march forward. As we continue to define what the future looks like, show your values through your everyday choices.
Here are just a few of the many black-owned businesses you can support in the Twin Cities. (Please note that some services may be limited due to current health guidelines.) Even if you’re staying in, consider donating to campaigns raising money for black-owned businesses damaged by the riots, including the Suitespot salon, All Washed Up Laundry Services, businesses in Camden (North Minneapolis), streetwear shop Levels, and Cutz Too Barbershop.
Apparel and Accessories
5bulouz: New arrivals at this shop include a variety of face masks to get fashionable with (including a mask and tie set), maxi dresses and skirts perfect for summer, and classic Ts.
Angie’s Hats: With church, bridal, dress, and Kentucky Derby hats, these vibrant creations make the perfect first impression.
Arway: The staff at Arway have traveled around West Africa to pick the ankara (wax prints), leather, and wood for these luxury bags, and if you have kids, check out the booties and reusable diaper covers.
Hybrid Nation: Mixing high-end streetwear with a message to embrace diversity, Hybrid Nation has recently added two T-shirts (No Justice and Ally) whose total profits will be donated to the family of George Floyd.
Queen Anna House of Fashion: A North Loop favorite (along with nearby shop D.Nolo), Queen Anna has upscale clothes that still range from casual to dressy. Case in point? This Amanda Uprichard Micki jumpsuit and this Ravn Paisly top.
Top 2 Bottom: Get stylish with suits, blazers, dresses, and accessories for men and women. The shop doesn’t offer online buying, but as Top 2 Bottom specializes in creating a personal shopping experience for people of all body types, a trip to the store is more than worth it.
XL Feet: If you need (or know someone else who needs) men’s shoes, boots, slippers, or socks in large sizes, this store is the answer to your prayers.
Salons and More
Beauty Lounge Minneapolis: While the reopen date of June 15 (as told to Inc) is still tentative, you can add your name to the online waitlist. Regular services include shampoo and styles, curly haircuts, dread locks, color, extensions, and more. This salon was made for every type of hair, and its staple Kids’ Hair Fundamentals class has been turned into a webinar for those who need it.
Brian Graham Salon: Give yourself some love with a suite of services including seven types of facials, nails, makeup, waxing, and of course, hair cut, color, and styling for all hair types and textures.
Captain Rebel: The backs of the Rosa x MLK and Pablo (Emilio Escobar Gaviria) T-shirts both say, “Smile, you’re a rebel,” and on the back of the Malcolm X shirt, it reads, “Rebels pray.” Are you catching the vibe of this streetwear brand yet?
Final Cut Sports Barbershop: With multiple locations open now (and Mall of America’s spot to come), Final Cut is currently offering haircuts (including its impeccable undercuts) but no facial shaving. If you’re working on styling your look at home, you can always buy some of the shop’s quality hair and beard products.
Lash Haus: Even if you’re wearing a face mask, the eyes are the window of your soul, so consider accentuating them with lash extensions with this one-woman shop.
Lela’s Virtue Lounge: Build your skincare treatment from start to finish with a variety of facials and peels plus add-ons including LED light therapy, dermaplaning, under-eye treatment, and more, plus other options such as tints, extensions, and waxing. To really pamper your dad, consider getting him a Just for the Fellas facial appointment as well.
The Nail Bar: In the same building as Beauty Lounge Minneapolis, this spot offers services such as dip powder, gels, nail enhancements, manicures, and pedicures. And, if you still need a face mask, the salon is selling three-packs (along with its normal merchandise for nail lovers) that can be delivered to your home.
Omari Brow Studio: While there hasn’t been an official announcement on its social media platforms, online booking for its threading, waxing, lash lifts, and more for this June is up and running.
WyldChyldz Hair Studio: This hair studio is one of the best spots to style your curly, twisted, loc’d, or natural hair. If you can’t make it out to an appointment, the online shop includes therapeutic mega growth scalp oil, finishing oil, and protective headbands.
Specialty Stores
Bouquets by Carolyn: Bring beauty into your home by picking up or ordering flowers. In recognition of summer’s arrival, the Succulent Surprise planter seems especially fitting.
Elsa’s House of Sleep: Besides the implied mattresses and bedroom furniture, this store also offers home decor, lighting, and furniture for the living room, office, and dining room.
Fit 1st Running: Don’t let an uncomfortable shoe keep you from getting outside or working out. This store not only carries running, walking, and exercise shoes, but it specializes in finding the perfect fit for all types of foot and arch shapes.
Rituals: Soaps, aromatherapy, fragrances, soy candles, lotions, and more make up the bevvy of wellness products at this store.
