“I’m Texas forever, like Bun B”
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Queen Bey aka Beyonce
By Vanessa Charlot
As we re-collect our coins from the holidays, let’s continue to evaluate where we spend our hard-earned money and leverage our buying power consciously by supporting black-owned businesses. The category for today is Houston, but if you need recommendations for your city, reach out and let us know – we got you!
Houston has an incredibly rich history and longstanding presence of Black-owned businesses, so we’re highlighting a few you might not know about.
You know we love our wine here at Uncorked & Cultured, so let’s start there.
Wine and Spirits
1. Pur Noire
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You’re missing out if you haven’t been to Houston’s first black-owned winery. With a focus on the cross-section of their shared passion for wine and memorable experiences, the husband and wife owners, Kenneth and Carissa Stephens, produce award-winning wines.
They launched their first vintage online in March 2020 and sold out in about three months. After the pandemic calmed down, they opened the doors of their tasting room in November of 2021. If you’re looking for good wine, a comprehensive wine-tasting education, and R&B vibes, look no further than Pur Noire. Pro tip: join the wine club; you won’t regret it.
2. Trez Art Bistro
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With an ambiance of art, culture, and culinary expertise, Trez is a must-visit wine bar. Not only do they have a pretty cool wine list, but they have also proven themselves to be a dedicated advocate and supporter of the arts with a unique focus on philanthropic and community partnerships, providing local artists with a platform to display their art; and a comfortable environment to enjoy live music.
3. OST Liquor
Located on Old Spanish Trail (hence the OST), this liquor store has a vast selection of wine, spirits, and beer, in addition to providing quality customer service, affordable prices, and knowledgeable staff. The option is to order online, then pick up or opt for delivery. This is probably one of the only places in Houston that has an entire section devoted to black producers. OST is also known for its themed kits and “DoubleCup Cocktails” for special occasions and events.
Service-Based Organizations
4. Excelsia Concierge Services
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Feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? It is 2023, and we will align ourselves easily this year. Excelsia is a personal and corporate concierge service designed to reduce stress & burnout, lessen work-life conflict and improve overall wellness. These services are designed for people who would rather spend their time enjoying life instead of planning to enjoy life. Services include wait services (for deliveries, cable installation, etc.), essential errands, gift shopping, travel management, event planning, VIP services, and more.
5. Steele Magnolia
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If you’re prepping for a wedding, baby shower, birthday, or want to buy a gift for a loved one, Steele Magnolia is the one-stop shop for all things calligraphy or engraving. Whether you want to personalize tumblers, letters, signage, or commission an engraving, the opportunities are endless. The owner, Candace Steele, is passionate about connecting with her clients and bringing creative ideas to life, one letter at a time.
6. The Body Shop HTX
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The Body Shop HTX is a unique gym that focuses on changing how you look at fitness. With knowledgeable trainers and a great staff, they offer small group training with cardio and weights, customized personal training, fitness competition preparation, and various membership options. Achieve your health and fitness goals this year with the help of the Body Shop.
Retailers & E-commerce
7. Kindred Stories
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We love the stories, and we love Kindred. Kindred Stories was born of a love for reading and a passion for community. The owner, Terri, describes reading as an act of self-care passed on by her mother; and she, in turn, has passed the ritual on to her children.
“Kindred Stories is here to give kids and adults alike a space to explore the wide open world of literary content and creative works fashioned by black and brown hands. We are a bookstore committed to amplifying Black voices and bringing diverse stories from throughout the African diaspora to our local community in Houston, TX.”
8. Kicky Mats
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Purchase things that spark joy, and these mats definitely spark joy. At Kicky Mats, you can get a doormat that matches the energy and personality of your home. In addition to having the option to design your own, some categories on the website include culture mats, funny mats, queen mats, sports mats, holiday mats, and more. Whether purchasing for yourself or as a gift, you won’t be disappointed.
9. Lamik
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Once a brick-and-mortar turned exclusive e-commerce site, this vegan makeup line is made with natural and organic ingredients catered to multicultural women who historically have been marketed with more toxic makeup options than their counterparts.
Their motto: “Beauty is Revealed, Not Applied.”
Restaurants
10. Green Seed
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As we are all becoming more mindful of what we put in our bodies, Green Seed is a great casual spot for raw & vegan gourmet sandwiches, juices & smoothies in a nice open space. There are gluten and soy-free options available as well. The fresh garden panini is a personal favorite. Some pretty cool vendors in the area are worth checking out.
11. Cool Runnings
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The name gives it away. I’m sure it comes as no major surprise to discover that this establishment is a Jamaican bar and grill. Offering everything from jerk chicken and oxtail to coconut curry shrimp and snapper, Cool Runnings is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. There are quite a few events, concerts, and parties that take place there as well.
12. Taste of Nigeria
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Fun Fact: The largest population of Nigerians outside of Nigeria is in the great state of Texas. Taste of Nigeria serves a variety of West African lunch and dinner entrees. Be sure to swing by and give the Jollof a try.
Have you been to any of these black-owned businesses before? Are there some you’re going to try? Let us know!