August marks many events, including National Black Business Month. To commemorate the occasion, Chestnut Hill is highlighting some of its Black-owned businesses, with more than 25 establishments in the area to check out.
Between Friends Boutique for one is a mother-daughter-owned shop that opened in 2023, showcasing clothing and fashion accessories for women of all ages. Their styles span silk tunics in vibrant prints, palazzo pants, jumpsuits, and reversible print jackets—many of which are from independent designers (a large portion of whom are Black women).
Those with a green thumb can instead head to Foliage. Owner Yolanda Palmer started the business with the goal of transporting customers into Chestnut Hill’s own urban “jungle.” Shoppers can find succulents, monstera plants, hibiscus, snake plants, and a variety of other options at different price points. Foliage also sets itself apart with some of the extras they offer—which spans plant installations, repotting services, weekly plant maintenance, and plant sitting.
Designers, stylists and those looking to make their living space more lively on the other hand can stop by Home Works to check out everything owner Shawn Gibbons has to offer—which includes her interior design business (spanning home styling, curation, and consulting), plus there’s a retail showroom to check out. All that shopping will likely work up an appetite, and you can stop by Pastor James H. Buck Jr’s Southern Flames BBQ in the Marketplace to try soul food dishes (think pulled pork, smoked brisket, collard greens, and mac n cheese) to quench your appetite.
Afterwards, to reward yourself (or before, to burn some energy before your meal), locals can also head to Jennifer’s Leaf, a yoga studio with a philosophy surrounded around breath, movement, and meditation. The studio is meant to be an all-inclusive space with different workshops and classes to participate in.
Another wellness locale to check out in spirit of the occasion is Serenity Aesthetics & Wellness. The health-focused venue, founded by Dr. Gina Charles, utilizes its services to be a complete boutique medical spa. What visitors will find is everything from personalized medical skin treatments to wellness physicals. DanceFit on the other hand is another spot focused on getting people to feel good—but through movement. Founded by Megan Kizer in 2018, this business offers a variety of group dance-based fitness classes, including Zumba, Motown Movement, Bootcamp, and HipFit for all fitness and experience levels.
To feel good and dually look good, those in need of a refresh can make an appointment with Posh Hair Artistry. Housed in Chestnut Hill for over 15 years, owner Tish Taylor has more than 20 years of experience in both styling hair and hair care. Services span coloring, cutting, hairstyling, and relaxers, which she uses on both white and Black customers.
To find a full list of of Black-owned businesses in Chestnut Hill celebrating the occasion, visit chestnuthillpa.com
