Supporting Black-owned businesses is essential year-round, and what better way to kick off Black History Month than by shining a spotlight on some incredible Black-owned businesses right here in Connecticut?
From hidden gems to community favorites, this list is filled with businesses you’ll wish you had discovered sooner! 🤩
And this is just the beginning! We have more spotlights coming your way, celebrating the amazing Black entrepreneurs shaping Connecticut’s local scene.
If you are looking for an incredible resource to check out thousands of Connecticut-based black-owned businesses, we highly suggest you head to shopblackct.com. The platform goes above and beyond to provide an easy-to-use database and acts as a free resource for black-owned businesses in Connecticut.
Wine & Cheese Day Spa - Fairfield, CT
The Wine and Cheese Day Spa in Fairfield is a Black-owned, woman-owned gem that redefines self-care. With a full-service bar, you can sip on your favorite drink while enjoying the best manicures, pedicures, and spa treatments around. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, indulge, and support an incredible local business!
29 Markle - Bridgeport
This unique restaurant offers a seasonal menu and creative cocktails. Owned by Wesley Arbuthnot and Ishalee Green, with Chef Damon Daye, it emphasizes local partnerships and sustainability. From smoked-fried chicken to salt-roasted beets, the diverse menu is a refreshing addition to Connecticut's culinary scene.
- 29 Markle Instagram
Obodo Serendipity Books - Stratford
Obodo Serendipity Books is more than a bookstore—it’s a community hub where stories bring people together. This Black-owned, LGBTQ+ shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of books, inviting visitors to get cozy and find a story that speaks to them. Guided by the belief that "we are all connected by the stories we share," Obodo fosters community through author events, shared meals, and Sunday gatherings where neighbors and strangers become friends.
Bake Me Up Cakes - Fairfield
Owner of Bake Me Up Cakes, Hirut, is known for turning your ideas into delicious realities. She specializes in crafting one-of-a-kind cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, and treats for birthdays, weddings, and baby showers. Bake Me Up Cakes also hosts cake and cupcake decorating workshops, perfect for events ranging from kids' birthdays to girls' night-out gatherings!!
Maury's Hive Tea - Norwalk
It's a personal fave that's always fully stocked in my pantry. Maury's has reinvented the tea bag! Offering bold blends of whole-leaf tea infused with premium granulated honey for a smooth and invigorating taste. Committed to pure ingredients, Maury's believes in delivering a tea that makes you say, "I love my tea”!
- Maury's Hive Tea Instagram
Rhythm Brewing Co. - New Haven
The first black and female-owned brewery in Connecticut... and the 4th in the country (hell, yes!!). The owner Alisa Bowens-Mercado, encourages customers to "find their rhythm with every sip" and hopes to change the world & the beer industry, one sip at a time!
- Rhythm Brewing Instagram
Capital Ice Cream - Hartford
Serving up desserts that dreams are made of, Capital Ice Cream claims to be the "Happy Place" in Hartford... and they're not wrong. While looking into this must try ice cream shop, we learned that at Capital Ice Cream, customers are invited to "pay it forward" by purchasing a kindness cone. These 'Kindness Cones' help Capital Ice Cream provide cones to families that might not have extra income to purchase an ice cream cone, or an ice cream cone for all members of their family.
- Capital Ice Cream Instagram
Natural Annies Essentials - Bridgeport
Natural Annies Essentials is a family-run candle business making non-toxic candles, that are each hand-poured by their small team of family members. Owner, Annie is heavily influenced by her Jamaican culture and has mastered the ability to use scents to transport others to a tropical place.
Their candle bar is an extension of their brand, and it's not to be missed! Offering fun sip and shop candle-making classes EVERY WEEKEND that allow you to visit their studio and experience the art of candle making.
- Natural Annies Essentials Instagram
The Singing Sliders - Torrington
“So good they’ll make you want to sing”! Sliding Sliders, a local CT food truck, serves up juicy sliders and sandwiches in the Torrington area. Owner, James Hanton, always had a passion for cooking and took it upon himself to share his love with others around him. Whether feeding the hungry or serving customers just passing by, he’s always cooking up something good. Try his classic favorites, the BBQ bowl or the pork sandwiches!
- The Singing Sliders Instagram
Isankofa - WILLIMANTIC, CT
effective, cruelty-free, all-natural skin care products. Founder, Sahra Deer, created her line of products out of love and concern and the driving passion for removing harsh chemicals from our deodorants to our everyday skin/beauty products. Their mission is to Educate the masses on sustainability and the importance of consciousness when shopping ethically, Isankofa will be a lifestyle, not just a product on the shelf.
