August is National Black Business Month, and Virginia has many significant and unique Black-owned businesses.
From the coast to the mountains, Virginia’s home to a plethora of minority-owned businesses—and August is the dedicated month to show support and thanks for their vast contributions to the local economy.
While August is National Black Business Month, support for Black businesses continues year-round. Whether you’re shopping to round out the summer season or are looking to jumpstart your fall, here are some of our favorite Black-owned businesses across the commonwealth.
Jus Pop’n (Fredericksburg)
Do you have a craving for gourmet popcorn? Then be sure to check out Jus Pop’n in historic downtown Fredericksburg. Founded by Carolyn Gipson, Jus Pop’n has delicious popcorn for every occasion—and if their mouthwatering popcorn isn’t enough, this business is also dedicated to serving its community by supporting several nonprofits.
Jus Pop’n is a minority and woman-owned business. In the words of Gipson: “I wanted to show my children, grandchildren, minorities, and minority women that there is opportunity out there– we just have to make it happen.”
Sassy Jones Boutique (Richmond)
Sassy Jones has all your couture jewelry, clothing, and makeup needs. Whether you visit their brick-and-mortar store on West Broad Street or visit them online, you can enjoy fabulous, hand-curated pieces by store owner Charis Jones.
With each purchase, Sassy Jones donates funds to the Sassy Jones Foundation’s work in Kenya. This foundation works to help impoverished young Kenyan women by building dormitories and aiding in women’s health and wellness battles. Support a business that gives back during this National Black Business Month by checking out Sassy Jones.
Walton Art Gallery (Petersburg)
The Walton Art Gallery is a dazzling and important space for Black artists to showcase their work. While this gallery displays all kinds of work from different artists, because it is minority-owned and operated, the Walton Gallery has become a unique, go-to space to view and buy art from African American artists and artisans.
The gallery’s shows are free for public viewing, with new exhibits changing monthly—so if you want to stop by for a look or want to grow your art collection, visit the Walton Art Gallery in Petersburg.
Oshun Organics (Lynchburg)
It can be difficult to find cruelty-, dye-, sulfate-, and chemical-free skin and haircare products these days, but Oshun Organics makes its products from scratch right here in the commonwealth. At Oshun Organics, all their products are no-nonsense, plant-based, and good for the environment and the body.
This Black-owned business is based out of Lynchburg and does its best to keep every step of its product manufacturing process as ethical as possible. Oshun Organics’ first step toward responsible manufacturing starts with their ingredients. This company ethically sources its shea butter from Ghana, where outsourcing products not only helps the economy, but also where fair trade practices support local workers.
Penny’s Wine Shop (Richmond)
Penny’s Wine Shop is a hotspot for delicious natural wine and ever-changing season pairing menus. Opened in 2022 by best friend duo Lance Lemon and Kristen Gardner Beal, Penny’s is the go-to spot to refine your palate. Since opening, this wine and tapas restaurant has sky-rocketed in popularity.
Located in the historic Black neighborhood, Jackson Ward, Penny’s owners are happy to continue the history of running a flourishing Black-owned business like so many that have come before it. Penny’s name comes from Black business owner Maggie L. Walker, who opened a bank in Jackson Ward in 1903, S. Luke’s Penny Savings Bank. Take part in history this month by supporting Penny’s Wine Shop.
Unique Styles & Designs Floral Boutique (Martinsville)
Located in Martinsville, Unique Styles & Designs Floral Boutique has all of your floral and decorative needs. Whether you’re celebrating a new birth, planning a wedding, sending a meaningful gift, or decorating your home, Unique Boutique has it all.
This Black-owned business is here for you in the happiest and hardest of times, so be sure to give them your support.