As you shop this holiday season, remember to sprinkle some melanin magic on the lists and fill those stockings with gifts from Sacramento Black-owned businesses. Shopping at Black-owned businesses for the holiday is a perfect way to contribute to the economic development of Black people while celebrating the spirit of the season. Black-owned businesses often face unique challenges in sustaining themselves because of systemic and historical economic barriers. By choosing to shop small, you not only discover unique and culturally rich products, but also directly invest in the dreams and aspirations of Black entrepreneurs. Here’s a guide to a few local Black-owned businesses that can help you put an amazing gift in the hands of the special people in your life.
Crystal Vibez at 613 Monroe St. is a haven for individuals seeking healing, balance, and mindfulness. This unique establishment serves as a comprehensive one-stop-shop for an array of spiritual and healing crystals. With a carefully handpicked selection, Crystal Vibez caters to individuals at every stage of their crystal journey, welcoming beginners, experienced practitioners and enthusiasts.
Founded by Bettina Cross in 2020, Crystal Vibez is more than just a retail space; it is a reflection of Bettina’s passion for holistic well-being and her belief in the transformative power of crystals. The store’s serene atmosphere invites visitors to explore the world of crystals and tap into their inherent healing energies.
Beyond crystals, Crystal Vibez may offer additional products and services that complement the spiritual journey, such as sun catcher and dream catchers.
Tap Wine Lounge is your connection to Black boutique wine brands. Nestled in the heart of the Del Paso Heights neighborhood at 1011 Del Paso Heights Blvd., Tap Wine Lounge offers a warm and inviting ambiance, providing patrons with a perfect space to unwind, celebrate special occasions, and savor a diverse selection of wines. What sets this unique lounge apart is its exclusive collection of Black-owned boutique wines, offering a distinctive experience for beginners and experienced wine drinkers. In addition to being a hub for wine connoisseurs, Tap Wine Lounge serves as a community gathering spot, fostering connections among patrons. As a thoughtful holiday gift, consider purchasing a few bottles of rare Black boutique wines, adding a touch of exclusivity to your celebrations.
Beyond its superb wine offerings, the lounge doubles as an art gallery, showcasing the talent of Sacramento-area artists. The walls feature artwork for sale, providing the perfect opportunity for art enthusiasts to discover and acquire unique pieces, making Tap Wine Lounge a destination not only for wine lovers but also for those seeking one-of-a-kind artistic finds.
Visit Tap Wine Lounge after 6 p.m. Friday-Monday or visit their website to purchase wine, art or a gift card.
ABAS is a unique clothing brand with a simple message. The company was founded by Nigerian immigrant Forouq Gidado. His complicated relationship with clothing growing up, not having access to the “right” type of clothing and being teased for that encouraged him to create his clothing line. But he didn’t just want people to wear clothes; he also wanted what people wear to send a positive message. The company’s name spawns from basketball trash talk in which he told his friend, “You’ve never been about anything.” To his surprise, his friend responded “I’ve always been about something.”
Who doesn’t love a gift with some meaning behind it? You can find sporting outfits, shirts, hats, jackets and beanies all created by Gidado himself. Shop his website to find the perfect gift for the person in your life who has always been about something.