Jera’s Heavenly Sweet and Jikoni Toledo are just two of several Black-owned businesses in the Glass City. There’s been a spike in support during February.
TOLEDO, Ohio — As Black History Month comes to an end, local Black-owned businesses in Toledo are seeing a welcome spike in customers and attention.
Business owners like Jera Stewart, who runs Jera’s Heavenly Sweets, say February brings a noticeable increase in sales as people look to honor Black history and culture by supporting Black-owned businesses.
“I definitely see a spike during Black History Month,” Stewart said. “People were calling and companies say, ‘We want to support a Black-owned business, so we want to buy from you.’ So, we’re like, great, we appreciate it.”
But Stewart hopes that support extends beyond just one month a year. Rising costs from inflation have made year-round business even more critical.
“I need you all year,” she said. “Especially now with inflation, I need you all year.”
For Tom Otieno, owner of Jikoni Food Truck, Black History Month offers another platform to share his culture and culinary knowledge.
As part of the Toledo library system’s Black History Month program, Otieno hosted spice master classes, teaching the history of African spices.
Originally from Nigeria, Otieno values owning his business and sharing his heritage with the community.
“It’s good to own something of your own and to share your culture with other people,” he said.
Otieno made headlines in January after his food truck was stolen. Thanks to strong community support, he expects to replace it soon.
He encourages others — especially minorities — to pursue their business dreams, even when it gets hard.
“If you want to see something that’s in your heart, do it,” he said. “If you fail, at least you tried it. I feel like living with regret is worse than not trying at all.”
The Toledo Chamber of Commerce currently lists 143 Black-owned businesses in the city, though the actual number could be higher.
Stewart hopes the community supports Black-owned businesses year-round, and more entrepreneurs join the ranks.
“It is hard. There’s no doubt about it,” she said. “Anything that’s worth it is hard, it’s a struggle. But you can do it.”