Experience Downtown Blog

Support Local, Black-Owned Businesses this Holiday

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It's that time of year again! The shopping frenzy is back for the holiday season, and local businesses need your support more than ever. This year, support Milwaukee's Black-owned and local businesses by purchasing one-of-a-kind gifts and gift cards for everyone on your checklist.

The Bronzeville Collective MKE

Featuring nearly 25 Black-owned retailers under one roof, The Bronzeville Collective MKE is located at 339 W. North Avenue. This emporium features specialty items, including FlyBlooms, where owner Tiffany Miller sells her fashion line, including bold print handbags, jewelry, clutches, African headwraps, and more. Other retailers include BCMKE, Papyrus & Charms, Distinctive Designs, BeElegant, Alice's Garden, AllahMode, CopyWrite Magazine, Diana's Designs, Indigo Thyme, Instant Karma, J.Riley, Mikey Apollo, NaturalE Beautiful, Quiescent Candles, ReHughes Designs, and Xeroine Illustrations. Calling in advance of your visit is encouraged. The Bronzeville Collective MKE is open Wednesday through Friday, 12 pm - 6 pm, and weekends, 12 pm - 5 pm.

Sherman Phoenix 

For a mix of gourmet goods, food and gifts, visit the Sherman Phoenix located at 3536 W. Fond du Lac Avenue in Milwaukee's Sherman Park neighborhood. Enjoy a treat from Lush Popcorn, Purple Door Ice Cream,  Funky Fresh Egg Rolls, Buffalo Boss, Sauce & Spice Pizza, or Confectionately Yours (open Friday and Saturday only). Then, treat yourself to salon services from Theresa Do My Nails, 2 Kings Barber Shop, Hello Beautiful!, Shampoo'ed Hair Salon, Rhoyal Trinity Sisterlock Consultants, and The Lash Factory. Other services include 9th Cloud Message Therapy, Bloom Art Therapies, Honeybee Sage Wellness & Apothecary, AMRI Counseling, and Hands at Home. For a unique gift idea, try None Above, a boutique that specializes in customized airbrush shoes for local clients and professional athletes. Calling in advance of your visit is encouraged. The Sherman Phoenix is open for curbside and carry-out, Tuesday - Friday, 11 am - 6 pm, and Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm.

Shop Local, Shop Online

Perhaps you're looking to shop locally, online this year. Owner Aureal Ojeda opened Outwoken Small Farm Teas, which supports families by directly sourcing herbal tea from small tea farms. The company uses biodegradable, compostable, and eco-friendly packaging. For more local stocking stuffers, check out Center Street Wellness, owned by Alexander Hagler and Joseph (Joe) Ferch. This online marketplace of wellness products ranges from herbal tea blends and superfoods to bath salts and candles. Support the Milwaukee Wellness Collection here.

For additional Black-owned, local businesses, visit Black MKE's business directory here.