Looking for a new restaurant, beauty service or boutique that is local and Black-owned? Here is a list of nine Black-owned businesses to support in the Bloomington-Normal area:
Nailed It! By Jackie J
This online business highlights a variety of custom press-on nails. Some nail sets can be made to order while others are one-of-a-kind and exclusive.
The website offers a virtual press-on consultation with Jackie J to find out all there is to know regarding press-on nails. The business also has its own loyalty program.
More information can be found online.
The Healing Collective
This business offers all types of healing services including massages, reiki, yoga, counseling and more. The owner of The Healing Collective emphasizes her goal of healing trauma through therapeutic practices.
This Healing Collective offers all types of healing services including massages, reiki, yoga, counseling and more. It is located at 305 E. Front St. in Bloomington.
The Healing Collective is located at 305 E. Front St. in Bloomington. More information about services or booking an appointment can be found at its website.
Bandana’s BBQ
This restaurant offers pick-up and delivery as well as catering of its wide range of barbeque. Bandana’s BBQ has award-winning ribs that are dry rubbed and served with garlic bread and a choice of two additional sides.
It is located at 502 IAA Drive in Bloomington. A further look at Bandana’s BBQ’s variety of food can be found in its menu.
MiMi’s Boutique
This fashion boutique is known for its African cultural clothing. More specifically the shop sells Ankara African-print skirts, dashikis, handmade African-print bags, jewelry and waist beads.
MiMi’s Boutique is known for its African cultural clothing. The shop sells Ankara African print skirts, dashikis, handmade African print bags, jewelry and waist beads. The business is located at 1615 E. Empire St. in Bloomington inside of Eastland Mall.
MiMi’s Boutique just relocated as of Saturday to 1615 E. Empire St. in Bloomington inside of Eastland Mall.
More information can be found on the boutique’s website as well as its Facebook page.
Brown Sugar Dessert Bar
This business can satisfy a sweet tooth with its wide variety of sweet treats.
The bakery sells cheesecakes, cupcakes, cookie cakes, brownie cakes and more. It also caters for baby showers, birthdays, weddings, graduation parties and more.
Brown Sugar Dessert Bar can be contacted through its email, brownsugardessertbar@gmail.com.
Walking Visions
This photography/cinematography business does graphic design, headshots, graduation photos, wedding and engagement photos and more. The owner, Lavance Walker, is a photographer, videographer, educator and a spoken-word artist.
Walking Visions is located at 1102 S. Main St. in Bloomington. The business consists of a team of 14 people who work behind the camera.
Availability to book a session can be found at Walking Visions’ website.
Maximized Beauty Studio
This beauty salon offers services such as protective hairstyles, hair treatments, professional makeup and maintenance. The owner, Florence Maxison, is a professional makeup artist and a licensed natural hair care professional.
Maximized Beauty Studio is located at 409 S. Center St. Suite B in Bloomington.
More information on how to book an appointment can be found on its website.
Anthony’s Southern Sauces
This business consists of homemade natural sauces intended for dipping, crock pots or with meats, veggies or eggs. Anthony’s Southern Sauce original comes as either sassy or mild and is meant to be enjoyed hot or cold.
To learn more about the company’s backstory or to purchase some southern sauce, visit its website.
Underground Barbershop
This barbershop has a variety of its work displayed on its website’s homepage. According to its website, this company values dedication, excellence and customer service.
Underground Barbershop is located at 1531 E. College in Normal. More information can be found by contacting the shop at (309) 585-0351 or by viewing its website.
ANNIE LAMONTAGNA is a News and Features Reporter for The Vidette. LaMontagna can be contacted at Atlamo1@ilstu.edu. Follow Lamontagna on Twitter at @AnnieLaMontagna
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