Entrepreneurship drives the economy, and there is no place where the impact of Black business owners is more evident than in the Dallas area. Almost one-quarter of Dallas startups are minority-owned, with annual sales topping $3 billion. Black-owned business is definitely booming, and those who buy lakeside homes have many opportunities to support these entrepreneurs.
The DFW metro boasted the ninth-highest percentage of minority-owned businesses in the country. And while the percentage of minorities making up the general population still exceeds the number of Black-owned businesses, the gap is closing. Whether you want to get fit, find delicious food, read a good book, or develop a whole new look, the scope and variety of Black-owned businesses in Dallas provide something for every need and want, thanks to creative, hard-working entrepreneurs like these rising stars in the Dallas business scene.
Get fit
GRIT Fitness
Photo courtesy of GRIT FitnessBrit Rettig Wold started GRIT Fitness in 2015. Her goal was to create a fitness environment based on perseverance, endurance, and passion. GRIT now operates three area centers plus has a virtual presence serving clients worldwide. Inspiring instructors lead creative classes designed to inspire lifetime fitness for those who own lakeside homes and other Dallas residents.
JourneyFit
Former coach and athlete Victoria Thomas’ has trained some of the top high school athletes in the world. She brings this passion and experience to her sports fitness philosophy to “Train Hard. Win.” But that doesn’t mean JourneyFit is just for athletes. No matter where you are in your fitness journey, JourneFit fosters mental strength to achieve physical fitness goals and personalized training programs to develop a lifestyle of fitness.
BeatBodyz
Photo courtesy of BeatBodyzTo jump-start your fitness goals, BeatBodyz “2-Week Turnaround” program helps committed members experience dramatic improvements in just two weeks. BeatBodyz hopes to inspire a healthy eating and fitness lifestyle for more energy and good health.
Amp up your style
Good Cycle
Nikayla Golatt-Barrett founded Good Cycle in 2020 with an ongoing commitment to serving the community and creating a space where people can gather and connect with one another. Its inventory of unisex vintage clothing and accessories is personally curated by Nikayla.
Glamore
Glamore was started by Yemi Solomon, trailblazing fashionista and image consultant. Glamore focuses on helping owners of lakeside homes find their own discerning styles, and its designer clothing and statement pieces are unique and not sold elsewhere.
Get lost in a good book
The Dock Bookshop
Photo courtesy of ForthWorth.comThe Dock Bookshop opened in 2008 and has grown to be one of the largest full-service bookstores in Texas. In addition to a wide selection of books, gifts, and media, The Dock remains social conscious, hosting programs, talks, and authors to address social issues.
Pan African Connections
Pan African Connections provides a wide range of books and art that are designed to connect African people with their shared history and culture. They seek to engage and build this supportive community through artistic and creative expressions — from art to poetry to music and more.
Satisfy your sweet tooth
Kessler Baking Studio
Photo courtesy of Dallas ObserverClyde Greenhouse, aka “the bowtie baker,” is the baking genius behind Kessler Baking Studio. A 2020 James Beard Nominee for Outstanding Baker, Clyde’s creative expertise elevates the craft and quality of Kessler’s handcrafted sweets.
Val’s Cheesecakes
Inspired by his love of baking with his Haitian mother, Marie, Val’s cheesecakes and shop vibes remain a daily tribute to his mom. With whole cheesecakes, cheesecake slices, and cheesecake in a jar, Val’s Cheesecakes has a flavor and size to satisfy the sweet tooth of owners of lakeside homes.
Kookie Haven
Kookie Haven was started when three sisters cooked up a way to reopen a family business that had been closed for over a decade. Using time-tested recipes from their mom (Ms. Kookie), Kookie Haven’s team is dedicated to providing top-notch customer service and creating the ultimate cookie experience.
Rise and grind
Black Coffee
Photo courtesy of Black CoffeeAt an early age, Black Coffee founder Mia Moss discovered a love for coffee and how people could genuinely connect over a cup of good coffee. Seeing a need for a coffee shop on the east side, she opened Black Coffee to serve the community a great cup of coffee with a side of connecting with others.
The creative side
CK Creative Studio
Cimone Key, the “CK” behind CK Creative Studio started the boutique agency in 2015 to provide digital marketing, social media, and branding services. They currently serve clients large and small, including Fortune 500 brands, helping them find their own authentic voice.
Mogul Millennial
Mogul Millennial is a Black-owned resource for other minority entrepreneurs. Its comprehensive media platform supports entrepreneurs with relevant content, programming, and data-driven solutions to help build careers and launch successful business ventures.
Look your best
The Glam Lounge
Chamonique Short, the owner of The Glam Lounge, is a celebrity makeup artist better known as “Glam by Cham” She artfully combines glamour and sophistication for clients of The Glam Lounge
Duke’s Hair Studio
Founder Patti Shannon’s full-service salon Duke’s provides customers professional services and an exclusive luxury experience. Patti embraces the art and science of beauty and serves as a mentor to other stylist entrepreneurs.
The Fade Shop
Ozell Graham’s love of hair styling began when he was in the Army, giving free haircuts to fellow service members to boost morale. When he returned to civilian life, he eventually fulfilled his dream of owning his own shop, opening the first Fade Shop in 2005. The business has grown and added locations and services. Its notoriety has attracted celebrities and musicians, but the shop always stays true to its origins of serving those who own lakeside homes and other residents of the city.
Resources for Black business owners
These are just a small sampling of the many incredible Black-owned businesses in the Dallas area. If you are an entrepreneur yourself, there are resources available to minority-owned businesses, including access to a Black Realtor. If you are interested in moving to or investing in the vibrant Dallas market and would like to contact a Black real estate agent, you can contact Kevin McDonald.
Kevin McDonald is a well-established Realtor in the Dallas area market, specializing in lakeside homes and luxury communities. Kevin McDonald knows the ins and outs of the business and can help connect buyers and investors with the right property to meet their needs. If you are interested in lakeside homes in Mira Lagos, Viridian, or Lakeridge, Kevin can help you find the home of your dreams. If you’re looking for something beyond lakeside homes, he also handles properties in exclusively upscale Grady Niblo, Victory Park, and Shenandoah. Contact Kevin today.
