SPOTLIGHTING SOUTH ORANGE DOWNTOWN BLACK ENTREPRENEURS
DINING
SHEWAYE YASSIN
Shewaye Yassin, owner of Walia Ethiopian Restaurant is a long time resident of South Orange. Her passion for food and entertaining led her to open Walia in 2013. At Walia they share their culture by introducing and serving authentic Ethiopian food, When people dine at Walia Shewaye wants them to feel like they are part of the family and at home.
MANNY ADELEYE
Local resident, Manny Adeleye, owner of now Kosher, The Dancing Blender is a self taught chef with a remarkable attention to detail, texture, mouthfeel and flavor combination. The Dancing Blender has been serving premium FUNCTIONAL smoothies and other healthy offerings in South Orange since 1996. It provides the community with access to healthy food options and health education.
SHARON & SHAUNA ARNETTE
This mother-daughter duo, Sharon and Shauna Arnette, owners of Elitist Coffee have lived in South Orange for the past nine years. Elitist Coffee is a paradise for coffee lovers and enthusiasts with the mission of offering a positive experience to all. Sharon and Shauna serve a quality stock of premium coffee beans that come from farmers, who are not only committed to the health of Earth's ecosystem, but also to the fair treatment of their own workers.
YANICK RAINERI
Originally from Haiti, Yanick Ranieri, owner of Papillon 25 was born with a passion and eye for food. She strives to provide her customers with the perfect meal and best experience. Papillon 25 is a sophisticated restaurant & martini bar that will take you around the world without you ever having to book a flight. Your palate will thank you.
BEAUTY & SELF CARE
BONITA ABAKAH
Bonita Abakah, owner of Silked the Salon is an easy going creative, music lover and foodie with an affinity for beauty & business. Although Bonita holds a Bachelors degree in Communications Studies, her passion for hair, beauty, and business has lead to a successful career. Bonita has made her mark in the Hair industry with her expertise in hair care, growth, thermal styling, weaving and extension services. Bonita operates in a serene atmosphere where clients can feel at peace and leave with a stellar style.
Ron Brown
Ron “Boogie” Brown, owner of Little Shop of Hip Hop was a recording artist signed to Tuff City Records. Being one third of the hip hop group Priority One, he was the lone rapper of the group. Priority One released a single in 1988 titled "I can't go for that", which was followed by a full length album in 1989 titled "Total Chaos". With his vast knowledge of Hip Hop Culture he is known as the "Walking Hip Hop Encyclopedia" to most of his friends. Ron's love of all aspects of Hip Hop culture is what lead him to open up the Little Shop of Hip-Hop.
Chris Chery & Byron George
Chris and Byron owners of S.O.C.A. (South Orange Collective Artists) Tattoo Studio is the first tattoo studio in South Orange. The Tagline for the Studio is We are the vibe.
The S.O.C.A. Studio operates Monday through Sunday from 11 am until 9 pm. One can call ahead for an appointment or just walk in and one of the Tattooists will be happy to help you.
KY CLORY
Ky Clory, owner of Global Hair Image has over 20 years in the beauty industry, opening her first fully functioning salon at the age of twenty-two. She curates and provides an array of services to be a one-stop shop for all of your beauty needs! Her Beauty Bar currently offers high-end hair extensions, full body waxing, fully certified eye brow and lash technicians as well as semi-permanent make up services. Ky also offers eye lash certification classes.
Kosia asiamah
Ghana-native, Kosia Asiamah owner of Lumie Salon has over 20 years of experience as one of NYC’s most sought after hair artists. Kosia boasts expertise in hair color, dry curly cuts, color correction and balayage. She is a color educator and empowers her team of stylists with techniques that create beautiful and effortless dimensions in the hair.
“We know that your hair is an extension of you and our job is to equip you with an effective, simple, doable hair care routine. We believe in simple pleasures, healthy solutions, and feeling beautiful everyday.”
ALEX DENNIS
Alex Dennis is the owner of Desire Hair Salon II
Offering hair cuts for men, women and kids
DOUGLAS THOMPSON AKA FRESH
Douglas Thompson aka “Fresh”, the owner of 7’s Barbershop is a Maplewood native and Columbia High School Graduate. He always keeps his razors sharp to ensure a clean, precise cut. For over 11 years they've mastered the art of trimming hair while keeping up a steady stream of conversation if that's what you're up for. We take the time to get to know each customer, and most of them come back so often that they don't even need to tell us what they want--we already know. If you're looking for a friendly neighborhood spot that offers good clean shaves and well-done haircuts, we're the barbershop for you.
Armetta Jones
Armetta Jones, owner of Demetrius Hair Salon teaches private classes in trichology and hair replacement. She has styled hair for shows around the world including NYC, Paris and Senegal. For over 40 years Demetrius Day Spa & Beauty Salon has been devoted to providing a unique experience for their clients. The utilization of Biostetics, a naturally derived hair, scalp, skin and body care method which combines scientific knowledge and aesthetic techniques, allows them to offer an excellent level of hair, scalp and body care. She invites you to let Demetrius provide a level of service that will leave you looking beautiful and feeling revitalized.
Rayon Mclean
Rayon Mclean, owner of Steel Mclean is intensely committed to providing a very high level of customer service. We have our own premium hair and skincare product line, SteelMclean Products, which consists of products of high quality, natural ingredients that are effective and gentle on your hair and skin.
Product Feature: SteelMclean Parallel, the perfect anti-bump agent for relief from skin irritation caused by shaving, waxing and clogged pores. This hyperactive cream exfoliates dead skin rapidly and gently, reducing the appearance of bumps, dark marks and fine lines. Medicinal extracts rebalance and rejuvenate new cells, improving skin texture and appearance.
SHOPPING & ARTS
BERNARD JACKSON
Bernard Jackson is an artist and the owner of The Gallery at Vose. He previously worked at the Museum of African History in Detroit and was a scenic designer for many movies and television shows. He has Masters in Fine Arts from the University of South Carolina and has worked on multiple public art projects. Art helps the mid and body in ways like nothing else. It allows you to express yourself and through art you can feel less stressed, lower blood pressure and a better mood.
Make it stand out
Nikia Bomar, owner of FittingRoomGala is a true fashionista. FittingRoomGala is a style and fashion boutique for women to look and feel glamorous and stylish. One of Nikia’s goals is to aspire women of all sizes to be confident and fashion-forward. She wants to help women gain and embrace their sense of fashion & style through her boutique experience. The boutique offers selected items to purchase, and accessories to purchase on consignment. Nikia carefully hand selects and sources all garments domestically and internationally. Additionally, some clothing items are uniquely designed and hand made by Nikia.
Betty, Mattie & DELORES
Love You Girl Foundation's mission is to empower victims, survivors and advocates by educating and creating awareness of domestic violence and to support domestic violence organizations by volunteering and via our fund raising activities.
Love You Girl Foundation Boutique and Events is a place to shop, celebrate and support.
LOVE YOU GIRL FOUNDATION BOUTIQUE & EVENTS
76 S ORANGE AVE LL 02
DIANA DJEAN
Diana DJean is the owner of a Touch of Silver located inside The Leather Shop
TOUCH OF SILVER
69 S ORANGE AVE
Wokie Nwabueze
Wokie Nwabueze owner of Daily Greatness at The Co-Lab South Orange
57 S Orange Ave
RON BROWN
Ron “Boogie” Brown, owner of Little Shop of Hip Hop was a recording artist signed to Tuff City Records. Being one third of the hip hop group Priority One, he was the lone rapper of the group. Priority One released a single in 1988 titled "I can't go for that", which was followed by a full length album in 1989 titled "Total Chaos". With his vast knowledge of Hip Hop Culture he is known as the "Walking Hip Hop Encyclopedia" to most of his friends. Ron's love of all aspects of Hip Hop culture is what lead him to open up the Little Shop of Hip-Hop.
SERVICES
Dr. L. Dawn Christian, D.D.S.
Dr. Christian, owner of Village Dental Group graduated from Howard University College of Dentistry in 1984. She is experienced in many phases of Dentistry and works with a respected group of specialists. “We believe our patients deserve to have the information needed to make good choices about their oral health. We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options. We feel this will lead to a more trusting doctor/patient relationship and, for many people, relieve the stress they feel about seeing a dentist. Village Dental Group is dedicated not only to restoring patient’s teeth and gums to health, but focuses on preventative dental care and patient education.”
Guerlyne Millington
Guerlyne Millington, owner of Little Stages goal is to have a family-oriented environment with a philosophy that believes in supporting all families. The program and curriculum encourages a child's individual development while embracing and scaffolding the learning process to make it fun and welcoming. The cozy environment is specifically designed for a child’s well-being while they grow and learn with the support for every child’s style of learning
Claudine Baptiste
Claudine Baptiste is a Business Development Officer at BCB Community Bank and is responsible for the Essex County Branch locations located in the South Orange, Maplewood and Newark Markets. Claudine has enjoyed working at BCB Community Bank for over 17 years and takes great pride in serving her customers, watching businesses grow and helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership and financial security. Financial difficulties and stress contribute to poor health, both physically and mentally. Healthy finances are an essential part of your overall health and well-being. Financial well-being contributes to overall health and well-being.
Krya Harrison
Krya Harrison, owner of North Star Realty advocates for clients not only as a Real Estate Broker, but also as an engaged member of the town and chamber of commerce. With unparalleled industry knowledge, 15 years experience and local expertise, working with Krya is a huge win for her clients.
JACQUELINE HUNTER
Jacqueline says, "As a SOMA native and seasoned real estate professional, I recognize and value the trust my clients place in me. I take pride in giving back to my community and serve as a Board Member of the South Mountain YMCA in Maplewood. With my comprehensive market knowledge let me help you find your next home!"
ESE CROSETT
Ese Crosett is the owner of the Little Brain Lab play space. The first and only play space of it’s kind in the South Orange and Maplewood area.
You can reserve a 90 minute open play spot for children under 6, host a birthday party or join as a member.
JODI CAMPBELL
Jodi is a realtor salesperson with Hearth Realty Group
RODNEY FONTIL
Rodney is a realtor salesperson with Hearth Realty Group dedicated to providing exceptional customer care and market knowledge for a seamless and successful experience.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
DELON NELSON
Delon Nelson is the owner and founder of D&I Fitness. He is a 10 year veteran fitness instructor at NYC’s top fitness clubs and a certified Strength + Conditioning Coach. He is also a certified M.T.I.A. Instructor, a former competitive Muay Thai Boxer and Muay Thai Boxing instructor for over 15 years. Delon knows what it takes to help his clients reach their peak physical performance and stay there. He believes that health and fitness are lifestyle choices, and he empowers his clients with the guidance and encouragement they need to make those choices.
Debbie Rembert
Debbie Rembert owner of Concepts Dance Academy believes that all dancers regardless of their race or social status should have the opportunity to receive professional training that could lead them to successful careers in the professional dance industry. This goes well beyond the focus of just dancing. Its purpose is to also instill life lessons and a sense of teamwork and belonging in its company members. The goal of the company is to not only develop strong dancers, but to mentor students to become individuals of strong character.
LAVONIA BEARFIELD
Lavonia Bearfield is owner Angel’s Touch Lab Solutions and has been a part of the medical field for over 20 years. She worked her career by gaining as much experience as possible. She worked for many different doctor's offices, pediatrics, internal medicine, infection disease, cardiology, pain management, geriatric, blood banks, inpatient labs, and many more.
She started to research mobile phlebotomy and found out that it was far and few in the state of New Jersey. That's when Angel's Touch Mobile Phlebotomy service was born in 2014.
She used the experience she gained throughout the years and jumped in with both feet and never looked back! She had no clue what direction the business will be going into but she had faith that it was going to be successful - and now she has Angel's Touch Lab Solutions - with a wider and broader range of services meant to serve her community in New Jersey
Make it stand out
Brenda Hopper and Tatiyana Lofton are the owners of CannaBoy Tree House, the first cannabis store in South Orange. In order to live a higher quality life, maintaining optimal wellness is key. Everything we feel and do relates to our well-being and directly affects our actions and emotions. In order to subdue stress, reduce pain, and ensure positive moments in your life, you must achieve optimal wellness. Choose CBD as your vehicle to a more fulfilling life.
