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.
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.
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.
BEAUTY & SELF CARE
BONITA ABAKAH
Bonita Abakah, owner of Silked the Salon, is a creative, music lover, and foodie with a passion for beauty and business. With a degree in Communication Studies, she has built a thriving career in the hair industry, specializing in hair care, growth, thermal styling, and extensions. Bonita’s salon offers a serene space where clients leave feeling refreshed and styled to perfection.
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.
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.
Kosia asiamah
Ghana-native Kosia Asiamah, owner of Lumie Salon, has 20+ years of experience as one of NYC's top hair artists. Specializing in hair color, dry curly cuts, color correction, and balayage, she also serves as a color educator, empowering her team with techniques for creating stunning, effortless hair dimensions.
Armetta Jones
Armetta Jones, owner of Demetrius Hair Salon, offers private classes in trichology and hair replacement. With over 40 years of experience, Demetrius Day Spa & Beauty Salon has styled clients worldwide, including in NYC, Paris, and Senegal. Utilizing Biostetics, a natural method combining science and aesthetics, they deliver exceptional hair, scalp, and body care. Armetta invites you to experience personalized service that leaves you looking beautiful and feeling revitalized.
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 "Fresh" Thompson, owner of 7’s Barbershop, is a Maplewood native and Columbia High School graduate. For over 11 years, he’s delivered sharp, precise cuts while mastering the art of great conversation. At 7’s, we take the time to know our customers, so regulars rarely need to say what they want—we already know. If you’re looking for a friendly neighborhood spot for clean shaves and quality haircuts, 7’s Barbershop is the place for you.
DIANA DJEAN
Diana DJean is the owner of a Touch of Silver located inside The Leather Shop
TOUCH OF SILVER
69 S ORANGE AVE
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.
Gareth green
At GQ CUTZ, we focus on quality and craftsmanship of barbering along with mastering the art of customer service. One thing that never changes in society is the importance of personal hygiene and grooming, which we proudly specialize in. As customers come in, we provide them a welcoming space where they can come in and feel right at home. We cater to every style, hair texture and person, regardless of background or identity. We offer the opportunity to customize your service with hot towel, massage, skin exfoliation and much more. The experience we provide is therapeutic for the soul. We look forward to welcoming you in.
“It’s not just a haircut, it’s a lifestyle.”
GQ CUTZ
4 Sloan St, South Orange
Janelle & Florise
Owners, Florise and Janelle have been in the healthcare field as nurses for over 9 years. Through their personal experiences of the cosmetic post-op journey, they decided to put their versatility and dedication towards others for a well planned recovery process.
Java Flo Aesthetics
76 S Orange Ave ST07
SHOPPING & ARTS
BERNARD JACKSON
Bernard Jackson, owner of The Gallery at Vose, is an artist with a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of South Carolina. He previously worked at the Museum of African History in Detroit and as a scenic designer for movies and TV shows. He has contributed to multiple public art projects. Jackson believes art enhances the mind and body by providing self-expression, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving mood.
RON BROWN
Ron "Boogie" Brown, owner of Little Shop of Hip Hop, was a recording artist signed to Tuff City Records and one third of the hip hop group Priority One. As the group's sole rapper, they released the single "I Can't Go for That" in 1988 and the album Total Chaos in 1989. Known as the "Walking Hip Hop Encyclopedia," Ron's deep passion for all aspects of Hip Hop culture inspired him to open the Little Shop of Hip-Hop.
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
SERVICES
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.
Dr. L. Dawn Christian, D.D.S.
Dr. Christian, owner of Village Dental Group and a 1984 graduate of Howard University College of Dentistry, brings extensive experience in various aspects of dentistry. She collaborates with a team of specialists and emphasizes patient education, believing informed patients make better choices about their oral health. At Village Dental Group, the focus is on building trust, alleviating dental anxiety, and providing both restorative care and preventative education.
Claudine Baptiste
Claudine Baptiste, a Business Development Officer at BCB Community Bank, oversees the Essex County branches in South Orange, Maplewood, and Newark. With over 17 years at BCB, she takes pride in serving customers, supporting business growth, and helping people achieve homeownership and financial security. Claudine believes healthy finances are vital to overall health and well-being, as financial stability reduces stress and promotes better physical and mental health.
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, with 10 years of experience as a fitness instructor at NYC’s top clubs. He’s a certified Strength + Conditioning Coach, M.T.I.A. Instructor, and a former competitive Muay Thai Boxer and instructor with over 15 years of experience. Delon is dedicated to helping clients achieve and maintain peak physical performance, believing that health and fitness are lifestyle choices that require guidance and encouragement.
Brenda Hopper & Tatiyana Lofton
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.
Debbie Rembert
Debbie Rembert, owner of Concepts Dance Academy, believes all dancers, regardless of race or social status, should have access to professional training that can lead to successful careers. Beyond dance, the academy aims to instill life lessons, teamwork, and a sense of belonging, while mentoring students to develop both strong dance skills and strong character.
LAVONIA BEARFIELD
Lavonia Bearfield, owner of Angel’s Touch Lab Solutions, has over 20 years of experience in the medical field, working in various specialties including pediatrics, cardiology, pain management, and more. In 2014, after discovering a lack of mobile phlebotomy services in New Jersey, she launched Angel’s Touch Mobile Phlebotomy. Using her extensive experience, she took the leap of faith and grew the business into Angel’s Touch Lab Solutions, expanding its services to better serve the New Jersey community.
