The college will be closed December 24, 2024 at 2:00pm – January 1, 2025 for the holiday break.
Black-Owned Businesses in Syracuse
Shop Equitably
A PTK Project
Over the summer, our Phi Theta Kappa honor society leadership team conducted academic research, working to better understand racial inequality in our community. Through that research we found that racial inequality is a multi-faceted issue that takes on many forms and infiltrates many aspects of our society, from socio-economic inequality, to residential segregation, to formal and informal discrimination.
The Mission
It's simple: we wanted to affect positive socio-economic change in our community. We believe all effective work starts right in our communities with our neighbors.
This project, influenced by our research, can help with that goal.
Quick Facts
This project includes:
- 21 Black-owned businesses
- Involves a variety of industries
- All based out of CNY & Syracuse
Beauty Care
Owner Desiree Goodwin specializes in hair and beauty. Find her on Facebook at Infinite Design Hair and Beauty and at @infinitedesignusa on Instagram.
Owner Asia Matthews specializes in eyebrow care, microblading, and lash extensions. Find her on Facebook at Asia's Lash and Brow studio and at @browboss315 on Instagram.
Owner Venette Miller sells hair care products. Find her on social media at @juiceandberries_haircare.
Owner Shakera Kemp specializes in not only doing clients' hair, but also teaching them how to properly take care of their curly hair. Find her on social media at @thecusecurlfriend.
Owner Mila and her team provide manicures, pedicures, and deluxe spa services. Find them on Facebook at Fresh Spa Lounge.
This spa focuses on body wraps, facials, massage and more. The best way to contact the business is with a call to (315) 424-3772.
You'll find handmade body care products like bath salts, body butters, and more on this site. Order directly their or look it up on social @nais_naturals_.
Handcrafted Goods
Owner Erica Turner specializes in creating beaded jewelry. She's on Facebook as Love Line Jewelry and Designs and Instagram at @lovelinejewelry.
Owner Janay makes candles that focus on bringing relaxation and balancing your energy. You can also find them on social media at @sweetkarmacandles.
Sweet Karma Candles is currently offering free shipping to OCC students & staff with the code OCC2020
Owner Tenekqua Cauthen creates original jewelry that she sells on Etsy. You can also find the line at @ethchiq on Instagram.
Restaurants & Bakeries
Habiba's Ethiopian Kitchen
Get your fix of Ethiopian cuisine at this restaurant on 656 North Salina St. Find them on social media at @habibasehiopiankitchen. Please note: Habiba's is still currently closed due to COVID-related difficulties.
Ullys Mouity's restaurant serves up Central and Eastern African food to Central New Yorkers. They are on Facebook - just type in their name.
Owner Rayshell Burke makes soul food with an Asian twist. With a changing menu, you'll always have something new to try. Find it on social by typing in the name.
Tykemia Carman is one of the premier chocolatiers in CNY. Scoop up her delicious confections or check her out at @cravedessertstudio.
A bakery with cause, a portion of the profits benefit biliary atresia awareness and research. Check them out on Instagram, @sistasweetny.
Health & Wellness
Owner Shakela Freeman's goal is to improve the lives of community members through yoga and healthy eating choices. You can also check it out on Facebook as Blend Theory and Instagram @blendtheory.
Focused on the value of community, Cafe Sankofa seeks to provide the Southside of Syracuse with healthy food and community spaces. They are also on social media @cafesankofacoop.
This loose-leaf tea company offers a variety of tea blends. Find it on social media @210teas.
Owner Carlos Tearney offers martial arts classes to both children and adults. You can also find them on Facebook by searching the name.
Owner Dee Brooks focuses on healing the body and mind with this personal wellness practice. You can find it on social @breathewithreiki.
Clothing
Owner Steven Thompson's original clothing line and designs are all about having chill casual wear and a good time. You can also find this brand on Twitter @GVOclothing.
Designed to help you work out at your best. You can also find this brand on social media @regalathletics.
Children's clothing designed with the intent to inspire imagination and representation for children of color. You can also find this brand on social media @imichildrensboutique.
Other
Interior Design
This company focuses on furnishing the private and public sector, specifically in government, education, and healthcare settings. Find them on Facebook @rightpriceco.
Marketing & PR
La'Tonia Mertica Communications & Creatives Specialist
Run by La'Tonia Mertica Sheppard Walker, this business offers photography, videography, and written services. Her goal is to empower small businesses. Find it on Facebook @communicationoptimists.
Book Keeping
Owner & CEO Jackieleen Verdejo provides assistance with Quickbooks, data organization, financial management consulting, and more.
Media
This award-winning news website is proudly Black-owned.