A Guide to Portland’s Black Owned Businesses
Portland’s Black Owned Small Businesses Create Inspiration and Community
Black-owned small businesses are a year-round inspiration. Some of the most innovative food and creative offerings can be discovered right here in Portland!
This list is just a small fraction of the incredible Black-owned small businesses for you to add to your regular rotation! Check back regularly as we add more businesses for you to explore and enjoy!
Event cosmetics
Event Cosmetics is an independent beauty boutique founded by renowned national makeup artist, esthetician and bridal beauty expert Katherine Sealy. Located in the heart of downtown Event Cosmetics sells cosmetics, jewelry, bridal accessories, personal care and gifts including their own signature make-up and skincare range.
Known for their bridal beauty, makeup lessons and progressive clinical facials and spa treatments, Katherine and her team have created a fun, loving, caring, and personalized beauty experience.
DB DESSERTs
Since opening its doors in 2018, DB Dessert Company has quickly cultivated a following among locals, with its elaborate cupcakes and custom-designed celebration cakes.
DB Dessert Company is committed to providing superior quality desserts, pastries, and custom cakes. The custom bakery specializes in cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and more!
They offer new and returning flavors each month, so there’s always something fresh for you to explore. If you’re lucky you the red velvet – our personal favorite, will be on the menu!
Mister Ok’s essentials
⚡️Mister Ok’s Essentials has been pouring vibes since 2017 ⚡️
Breathing is critical; we do it without thinking twice about what's in the air, especially when burning a candle 🕯️
Located on NE Alberta, Mister OK's Essentials is a home and body essential care brand specializing in all-natural products for you and your home. Using the highest quality oils paired with a cedar wick to eliminate soot and 100% soy wax for longevity, Mister Ok’s products create experiences 🌬️
Influential Grooming Lounge
Influential Grooming Lounge is much more than a barbershop 💈✄
Located on MLK, the InfluentialGL is a social barber lounge that connects culture and community while providing superior haircuts and hairstyling services to everyone 🤗 The influence of this shop goes beyond the chair – a place where one can come be encouraged and empowered to be impactful and influential in their homes, workplace, schools, and community!💫
Third Eye Books
This bookshop lives in a cozy house just off Belmont Ave, and is filled with books and goods that have the power to motivate, inspire, restore or enhance a person’s cultural pride. Owners Seshat and Tehuti Neferhotep have created a bookstore that honors, celebrates and centers the work of Black authors. Seshat and Tehuti believe in the transformative power of stories told through diverse perspectives.
Their carefully curated collection spans everything from enchanting children's books that celebrate melanated heroes to self-care guides written specifically with communities of color in mind. Ready for something new and not sure where to start, Tehuti will help you find just the perfect read for you!
Dean’s Beauty Salon & Barbershop
Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes – and Dean’s Beauty Salon & Barbershop is no stranger to accommodating the diversity that is the Portland community.
Dean’s Beauty Salon & Barbershop is the oldest Black-owned business in Oregon. Kim Brown is the third generation operator of this family run business. She grew up at Dean’s Beauty Salon in Northeast Portland, which was founded in 1954 by her grandparents Benjamin and Mary “Rose” Dean from Birmingham, Alabama.
With four generations of clients, Dean’s became a community space where African-Americans could get more than a haircut or a style. If you needed a babysitter, a plumber, a lively conversation, even a job, Dean’s was a good place to start. She never looked back, even during the pandemic-caused closures, slowdowns and restrictions. Owning the salon outright helps and Kim is confident Dean’s will still be around if and when she retires. She said her two sons and second-in-command Sylvia Riley will keep the salon and the family legacy going.
Grand Gesture Books
How about an escape to the world of romance?! Head on down to the heart of Portland, where directly across from the grand Multnomah County Library, is Grand Gesture Books, a fun and delightful bookshop specializing in romance literature. This Black, queer, woman owned book store has something for everyone from stories of first loves to steamy, sexy romps. Pop in for some light or heavy reading. Grand Gesture has it all and is ready to knock your socks off.
eco vibe
Husband-and-wife team Len and Dre Allen have created the swoonworthy homegoods and lifestyle shop that is ECOVIBE! This urban oasis is lush with houseplants, pottery, textiles, kitchenware, candles, and gifts galore. Plan a visit for when you need some inspiration and spread the good vibes with presents for those people who appreciate thoughtfully chosen and eco-friendly goods.
Barnes & Morgan
Amir Morgan has created one of Portland’s most unique retail experiences with Barnes & Morgan. This tea lounge + bespoke fashion house reflects Amir’s dual passions for herbal teas and fashion design. The Old Town shop is an inviting space to quietly enjoy a weekend afternoon with a pot of tea, while the back of the shop is a full on design and and sew operation for Amir’s urban meets business-flex fine-tailored fashions. Hours are limited to Fridays through Sundays. Plan accordingly.
Tiny Little Cuppa
This darling little shop in the heart of downtown Portland evokes a delightful European coffee kiosk where you can pop in for a coffee and treat to fuel you on your daily quest. Serving up their signature and award winning Keia & Martin’s Coffee, Tiny Little Cuppa is likely to be a that friendly stop you look forward to returning to again and again.
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