Scouted Black-Owned Businesses in the Mid-Atlantic You Should Know About

While we believe these businesses should be on your radar year-round, in honor of National Black Business month, in the second of a three-part series, we’re shining the spotlight on those in the Mid-Atlantic portion of the country. Follow them on Instagram, explore their products and services, and plan to meet the owners at the helm of these incredible businesses when you’re in these Scouted cities.

Photography by Ashley Cox.

BUSINESS: Jason Becton, MarieBette Café & Bakery
LOCATION: Charlottesville, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Jason Becton, along with his partner Patrick Evans, are committed to making life more delicious with flour and butter. In addition to creating the most delicious European-inspired fare, they also combine their art and storytelling backgrounds to create edible works of art featuring portraits on their sourdough bread and flourless chocolate cake to tell the stories of people who have been instrumental in the Black and LGBTQ community.

Photography by Jen Fariello.

BUSINESS: Tiffany Rosales, Commonwealth Cake Company
LOCATION: Charlottesville, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: A true artist who has turned her passion into a business. She gets to know each couple and custom designs their wedding cake to reflect their personality, style, and love story.

Photography by By Jacqui Photography.

BUSINESS: Epiphany Wilcox, Piffy Boutique
LOCATION: Richmond, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Piffy Boutique brings an energy and excitement to the Westhampton neighborhood, thanks to Epiphany’s knack for providing current fashion choices for a wide range of clients.

Photography by Clarissa Villondo.

BUSINESS: Asha Maía Maxey, Asha Maía Design
LOCATION: Alexandria, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: A true gem to work with, Asha provides thoughtful, personalized designs that alway meet her clients needs.

Photography by Sarah Marcella.

BUSINESS: Nikita Montgomery, Hazel O. Salon
LOCATION: Alexandria, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: A sweet origin story and talent to boot, Nikita has created an inclusive and welcoming environment for all people and all hair types.

Photography by Sarah Marcella.

BUSINESS: Nakia Kelly, Stitched by NPK
LOCATION: Washington, D.C. area
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: A warm personality and a gentle heart, Nakia’s beautifully creative work speaks for itself.

Photography by Clarissa Villondo.

BUSINESS: Dr. Angela Austin, Little Dental Studio
LOCATION: Alexandria, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Dr. Angela provides a unique, warm, and inviting experience for both children and their families. Being a mom and a pediatric dentist gives her  special insight, treating each of her patients as if they were her own children.

Photography by Sara Harris.

BUSINESS: Crystal Mann, Blissful Journey Yoga
LOCATION: Richmond, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Committed to enlightening and empowering others through the teachings and philosophy of yoga and the practice of reiki and meditation, Crystal brings luxurious and accessible yoga retreats across the globe, while also delivering private, group, and community classes in the Richmond area.

Photography by Sara Harris.

BUSINESS: Lakesha Brown-Renfro, Nzinga Teule-Hekima, and Tanecia Willis, Simply Panache Groupe
LOCATION: Hampton, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: A group of incredible entrepreneurs and community leaders, these talented women own and operate a bistro, event venue, hotel, spa, lounge, and cafeteria in Hampton. Featured on Shark Tank, QVC, Food Paradise and more, their success is no longer just a local secret.

Photography by Sara Harris.

BUSINESS: Tanya Frazier, Graceful Designs
LOCATION: Newport News, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: A talented florist and stylist, Tanya’s award-winning floral design and event planning company has received recognition and multiple accolades from those in the know. Her attention to detail and care for her clients is the perfect prescription for making event dreams come true.

Photography by Sara Harris.

BUSINESS: Aisha Rogers, Ribbon’s Creative Balloons
LOCATION: Hampton, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Founder, owner, and lead balloon artist for Ribbons Creative Balloons, Aisha is always the highlight of any event, creating the most stunning, high-quality balloon decor you can imagine.