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Get your retail fix through these unique stores and online businesses that offer everything from spices and skincare to books and boxing.
Founded by Ramunda and Derrick Young and named after their daughter, MahoganyBooks has been a purveyor of titles that focus on the Black experience and culture since 2007, amassing one of the most impressive inventories you can find. The Youngs strive to connect communities through reading, writing and astute cultural awareness. The husband-and-wife duo maintain a diverse online selection in addition to their storefront at National Harbor. Read more about the store and the Youngs on blackbooksmatter.com, MahoganyBooks’ website, which is filled with fantastic recommendations and reading lists.
Nestled in the Anacostia Arts Center, Nubian Hueman has its own intriguing backstory. In her work for a national fashion brand, Anika Hobbs realized something was missing: large brands did not engage customers with handmade, artisan products from around the world, limiting their purview to the status quo. By 2013, Hobbs had opened her store, which is now complete with her signature feathered earrings along with a range of other offerings, including men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry, bags, scarves, footwear and much, much more.
1241 Marion Barry Avenue SE, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20020
With sharp, distinctive clothing and a store that vibes like an art gallery, The Museum is a hot spot for those chasing the latest fashion. Located on Rhode Island Avenue, the shop features footwear, apparel, artwork and collectibles, both from The Museum brand and nationally recognized lines. The Museum posts some of its coolest offerings and advertises its online pop-up shops on Instagram – make sure to give ‘em a follow before or after you visit the store.
Angel Anderson’s story is now part of DC lore thanks to the fact that The Spice Suite has become a sensation, but we’ll recap it anyway: while working as an assistant principal at a local charter school, Anderson spotted a building for lease on her way home from a nearby nail salon. On the spot, she decided she would purchase the space and turn it into a spice shop. And voila: six years later, Anderson has built an adoring customer base with her exquisite spices and her shop has hosted more than 400 pop-up shops from local, Black-owned businesses. Note that you can only browse Anderson’s full selection of spices at her shop on Channing St. NE; however, for online shoppers, she’ll craft a SPICEbox with an array of unique flavors.
2201 Channing Street NE, Washington, DC 20018
Founded by Abai Schulze, ZAAF Collection sells high-end designer products from Africa, showcasing the continent's rich culture, design and natural wonders. Products include handbags, scarves, shoes and additional accessories for men and women. Check out the sleek retail store in National Harbor as well as locations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Brothers JC and Jeff Smith founded this DC-centric apparel store that features some of the coolest designs around. Bailiwick – a riff on an Old English word that in a modern context references a person’s area of expertise – captures the spirit of The District in its sweatshirts, hoodies, t-shirts, bags, hats, tank tops and other assorted products. For information regarding pop-ups and offerings, visit Bailiwick's Instagram page.
Combine hands-on learning with culinary passion at DC Cooking School. Choose from more than 20 offered classes, each specially designed to inspire and educate, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef. You’ll learn to cook healthy food, some cool knife skills and unlock the secrets of cuisine from around the world.
1369 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
Fia Thomas’ consignment shop offers brand name women’s clothing and accessories in great condition at low prices. Make sure to stay tuned to the store’s Facebook page and website for the latest updates on products, events and more.
For more than 20 years, Louis and Jennifer Everard have run this beloved boutique in the heart of sophisticated Georgetown. The full-service shop began as a made-to-measure business in 1993 before the store opened in 1999. Louis spent much of his upbringing in a tailor shop in his native Jamaica, setting the stage for this successful business venture with his wife. The team offers high-end men’s and women’s designs, all personally selected by Louis and Jennifer. Men’s selections include Hickey Freeman, Southwick and custom-made designs; women’s designs include looks from Jude Connally, Anatomie, Joseph Ribkoff and more.
Hadiya Williams, a DC native, founded this mixed-media art and design studio. Black Pepper Paperie Co. focuses on handmade pieces, uniquely crafted and globally inspired. Available for purchase: paper goods, wearable ceramic art, apparel and more. Williams’ aesthetic combines inspiration from West African art, ancestral memories and contemporary design.
The sports conditioning studio was founded by Chris Perrin, a former college football player at UCONN. Perrin’s technique, which he first tested on his wife, Alex, to great success, focuses on the heart, strength, rebuilding and total body exercises. Cut Seven’s team-based workouts equal the results and efficiency of receiving a personal workout from a trainer. The studio offers individual outdoor and virtual classes you can book online.
Boombox Boxing Club
Try group fitness inspired by boxing techniques at this cutting-edge studio in Capitol Riverfront. Co-founders Angela Jennings and Reggie Smith met on a Tinder date, discovered a shared affinity for working out and hip-hop and years later, the two run a club that offers intense 50-minute workouts perfectly set to thudding beats. The studio features aqua bags that are perfect for learning proper boxing form as well as a ring for practice. Classes can be booked online.
Located in Capitol Hill, the boutique beauty bar was founded by Meka Mathis and has been featured in Essence. Skin Beauty Bar’s soft color tones will immediately put you at ease before a facial, massage or any of the many other spa services Mathis’ spot offers. You can also browse through an array of skincare products.
Overlooking historic Franklin Square, The Park at 14th is a versatile restaurant and lounge that boasts a menu of delectable contemporary American cuisine served up in warm and vibrant surroundings. Dinner is served Thursdays and Fridays starting at 5 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Private receptions and buyouts are embraced. From menu planning to decorations, flowers to entertainment, transportation to music - The Park will transform your function into a cherished memory.
920 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
DC native Roger Sherman grew up eating his mother’s Kentucky-style, Southern cooking. You can tell barbecue is his passion by the way Roger describes the smallest details of smoking poultry, ribs, pork and beef, and The District Pit uses a specific wood for each type of meat. Sherman's hand-crafted rubs are a perfect blend of exotic herbs and spices. Visit the Pit's website for details on how to book.
Chef Brandon is the mastermind behind FishScale, which offers signature burgers, cheesesteaks and tacos crafted from wild-caught fish. Brandon did his externship at BlackSalt restaurant in Washington, DC and graduated from L’Academie de Cuisine. After encouragement from his sister Kristal, Brandon initially began Fish Scale as a booth at a local farmers' market. Now, you can visit Brandon's storefront near The Howard Theatre.
Flowers By Alexes is a locally owned flower shop with floral designers that use their creative talent to share a love of flowers with the residents of DC through great design, precise attention to detail and wonderfully fresh flowers. The shop crafts both traditional and contemporary bouquets, with plenty of room for customization and uniqueness.
851 Upshur Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
Black Broadway on U helps preserve the rich legacy of the U Street corridor by introducing visitors and residents of the nation's capital to the musical and cultural heritage of the city. The company was founded by Shellée M. Haynesworth, an award-winning multimedia maker, storyteller and culture keeper. Visit the company's website to learn more.
