We’ve compiled a list of black-owned businesses to support in Jersey City and Hoboken for easy access and reference. From Chopped chefs to celebrity manicurists to workout gurus and beyond, there are so many amazing entrepreneurs in this area. Here’s the list that we hope to grow.
Please note: We’ll add to this list at any time, no one was left out intentionally. Please email hello@hobokengirl.com to suggest additions to the list.
Aku Afrika | Jersey City
Aku Frika sells African fabric clothing, accessories, and 100% Shea Butter homemade with love. All of the fabrics and clothing items for sale are listed for purchase on the IG page, making it super easy to DM to order — and get free shipping for orders of $100 and up.
As-U-Wish Nail Spa | 319 Willow Avenue #1, Hoboken
Skyy Hadley started As-U-Wish Nail Spa in Hoboken as a haven for beauty. She’s a celeb manicurist and esthetician and fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning a salon in Hoboken. Forever evolving, Skyy has developed an all-natural exfoliating cream for the bikini area and does a variety of services including hair removal and eyelash extensions at her salon. More info here.
Ani Ramen | 218 Newark Avenue + District Kitchen, 210 Hudson Street, Jersey City
The owners of Ani Ramen fell in love with Japanese cuisine and wanted to share their passion for the country’s food and culture with the community. The menu at Ani has classic and creative ramen dishes, including vegan options. The menu has bao buns and other entree choices as well.
Art Meet Chaos | Jersey City
Art Meet Chaos is a custom-designed jeans company based out of Jersey City. The owner and designer, Donwan Harrell, is a denim artisan who turns his jeans into art, with custom drawings and designs. Shop here.
Banana Pudding King | Jersey City
Banana Pudding King is a Jersey City-based banana pudding shop, featuring original and mouth-watering variations on the dessert, like the popular Oreo Banana Pudding Cone. Email Bananapuddingking@gmail.com or DM on IG for all inquiries.
BK Lobster | Hoboken
(Photo credit: @bklobsterhoboken)
BK Lobster is a Brooklyn-based restaurant that is all about lobster, lobster mac, lobster rolls, and more. The menu emphasizes a variety of lobster rolls, with imported lobster from Maine.
Bright Eyes by Ke Nibii | Jersey City
Originally from Philly, Rachel moved to Jersey and currently raises her family there. She makes plant-based skincare products for all skin types. Customers can shop body-butter, body syrups, and gels. DM her on Instagram for more details.
But-A-Cake | Jersey City
Founded in 2016, ButACake has been baking butter cakes, along with infused baked goods and meals for adults seeking alternative cannabis consumption through food. In 2022, Matha will be applying for a license to operate in New Jersey’s first adult-use market. More info here.
Be the Difference Clothing | Jersey City
Be the Difference Clothing is a clothing line started by a woman named Joy, established in August of 2013. Her clothing line consists of designs or sayings meant to inspire and encourage the wearer and those who see them. She also is a public speaker, hosting workshops around various topics, and embodies her movement daily. More info here.
Carolyn’s Soul Food | 76 Orient Avenue, Jersey City
Carolyn’s Soul Food is — you guessed it — the ultimate delicious comfort food, created in 2008 and located in Jersey City. Get more info here.
Champs Chicken and Waffles | 688 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City
Champs Chics and Waffles is a local eatery with a menu that includes a variety of chicken and waffle specials, along with fries and some delicious mac and cheese. These inventive and unique waffle specials are one-of-a-kind. Click here to learn more.
Chariot Auto Repair | 71 Coles Street, Jersey City
Chariot Auto Repair is owned by Ricky. Rick is known locally as one of the most honest and hard-working mechanics around. The shop has been open since 1992 and its technicians can make mobile service calls as well.
Cherry’s Lounge | 102 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City
Leroy Cherry opened the Lounge in 1980 and since then, the Lounge has been a meeting spot for friends, families, and neighbors. Local sports teams and other charitable organizations have used the Lounge for fundraising opportunities. Leroy’s wife now runs the business, keeping it all in the family.
Conez Ice Cream Shop | 415 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City
Conez Ice Cream Shop offers hard and soft ice cream and it’s known for its infamous Conez Sundaes.
DeCarlos BeSpoke | 150 Bay Street, Jersey City
DeCarlos Bespoke is a curated collection of handmade, custom suits as well as ready-to-wear founded by master tailor DeCarlos Morse. DeCarlos offers a variety of menswear that cannot be replicated as it’s all from scratch. More info here.
Double Dough | Hoboken
Jordan and Joelle, twins, media moguls, book authors, and volunteer coordinators of Hoboken Girl Helps make delicious and creative sugar cookies from scratch — and take custom orders throughout Hudson County. More info here.
Dyamond Fitness | 317 Central Avenue, Jersey City
Dyamond’s love for staying in shape and working toward goals started long before becoming a business owner. Dyamond is able to help his clients achieve their goals through more than just exercise, knowing that both physical and mental health play a role in full transformation. For small group classes, clients can pick from options such as Bootcamp Class, High-Intensity Interval Training class, and Boxing. Sessions and classes can be adapted for all ages and fitness levels.
Everlast Lab | 358 Newark Street, Hoboken
Jeff Hunter runs Everlast Lab in Hoboken, which is currently the global leader in authentic boxing, MMA, and fitness-related sporting goods, equipment, apparel, footwear, and accessories.
Four Fitness | Jersey City
(Photo credit: @fourfitnessjc)
Four Fitness is a Jersey City-based gym owned by Marcisco Morrison, who is a personal trainer. His gym utilizes functional training methods to engage the body’s four major muscle groups, maximizing results and efficiency.
Freetown Road Project | 640 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
^Chef Claude with his mom
The Freetown Road Project is a culinary arts project and business that is owned by Chopped winner Chef Claude Lewis. The space is run by Bread & Water LLC to bring a modern concept of West Indian culture to the public and is located in Journal Square. The name comes from the two villages where Chef Claude’s parents grew up: Freetown Village and Old Road Village, both in Antigua, West Indies. More info here.
Fruiti Fi | Hoboken
(Photo credit: @fruiti_fi )
Fruiti Fi is a smoothie bar that offers fruit-based clean juices and more. Smoothies that patrons can expect to see on the menu: the Smooth Energy (banana, cacao, cinnamon, vanilla, espresso, peanut butter, ice, dates, coconut milk, cacao nibs, Himalayan salt), Kale Moss (mango, pineapple, coconut, water, lemon, mint, chia seeds, coconut nectar, kale, ice), and Protein Oats (strawberries, mango, vanilla, chia seeds, vanilla protein, ice, coconut milk, coconut nectar).
Glim + Glow | Jersey City
Founded in 2016, Glim + Glow is a candle company owned by Tinika Green. Her candles are richly scented and crafted to accent the home and enhance the moment without overwhelming your space. With Glim + Glow candles, you can find a scent that fits any mood. Shop here.
Grind Coffee Shop | 360 Communipaw Avenue, Jersey City
Mike Clark owns The Grind Coffee shop with his wife Shane in the Bergen-Lafayette area of Jersey City. Beyond serving coffee, doughnuts, and other treats, The Grind has a General Store. More info in our article here.
Griot Cafe | 398 Central Avenue, Jersey City
Griot Cafe is an Afro-Caribbean coffee shop and cafe in Jersey City Heights serving delicious authentic eats and drinks.
Harry’s Daughter | 339 Communipaw Avenue, Jersey City
Harry’s Daughter, located in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood of Jersey City on Communipaw Avenue, has made our city souls happy with a modern take on traditional island fare. This Caribbean-themed restaurant is owned by Ria and Allister, Jersey City residents who have a background in the restaurant business and Caribbean cuisine. The collaboration brings a unique, exciting addition to the neighborhood.
Hudl Music | Jersey City
Independent Beauty Supply | 93 Monticello Avenue, Jersey City
Independent Beauty Supply is a full-service distributor of professional beauty products to licensed professionals. The specially qualified sales team and established relationships with the leading manufacturers and educators in the industry enable IBS to provide clients with the best products, professional education, service, and value.
Issyra Gallery | 300 Observer Highway C, Hoboken
Issyra Gallery is an art gallery located on the ground floor of the Neumann Leather building. Issa displays his own paintings, with sprinkles of ancient African-inspired sculptures he has collected over the years. He viewed the room itself as his canvas and transformed the floors and walls into a permanent art installation to serve as the perfect backdrop to frame his pieces.
JC Wonders | Jersey City
JC Wonders is an organization by the youth, for the youth, and beyond. It works to help others in need: members have gathered food donations for local shelters, distributed doughnuts to our essential healthcare workers, and more.
JCF Bootcamp | 39 Erie Street, Jersey City
JCF Bootcamp is a total-body training program that focuses on fitness, form, and nutrition. The Bootcamp is owned by Daris Wilson who believes that “every day is an opportunity to get a step closer to our ultimate goals. Learn more here.
Jerkin Chicken | 234 West Side Avenue, Jersey City + Food Truck
Jerkin Chicken is a family-run restaurant that serves traditional Jamaican food in a super laid-back environment. Jerkin Chicken is located at 234 West Side Ave, Jersey City, and patrons get a taste of Jamaica by ordering takeout or delivery here.
Joi Louise the Label | Jersey City
Joi Louise the Label is a fashion boutique for curvy and plus-sized women. The owner, Joi Louis, is a published fashion designer and stylist who designs clothing specifically for women with curves, between the sizes of 14 to 22, and has been featured in Essence Magazine. More info here.
Ken Pilates | Hoboken
Ken Pilates is owned by Kennyth, who is a private Pilates instructor and personal trainer. Locals can train with him at his private studio in Hoboken with a program designed for individual needs including, starting fitness, overall toning, high impacts workouts, and post-rehabilitation.
Larsen’s Diner | 508 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City
Larsen’s Diner is recognized for its outstanding steak and cuisine, excellent service, and friendly staff. Larsen’s is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on using the highest quality, fresh ingredients.
Last Place Winners Co | 225 Monticello Avenue, Jersey City
Last Place Winners Co is a clothing company in Jersey City. Customers can shop for sweaters, t-shirts, and more. Learn more about the line here.
Life of Pie | 437 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City
Life of Pie is a full-service pizza spot with authentic dishes. Visitors can dine in for lunch or dinner, or host a child’s pizza birthday party.
Light Rail Cafe | 237 Randolph Avenue, Jersey City
The Light Rail Cafe serves up delicious fare. We highly recommend the JC Cheesesteak sandwich and the wings. More info here.
The Living Room | 277 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Gift and home goods shop, The Living Room opened in late summer 2021 and we’ve been fans ever since. This Black and woman-owned business focuses on intentionally sourced goods for the whole family. There’s always something new to see in store, and we like the playspace for little ones to enjoy.
Louisiana Fried Chicken | 549 West Side Avenue, Jersey City
Louisiana Fried Chicken offers a wide variety of authentic southern comfort food. Popular items on the menu include the buffalo wings 20-piece and the Fish Bucket Pack. Try this delicious food by ordering online.
Martha’s Restaurant Jersey City | 308 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City
Martha’s Restaurant boasts signature wraps, sandwiches, omelets, and so much more. Support Martha’s by ordering online for takeout or delivery here.
Max Challenge of Hoboken | Hoboken
The Max Challenge is a workout studio in Hoboken at 6th and Washington owned by Cassandra Wilson that focuses on is a 10-week body and mind renewal system. This system is designed to make fast and lasting changes to your appearance and overall well-being, and the Max does this by combining nutrition counseling, fitness classes, and motivation. More info here.
Maximizing Tiny | Jersey City
Shamika Lynch is the owner of Maximizing Tiny, which offers interior design and organization consulting. Shamika helps city residents to make small spaces work for them and their families. She and her company’s work have turned apartments into homes all over the community. Learn more about her here.
Moores Lounge | 189 Monticello Avenue
Established in 1969, Bill and Ruth’s has been a staple in the community for over 40 Years. Locals went there for live music including jazz performances and singers.
Myrtle and Flossie | Jersey City
Nia Reid-Allen is the owner of Myrtle and Flossie, which is an online fashion, and lifestyle brand for both new and veteran moms. On her website, she sells clothing and apparel for new moms, as well as offers support and resources for mental health, and so much more. Learn more here.
Nicole’s Caribbean Restaurant | 521 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City
The menu offers jerk chicken, curries, and other Caribbean staples, plus vegetarian options. Nicole’s has been a family-owned business for multiple generations, and it continues to be a staple in the Jersey City community for Caribbean dishes. Order takeout or delivery here.
Pholk Beauty | Jersey City
Pholk Beauty is the brainchild of Niambi Cacchioli, an academic turned beauty activist, who works her magic in creating all-natural products that suited her combination skin. While whipping up her own beauty products, she began to think of skincare as a Diaspora Folk Beauty Culture where African-derived beauty wisdom is adapted with local ingredients. Infusing these two principles, Pholk Beauty was born. Learn more here.
Rewax and Unwine | Jersey City
(Photo credit: @rewaxandunwine)
ReWAX and Unwine is a family-owned business that creates and sells handmade organic coconut wax candles and hosts candle-making classes for guests to try their hand at creating them. The candles can also be personalized: both labels and dust covers for the candles are available for guests to make their own.
Satya + Sage | Jersey City
Satya + Sage’s owner, Son-ja, believes in creating sacred space and taking time for yourself as an act of self-care. The idea for Satya + Sage was born when Son-ja realized her weekly self-care routine helped her focus on what mattered and paved the way to discovering her own truth. Her business’s mission is to encourage self-care through each product it produces. In addition to creating beautiful aromas designed to inspire self-care, Satya + Sage is committed to giving back to the community — a percentage of all profits will be donated to a non-profit that benefits the underserved youth. Shop here.
SECÜR | 291 Grove Street, Jersey City
SECUR is a women’s boutique on Grove Street in Jersey City and passionate about styling the community. SECUR specializes in providing styling services to women of all shapes, sizes, and walks of life. More info here.
Shawn’s Table | 271 Ocean Avenue, Jersey City
Shawn Mathis is the chef behind this neighborhood gem. Patrons will most likely find him working on the grills and courteously consenting to visitors’ requests to take photos. A Jersey City native, Shawn loves to trace the restaurant’s “origin story” to his grandparents’ kitchen. “One day my grandma told me, ‘either you go out to play basketball and have some fun, or stay in and watch me cook rice,’” he told Hoboken Girl. “I chose to watch her cook rice. And I fell in love with cooking that day.”
Sloane Square | 150 Bay Street, Jersey City
Sloane Square is a lifestyle boutique that specializes in home furniture, furnishings, gifts, interior design, and decor. Owner Courtney Sloane is a leading interior designer. The shop is where she sells one-of-a-kind pieces and offers design consultations.
SOLU Productions | 50 Regent Street, Suite 618, Jersey City
SOLU Productions is a Black-woman led photography service. Run by lead photographer Sade Ogunjimi, this production company enjoys helping independent, small and medium-sized businesses realize their visions. SOLU also services individuals seeking portrait and food photography, as well as conceptual assistance.
Steak N Take | 197 Monticello Avenue, Jersey City
Owner Malinda Melvin serves up popular steak sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, and beef sausage sandwiches, as well as fried seafood plates and sides like macaroni salad, wings, and fries.
Stop Crying Studios | Hoboken
(Photo credit: @stop_crying_nutrition)
Stop Crying Studios is run by International Master Coach, Jon P, a master-level personal trainer and certified nutritionist. Classes feature boxing, kickboxing, personal training, and yoga. Students can attend class in the studio or join via Zoom. Learn more about him here.
Suite Tee | 172 Newark Avenue 3rd Floor, Jersey City
With a passion for the beach, an obsession with the Caribbean, and a dream of one day living on her own island of pink sand, Tee Handley opened up Suite Tee as her haven for all beauty needs. She is also a celebrity manicurist and wax technician with a book of loyal clients at her New York City location as well as VIP clients for the “En Suite” service in Jersey City. Her specialties are brows, waxing, and spray tans — as well as, of course, manicures. More info here.
Sw3at Sauna | 172 Newark Ave Third Floor, Jersey City + 79 Hudson Street, Suite 104, Hoboken
The space offers infrared sauna memberships and more — founded with the ideology that infrared heat therapy has the capability to help every single client. Sw3at is also a veteran and LGBTQ-owned business. More info here.
Sweets 4 Miles | Jersey City
Monique, the Chef at Sweets 4 Miles has recently opened a new location in Jersey City. where she offers numerous baked goods like pies, cookies, cakes, and her signature red velvet cupcakes. Sweets 4 Miles will also be offering baking courses for adults as well as a children’s summer camp.
The Cake Pound | Jersey City
The Hudson Kitchen | Jersey City
Hudson Kitchen is a 24/7 commercial kitchen and storage facility, offering services such as food truck commissary and food business education. Founder and CEO of Hudson Kitchen, Djenaba Johnson-Jones, offers the Hudson County community the resources and support necessary to start and scale a profitable food business. Click here to learn more, and click here for a feature on Djenaba.
TheKWGroup | Weehawken
TheKWGroup provides vendor services for the State of New York. In doing so, the company teaches QuickBooks as well as business and program startups and directional advice on advancing, successfully growing, and taking the business to the next level. Karen White, the founder is also an accountant and a QuickBooks Solution Provider.
Tia Planta | Jersey City
Owner Shayla Cabrera has been a resident of Jersey City for over 10 years and is sharing her love for plants with the world and Hudson County locals — starting with several pop-up shops in the area. Because Tia Planta grew out of Shayla’s love for plants, Tía Planta is a one-stop-shop for all things plant knowledge and supplies. For those looking to grow a plant collection, She sells a variety of options both big and small including air plants, succulents, monstera, and more.
Tousled Hair Salon | 500 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City
Tousled Hair Salon is an Aveda concept salon, owned and operated by Rita Sanders. Rita is an amazing stylist and colorist herself, and her salon works wonders for the Jersey City community.
Vanessa Rissetto RD | Hoboken
Vanessa and her team of dietitians work tirelessly to help locals (and celebs!) get on track with their eating habits and lifestyle. She also shares the latest from the science of nutrition and some delicious tips and recipes on her Instagram. Read more here.
Vibez Juice Bar + Cafe | 82 Hutton Street, Jersey City
Vibez Juice Bar is a vegan eatery and cafe in Jersey City Heights at 82 Hutton Street. Opened by Medjine Altino and her husband John “Jube” Altino, it’s known for its delectable juices and savory vegan options, it will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Oh — and Wyclef Jean is known to stop by there sometimes, too. More info in our article here.
VIP Restaurant | 175 Sip Avenue, Jersey City
VIP Restaurant is an American diner offering classic breakfast, lunch, and dinner plates. Major bonus: VIP is open 24-hours a day, so patrons can get delicious eats anytime. Click here to place an order for delivery.
Vision of Hair | 333 Adams Street, Hoboken
Vision of Hair offers a variety of services. The full-service salon offers coloring, cuts, styling, and eyelash extensions — making it a great local one-stop-shop for nearly all your beauty needs. More info here.
Walker’s Apothecary | Jersey City
Walker’s is an apothecary in downtown Jersey City owned by licensed esthetician and makeup artist Shaela Walker. Walker’s cutting-edge and traditional treatments will soothe the mind, body, and soul, and she brings each client personalized care. Having worked with celebrities and luminaries from the entertainment world, her diverse talent is uniquely suited to handle any and all beauty and skincare needs — including facials, simple makeup lessons, bridal packages, or her much sought-after eyebrow design, as we as her custom-blended line of beauty and skincare products. More info here.
Wingin’ It | 122 Ocean Avenue, Jersey City
Just as the name implies, Wingin’ It is a go-to wing spot in Jersey City.
Zening Wholistic | 1 Newark Street, Suite 23A, Hoboken
Zening Wholistic is a practice offering massages and dietary supplements. Shaka, the owner, specializes in medical, prenatal, & standard massage therapy, as well as workplace stress solutions, natural wellness guidance, and clinical-grade dietary supplements.
Looking for more businesses to support? Here are more throughout NJ and NY, as well as this list of NJ resources here.
We also have a list of ways you can support racial justice locally here.
