
Calling all book lovers; whether it’s a new pre-bedtime novel or something to read on a beach vacation, these Hoboken writers have cooked up some great must-reads to add to your to add to your list 2019 reading list. Support Hoboken-based artists and bookshops {like Little City Books, Symposia Community Bookstore, and more} while bolstering your bookshelf with these six new releases — with some coming out later this year. Read on to find out about these local artists and authors to read in 2019.
Amazing Decisions, Dan Ariely
Though it may look like a children’s book {but PLZ don’t judge a book by its cover}, Amazing Decisions explores the decision-making process of adults. Ariely explains how to utilize this thought process into making better decisions, in life and business. Using Ariely’s own research on the topic, the graphic novel starts with a single narrator, Adam. The novel consists of his struggle to make positive decisions, while also facing the realities of everyday life {and the choices that come with it}. Ariely’s book will be released July 23rd and is available now for pre-order.
See More: 4 Binge-Read Books For Spring {Found Locally}
The Kind Communicator by Elizabeth Barry
Kind is in vogue this season, according to business coach and leadership expert {and Hoboken resident} Elizabeth Barry. Her new book, The Kind Communicator, focuses on the relationship between kindness and the workplace, and the ways in which a meshing of the two could improve business and performance. Barry delves into the deeper meaning and side effects of kindness in our daily lives. She also outlines ways to harness kindness as a leadership tool in business and in life. Barry’s book is available now at Little City Books.
Queen Bey, Veronica Chambers
That buzzing you hear, that’s the beyhive swarming around Veronica Chambers’s newest novel about the career and cultural impact of Grammy-winning recording artist Beyoncé. The collection of essays by a number of entertainment insiders and commentators —including Emmy winner Lena Waithe — compile the essence of Beyoncé’s power and influence into one cohesive book. Each piece explores who the singer is {singer, mother, wife, etc.} and how her multiple identities blend together to create the musical icon that she is today.
At Home in the Dark, Jim Fusilli and various other authors
Hoboken native Jim Fusilli might be known for his crime noir novels such as Tribeca Blues or Crime Plus Music. Now, however, Jim is contributing some of his work to this anthology series of short stories. The book will contain a number of eerie pieces by a myriad of acclaimed authors. Check out Jim’s story and more in At Home in the Dark, available for pre-order now.
See More: Hoboken Girl{s} of the Week: Donna + Kate of Little City Books
The Superfood Alchemy Cookbook, Jennifer Iserloh
Bring chemistry into the kitchen with Jennifer Iserloh’s newest cookbook. The recipes are designed to teach readers which ingredients are best for different healing processes for the body. Whether cookbook-worms are focusing on a specific health goal or just want to eat cleaner, this book is a great option. The cookbook will be released April 9th but is available for pre-order now.
Forgetting Aiden, Juliet Picard
Escape into Picard’s steamy romance novel, Forgetting Aiden, a story of a young Hollywood star longing for success. Despite her hard work, Eva Flores can’t seem to step outside of the shadow that is her ex-boyfriend, country singer Aiden Press. Forgetting Aiden follows Eva on her journey to move up in her career and move on from her past. The novel currently sits on Amazon’s Hispanic Best Sellers list {and it hasn’t even been released yet}. Forgetting Aiden comes out March 9th and is available for pre-order now.
If you’re interested in reading more works by Hoboken locals, head over to Little City Books to visit its “Local Authors” section.
Who is your favorite local author? Let us know in the comments.
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A List of Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Hoboken + Jersey City
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 of Black-owned businesses in Hoboken + Jersey City, which we hope to grow.
Please note: We'll add to this list at any time, no one was left out intentionally. Please email [email protected] to suggest additions to the list.
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.
Read More: LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses to Support in Hudson County
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.
ButACake | 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.
Be the Difference Clothing | Jersey City
Be the Difference Clothing is a clothing line started by Joy W., established in August 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.
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.
Chrissy The Crystal Indigo | 423 Washington Street, Jersey City
Chrissy Kizer (a.k.a Chrissy The Crystal Indigo) is a spiritual mentor and healer who opened her metaphysical shop in Jersey City in November 2024. The purpose of Chrissy's business is to help people connect with their inner selves to find peace. Guests can expect services like energy healing, aura photography, mediumship, and goods like crystals, books, herbs, and more.
Chick'nCone | 586 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
After dedicating 14 years of his life to the Army National Guard, including serving as a combat medic, Jason Stuart dedicated his passion for serving others to a different arena — the food industry. His most recent venture involves a popular fried chicken franchise, Chick'nCone, which is popular for its portable chicken and waffle options (no, seriously: it's fried chicken in a cone). Chick'nCone is opened in January 2024 in Journal Square. You can learn all about it here.
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.
The Creators Loft | 15 Wilkinson Avenue Loft 4B4, Jersey City
Dileiny Baron is a Jersey City-based influencer, entrepreneur, mother, wife, and founder of The Creators Loft, a sophisticated, vintage-inspired content studio designed to empower influencers, photographers, brands, and creators to bring their visions to life in an elevated way. Dileiny has over a decade of experience in content creation and influencer marketing and is proud to have built an action-driven, inspiring, and relatable brand. Dileiny’s passion for fashion and beauty has allowed her to build close, meaningful connections with locals.
Culina Health | 720 Monroe Street, Suite E-512, Hoboken
Vanessa Rissetto 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. Culina Health is a personalized nutrition platform to help you prioritize the way you want to live.
DeCarlos BeSpoke | 255 Grove 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.
Dollhouse Xpress | 120A Bowers Street, Jersey City
Dollhouse Xpress is a boutique owned by Liana Wright that sells women’s clothing and water-resistant jewelry, as well as permanent jewelry made with solid gold. All designs are made in-house or by women designers of color.
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.
Farewell Exchange | 135 Erie Street, Jersey City
Farewell Exchange is an online marketplace owned + operated by Jersey City local Tonette Cochrane. It's a free platform for people to sustainably donate + exchange clothing items. Farewell Exchange was built on a mission to extend the lifespan of recycled fashion. You can request a donation bag from Farewell Exchange or shop the site for secondhand fashion. Shop the marketplace + learn all about how Farewell is changing the game here.
Four Fitness | Jersey City
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
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 | 404 14th Street, Hoboken + 400 Claremont Avenue, Jersey City
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.
Golden Green Leaf Juice | 125 Marshall Street, 7th Floor, Hoboken
Located inside XCEL, Golden Green Leaf Juice is on a mission "to promote a healthy lifestyle and to help make your juicing experience easier and more convenient". The shop has options for delivery or pickup from its location at 125 Marshall Street in Hoboken. Check out the site for all their tasty treats, juices, smoothies, boosters, + more.
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.
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.
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.
Joseph Alexander Cleaning Services | 132 Stevens Avenue, Jersey City
This company, owned by Joseph Alexander, offers floor cleaning services. You can give Joseph Alexander a call at (201) 761-9555.
Juicy City | 213 Mallory Avenue, Jersey City
This black-owned business, dedicated to serving clean and healthy products, sells all kinds of pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and more. See more about Juicy City, including its menu, here.
Ken Pilates | 706 Grand Street, 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.
Empanadas by Lady G (Food Truck) | 11 Eastern Parkway, Jersey City
Empanadas by Lady G is a food truck that serves up a wide variety of empanadas as well as other food items. Empanada choices include cheesy fried chicken, buffalo shrimp, vegan jerk with brown rice, black beans, + plantains, spinach artichoke + sundried tomatoes, and many more.
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 | Online
Last Place Winners is a streetwear company founded by Jersey City native, Kip Smith. Kip was inspired by his mother and his grandmother who he watched sew when he was younger. The designs reflect nostalgic skate brands and hone in on powerful logos supporting women and community.
Light Rail Cafe | 237 Randolph Avenue, Jersey City
Light Rail Cafe is an American restaurant and bar that serves classic meals like wraps, burgers, wings, pasta, tacos, as well as cocktails and coffee.
Little Milestones for Small Discoveries | 568 Communipaw Avenue, Jersey City
This black-owned preschool incorporates a "holistic approach of early childhood and family education," as per the business's website. The preschool's curriculum is based on active, child-led, and adult-supported learning. Little Milestones For Small Discoveries actively creates an environment that focuses on exploration and discovery.
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 play space for little ones to enjoy.
Lucas Dental | 232 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken
The team at Lucas Dental provides comprehensive dental care ranging from preventative care, cosmetic dental care, and implant restorative procedures, as well as basic and advanced restorative dental care. Patients can also explore options for extensive Invisalign services to correct a range of dental malalignments.
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.
Moore's Lounge | 189 Monticello Avenue, Jersey City
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 + 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, 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 suit 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 + Unwine | Jersey City
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 underserved youth. Shop here.
Scarlett Blooms | 26 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston
This florist and wellness shop is located in Livingston but delivers to the Jersey City area. At this shop, customers can find all kinds of plants, sympathy baskets and gifts, and themed collections. This business can also provide floral arrangements for weddings.
SECÜR | 291 Grove Street, Jersey City
SECUR is a women's boutique on Grove Street in Jersey City and is 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.”
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.
Stop Crying Studios | Hoboken
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 + The Other Side Dispensary | 317 Central Avenue + 36 Congress Street, Jersey City
Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez is a multi-talented entrepreneur, veteran, and founder of SW3AT Wellness at 317 Central Avenue in Jersey City and The Other Side Dispensary at 36 Congress Street in Jersey City. Alyza is devoted to breaking the recurrence of generational adversity by empowering underserved communities with ownership, resources, education, and inspiration, in addition to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community.
The Common Earth Co. | 99 Monticello Avenue, Jersey City
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The Common Earth Co. is a health, wellness, and lifestyle company serving healthy provisions and locally sourced goods. The shop is owned by husband and wife duo, Tyrone and Lisa Rose, who host a variety of community events including health and wellness workshops and a donation-based yoga practice welcome to all levels.
The Sweet Science Lab | 358 Newark Street, Hoboken
Owner Jeff Hunter, who is also a Jersey City firefighter, rebranded The Everlast Lab to be what is now The Sweet Science Lab. It's been fully open since July and features an independent training space for personal trainers and private personal training. There's also a small group training schedule offering Kettlebells, Strength + Conditioning, and Boxing.
Tara Dowdell Group | Jersey City
Tara Dowdell Group (TDG) is a strategic public relations and marketing agency with a passion for promoting organizations, institutions, and businesses that are engaged in social good. TDG's services include community and public relations, branding and marketing, messaging and copywriting, and graphic and web design.
Tech4Results.com | Jersey City
Tech4results.com is a technology consulting firm specializing in project management, website support, and design. Its owner, Jocelyn Patrick, supports clients in the profit and non-profit sectors in telling their digital stories.
The Hudson Kitchen | Kearny
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.
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.
Village Dispensary | 516 Washington Street, Hoboken
Photo Credit: JMartinVisuals
Village Dispensary is owned by is owned by Al Harrington, an Orange native and a 16-season NBA veteran. Village Dispensary is part of Al's company Viola Brands, named after his grandmother who used cannabis to alleviate pain from glaucoma and diabetes. Viola was founded in 2011, and is the first black-owned multinational cannabis brand, with products sold in Canada and the UK.
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.
See More: A List of Women-Owned Businesses to Support in Montclair
Wingin' It | 122 Ocean Avenue, Jersey City
Just as the name implies, Wingin' It is a go-to wing spot in Jersey City.
Looking for more businesses to support? Here are more throughout NJ and NY, as well as this list of NJ resources here.