Supporting Black-Owned Businesses All Year Long |

Supporting Black-Owned Businesses All Year Long

Honoring Black History Month Through Action

Black History Month is a time to celebrate achievements, honor resilience, and recognize the profound impact Black individuals have had and continue to have on our communities, culture, and economy. It’s also an important moment to reflect on how we can turn recognition into meaningful, year-round support.

One of the most impactful ways to honor Black history is by supporting Black-owned businesses, NOT just in February, but every month of the year. When you choose to support a Black-owned business, you’re doing more than making a purchase, you’re helping close opportunity gaps, foster equity, and sustain local entrepreneurship.

Check out some of these amazing Black Owned Businesses, Organizations & Local Leaders in the North Shore Chamber of Commerce!

Erica Vinson – Anointed Hands Massage and Pilates Studio In the late 2000s, Erica Vinson left a stressful job, enrolled in massage school and found her true calling in helping others feel better. In 2011, she took a leap of faith and opened Anointed Hands Massage & Pilates Studio. “My mother always encouraged me to pursue massage therapy due to my ‘gifted, strong hands,’” said Erica. “After many years of providing daily massages, I sought out a fitness regimen that would help with strength-building and joint mobility and discovered Pilates. Combining the therapeutic benefits of massage with Pilates,I help clients recover from pain, build strength and gain body awareness. It’s an absolute honor to do what I love and make a positive impact on people’s lives. ” Learn more, book a session or sign up for a class at ahmpstudio.com.

Jackie Chesser – Goody Gourmets Goody Gourmets is a known gourmet popcorn shop, but there’s much more to them than that. Owned locally and opened in 2005 by Jacqueline “Jackie” Chesser, Goody Gourmets’ culture has just as much variety as their flavors of popcorn — a combination of fun, joy, warmth, friendliness, integrity, consistency and teamwork, topped with a touch of class. “We believe in making our customers feel appreciated, happy and excited about great gourmet popcorn,” said Jackie. “Only the finest, freshest ingredients go into making our popcorn and confections. Our variety and flavor is unmatched, so you’re sure to find something that fits your taste, whatever it may be.” Experience a medley of mouthwatering treats and a touch of classy, old-fashioned service every time you visit. See what’s poppin’ at goodygourmets.com.

Kelly Jackson – AJ Development Group Southeastern Wisconsin PREMIER RESTORATION CONTRACTOR Water Damage Restoration, Fire Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation & More. As a full range company for emergency restoration services! At AJ Development, no project is ever too large or small in scope, as we have the experience, wisdom, and certified and licensed staff necessary to serve all of your needs. Kelly Jackson is a Veteran who is passionate about helping others, a long time Whitefish Bay resident who goes above and beyond to support his community and beyond. Learn more at https://www.ajdevelopmentgroup.com/

Kelly Jackson Jr – 911 Restoration Milwaukee As the Business Owner and Operations Manager at 911 Restoration of Milwaukee, he oversees the day-to-day operations and strategic direction for our Water, Fire, and Mold remediation and restoration services. With extensive experience in managing large-scale restoration projects, Kelly is committed to driving operational efficiency, maintaining the highest standards of safety, and delivering exceptional service to clients in times of crisis. Kelly is a family man who has grown up in Milwaukee’s North Shore and is dedicated to serving others from around SE Wisconsin! Learn more at https://www.911restorationmilwaukee.com/

Sherri Luckett – Planet Smoothie Glendale Sherri Luckett is the owner of the first and only Planet Smoothie location in Wisconsin, located in Glendale at 5464 N. Port Washington Rd.. As a Black woman-owned business owner and entrepreneur, she opened this location through her company, Luckeshe Holdings LLC, in May 2021. Luckett’s mission is to provide healthier, real-fruit options to her hometown community. Sherrii is inspired to bring healthy options to the area, she fulfilled a dream to become an entrepreneur. Sherri aims to offer a positive, healthy, and welcoming environment for the community. Learn more at https://www.planetsmoothie.com/stores/19267

Jerald Donegan – For the People Entertainment For the People Entertainment is a wedding DJ based in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. With over 15 years of experience, his talented professionalism provides a proven and versatile service. For your special day, they will work with you to create a personalized experience tailored to your celebration.With deep roots in Milwaukee’s creative scene, he has built a reputation on reliable communication, flexibility, and custom event playlists that reflect each client’s unique vision. At his core, he believes in delivering high-quality sound and creating memorable experiences that bring people together through the power of music and entertainment. Learn more at https://www.ftpmke.com/

Wanda Montgomery – Black Child Development Institute- Wisconsin Wanda Montgomery’s life-long calling is succinct and powerful. Wanda was also elected Brown Deer’s first Black village president in 2019. Wanda has dedicated her life to the pursuit of excellence in the fields of child education, child welfare, and community engagement. Throughout the years she has served on numerous boards and committees, really inspiring others and driving support to many organizations that worked to improve the quality of life throughout the Milwaukee area. She lives by a quote from Maya Angelo, “when you learn, teach… when you get, give. Learn more about The Black Child Development Institute Wisconsin here https://www.bcdi-wisconsin.org/

Angela Salemi – Jaynas Home & Office LLC Angela Jayna Salemi is a visionary entrepreneur and craft specialist. In 2017, she established Jaynas Home & Office, a home goods retailer based in Milwaukee. Her aim was to provide a unique shopping experience with a wide range of products that cater to both home and office needs. Angela’s mission went beyond just making crafts. Her positive outlook on life and the hope she has for everyone inspired her to create a space where positivity and creativity could thrive. She envisioned Jaynas Home & Office as a place where people feel inspired and supported on their journey, whether in their personal life or creative endeavors. Learn more athttps://www.shopjaynas.com/

Chrishella Roché – VIBEZ Creative Art Space Chrishella Roché, founder of Vibez Creative Arts Space in Milwaukee, is an educator and artist whose teaching career has spanned the globe, including a tenure in Abu Dhabi, UAE.Chrishella brings a rich, multicultural perspective to her work. Her international experiences have significantly influenced her artistic journey, leading her to explore acrylic painting and develop a distinctive paint-pouring technique characterized by vibrant colors and bold designs. Through Vibez, Chrishella continues to cultivate the students in the community by offering creative arts professional and small business development, art exhibit and employment opportunities. Under her leadership, Vibez has become a hub for creativity and community engagement, offering events such as acrylic pouring workshops and themed paint parties. Chrishella said she hopes she can inspire more women like her to do the same. Learn more at https://vibezcreativeartsspace.com

Cheryl McMurtry – McMurtry Financial Services LLC Cheryl J. Muldrew-McMurtry is a financial expert, accountant, certified non-profit consultant, global financial educator, speaker, and senior executive with more than 30 years of experience in managerial accounting, strategic and economic planning, data analysis, and taxation. She is also passionate about faith. In March of 2004, Cheryl founded McMurtry Financial Services, LLC, and serves as the President and Principal Accountant. Cheryl’s mission is to strengthen the financial viability of for-profit and non-profit organizations globally. Through her firm, she offers an array of services that also include financial education and seminars for universities, community organizations, and civic groups. Learn more at https://mcmurtryfinancialservices.com/

Keshia Exum-Pryor & Velvetta Hargrove Saint John’s on the Lake Keisha is the Chief People Officer at Saint John’s on the Lake. She has over 21 years of expertise in People Practices, Organizational Development, Workplace, and Culture. Keshia joined Saint John’s in 2018. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she also doubled majored in Marketing and Human Resources. Velvetta serves as a Senior Human Resources Generalist at Saint John’s On The Lake, a distinguished senior living community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is part of the human resources team at the organization, which provides independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. Velvetta is a dynamic individual who fosters relationships. Learn more about Saint John’s on the Lake at https://saintjohnsmilw.org/

Catrina Francis – The LeenaSun Foundation Catrina is a ball of sunshine, building meaningful connections each and every day, she also owns local business LifeART Wellness Co. The LeenaSun Foundation proactively supports families embarking on childhood cancer treatments by providing essential resources and compassionate assistance, guiding families from their regular family routines to a focus on medical care. Her passion for alternative health and wellness shines through in everything she does. Catrina is that positive spark plug you need in your life, she is full of wisdom, compassion, empathy, and dedicated to helping others. Learn more about The LeenaSun Foundation at https://lsfoundations.org/

Tanya Griffin – St. Augustine Preparatory Academy North Tanya Griffin was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. Tanya has served in education for two decades. Starting her career as an After School Program Coordinator. Tanya is the Director of North Side Outreach for St. Augustine Preparatory Academy North. She loves spending time with family and friends, and theater performances. Tanya is someone you want at your table, she is collaborative, supportive, and reliable. She is a rockstar with an amazing fashion sense! Learn more about St. Aug Prep at https://www.augprep.org/

Necrea Hodges- Shooting Stars Personal Touch Concierge Necrea’s professional focus is on helping individuals navigate stress, promoting a positive self-image, and offering support to communities.She looks to give others the experience of the convenience of a personal concierge service where your carefully curated gift basket is hand-delivered to your door with care and attention. Necrea loves helping others and networking. Learn more about her and her services at https://royaltreatment.net/about/

Dionne Grayson – Lead2Change, Inc. Dionne Grayson has spent the last 20 years supporting young people in the Milwaukee area. She is co-founder and executive director of Lead2Change, which offers career readiness programs to “empower and inspire youth to be catalysts for change in their communities.” Dionne loves helping the youth of Milwaukee, and believes in understanding your purpose and passion. She is a dedicated professional who works hard and loves what she does. Dionne’s background reflects a strong focus on community development and youth empowerment. She is a visionary leader committed to helping individuals discover their purpose, believe in their potential, and boldly pursue their dreams Learn more about Lead2Change at https://www.lead2changeinc.org/

Tomika Vukovic – City of Glendale Vukovic is the first African American woman to be elected in the City of Glendale. Since 2017, she has represented the first aldermanic district and has served as a board member for the Glendale-River Hills School Board since 2016. Tomika believes for our fair share of resources—making sure that communities have the funds they need to meet their needs.

Cornelius Holt – St. Francis Children’s Center Cornelius is the Director of Marketing & Development at St. Francis Children’s Center in Glendale. Cornelius has over 20 years of experience in development and marketing. He is a highly accomplished professional excelling in both the non-and-for profit organizations. Cornelius is a mover and shaker, and has made a name for himself in Milwaukee and beyond. He is known for his extensive skills in networking and cultivation, which he uses to build and manage relationships with corporate partners and donors. He is also a director on the North Shore Chamber’s Board. Learn more about St. Francis Children’s Center at http://sfcckids.org/

Black History Is Still Being Made Black history isn’t only found in textbooks. It’s happening right now. It lives in the entrepreneurs launching startups, the creatives building brands, the restaurateurs sharing culture through food, and the professionals offering services that keep our communities thriving.By supporting Black-owned businesses today, we actively participate in shaping a more inclusive and representative future.

How to Support Beyond February

Celebrating Black History Month is a great start—but lasting impact comes from consistency. Here are a few simple ways to support Black-owned businesses all year long:

Shop intentionally: Seek out Black-owned businesses for everyday needs—restaurants, retail, professional services, and more.
Share the love: Recommend your favorite Black-owned businesses to friends, family, and coworkers, and leave positive reviews online.
Collaborate and connect: If you’re a business owner, explore partnerships, referrals, or collaborations that create shared growth.
Follow and engage: Social media engagement goes a long way. Liking, sharing, and commenting helps businesses reach new audiences.
Learn their stories: Take time to learn about the people behind the businesses—their journeys, challenges, and successes.