February is Black History Month and a great way to celebrate the month is to support Black-owned businesses in Flint & Genesee
Black entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in Flint’s culture. In Flint & Genesee, the oldest running Black-owned business, the Golden Leaf Social Club, opened in 1921 and is currently run by Lottie Reid who has been with the club for over 50 years. The club is known for its legendary Jazz bringing in a variety of musicians to sit in with the Eclipse Band.
Many other Black-owned businesses have been started in Flint & Genesee since then and continue to grow in the area.
Here are a few Black-owned businesses you can support in Flint & Genesee:
Drinks of Essence Bartending School and Mobile Bartender
Owned by Sheena Harrison, Drinks of Essence is the only bartending school in Genesee County hosting bartending and ServSafe courses for individuals working in the industry. The business also hosts mixology classes for groups such as bachelorette parties and corporate mixers. The local entrepreneur also runs a mobile bartending service for weddings, engagement parties, bridal showers, birthday parties and more. To learn more, visit DrinksofEssence.com.
Flint United Basketball
Flint United is a local basketball team run by Kevin Mays. The team competes professionally in The Basketball League - an African American and woman-owned professional sports league in the United States. Flint United's season runs from April through May and plays at home at Mott Community College's Ballenger Fieldhouse. For more information and to score tickets, visit FlintUnitedBasketball.com.
Snacky Brown
Located at the Flint Farmers' Market, Snacky Brown is the dream of Regina Hatter. She makes all things snacks including her signature pound cakes. Her inspiration for her pound cakes comes mainly from her Alabama-raised grandmother who was affectionately known as Aunt Bell. Along with the pound cakes, Snacky Brown serves pie, carrot cake, eggnog and German chocolate cake, just to name a few. Check it out at the Market, or visit SnackyBrown.com.
Elations Health
Entrepreneurs Jennifer and James Johnson recently launched a new endeavor in Elations Health. The local tea brand is locally sourced from large manufacturers and each tea is carefully curated for impactful flavor and wellness benefits. The brand currently sells its tea online at ElationsHealthWellness.com.
Jessica Hatter Photography
Jessica Hatter is a local lifestyle and wedding photographer based in Flint. She owns The Space located in the Capitol Theatre and We Booth Co, an open-air photo and social booth available for events. Learn more about her company on her website JHatter.com.
The Cookie Jar Co.
Known for its Million Dollar Cookie thanks to Food Network, The Cookie Jar Co in Flint has a delicious array of cookies and treats. The local bakery is owned by Teresa Morris who started her business after her son encouraged her. In 2021, The Cookie Jar was featured on the premiere episode of the Food Network's 'Bake or Break' where a team helped Teresa expand her menu, find wholesale business support, and expand staffing helping increase the success of her business. To learn more about The Cookie Jar Co, visit its Facebook page.
