Did you know there are so many amazing Black-owned businesses in the GTA waiting to be discovered? Unbeknownst to you, these businesses include a wide range of offerings. From fashion brands that infuse African heritage into their designs to local Caribbean cuisine that brings robust flavours and excitement to the community, there’s something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? There is no better time than now to explore these Black-owned gems in the GTA. In doing so, you will encourage diversity in the marketplace and, most importantly, strengthen the local community.
Dr. Liza
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Dr. Liza is the first Black Canadian female to have both designed and owned a shoe brand. With more than a decade of experience treating business clients in Toronto’s financial district, Dr. Liza has always wanted to blend beauty and comfort in footwear. Guided by that ethos, she created her own brand of shoes and bags that combine good looks with self-care in mind. Featuring heels, flats, sandals, slippers and sneakers, her shoe brand is loved by stars like Kate Winslet, Edie Falco and Emma Thompson.
Beryl’s Pepper Pot
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Over the years, Beryl’s Pepper Pot has been synonymous with quality. Serving hearty Jamaican cuisine, Chef Beryl Ralston’s menu includes classic flavours such as Jerk Chicken, Curried Goat, Stewed Oxtails, Fried Chicken, and much more. All her dishes are slow-braised until tender and simmered in rich savoury gravy; each bite delivers an authentic Jamaican flavour that will leave your taste buds craving more. They also offer catering services with fully customized menus tailored to your event and designed to suit a wide range of tastes and preferences.
A Different Book List
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This unique bookstore specializes in the rich literature of the African and Caribbean communities. It also blends gems from Canada’s rich international cultural mosaic. Once you are here, you will get to explore novels and books from the South to the North, from Africa to the Caribbean and Asia to South America. The bookstore is dedicated to curating books by Black authors; most importantly, it serves as a space for young Black students to learn more about the difficult history of their ancestry and as a haven for Black authors seeking to publish their work.
Rahyma
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Established in 2010 by Rahyma Awanfie, this luxury-inspired clothing brand is owned by the Nigerian-born designer based in Canada. Her collection includes eye-catching clothing styles in bold prints, created for the woman who dares to stand out. Mainly sold online, her collections combine African and Western styles; you will find pieces for every occasion. Browsing through the online store, you will come across collections that include wardrobe staples like t-shirts and jackets, as well as jumpsuits, shorts, skirts, and dresses, along with head wraps, each making a statement with its eye-catching prints and colours.
Classic Juice Co.
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This juice store is the brainchild of Tamara Shelly. The brand was inspired as a result of her own personal health issues; after experiencing an adverse reaction to prescribed medication, she looked for natural supplements but found the answer in juicing. The Toronto-based juice bar produces small batches of handcrafted, cold-pressed, raw, and natural juices that are fresh and serve as a personalized cleanse tailored to your needs. With over 50 cold-pressed drink flavors, all their juices not only taste great but also contain no additives or preservatives. They currently serve 80,000 customers and have sold over 500,000 bottles of cold-pressed juice.
David Messiha | Staff Writer