It all kicked off kinda casually, you know? I was just going about my business, and it sort of dawned on me. I wasn’t really making a conscious effort to support Black-owned businesses in my area. It wasn’t like a huge revelation, more like a quiet thought that popped into my head – “Hey, I could probably do better here.” So, I figured, why not try?
So, What Was the First Step?
Well, the first thing was actually figuring out where these businesses were. Sounds dead simple, but it took a bit of digging. It’s not like they all have massive signs pointing you in the right direction. I remember thinking, “Okay, where do I even start looking?”
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I started by just asking around. Chatted with friends, colleagues, anyone who might have a clue. Got some good leads that way, actually.
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Then, obviously, I hit up the internet. Spent a fair bit of time searching for things like “Black-owned shops near me” or “support Black businesses local.” Found a few online lists and even some social media pages that were pretty helpful.
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And honestly, sometimes it was just about keeping my eyes peeled when I was out and about in my own neighborhood. Amazing what you notice when you’re actually looking for it.
Once I had a few names, I decided to just dive in. My first venture was to this small cafe someone had told me about. Walked in, ordered a coffee and a pastry. The vibe was cool, and the coffee was genuinely good. Chatted with the owner for a bit – just a normal, friendly conversation. It felt good, more personal than just tapping my card at some big chain.
Next, I was looking for a specific kind of gift. That took a bit more effort. I made a few calls, checked a few websites. One place I found online looked perfect, but when I got there, it turned out they’d recently moved and hadn’t updated their info. A bit of a wild goose chase, but hey, that happens, right? You can’t expect everything to be a smooth ride.
Why I Kept at It
But I didn’t let little hiccups stop me. It wasn’t about trying to make some grand statement every time I bought something. It just started to feel… natural. And honestly? I was discovering some really awesome places. Unique stuff, quality products, friendly faces. It became less about “making an effort” and more about “ooh, I want to try that place.”
There’s this one particular clothing boutique I stumbled upon. The owner has an incredible eye for style. I wouldn’t have found it if I wasn’t actively looking for Black-owned spots. Now, it’s one of my go-to places when I need something a bit special. It’s not just about the transaction; it’s about the whole experience, the atmosphere, the feeling that you’re supporting someone’s passion.
It’s not like I exclusively shop at Black-owned businesses now for every single thing. That’d be pretty hard, let’s be real. But I’m definitely more mindful. If I need something, I often do a quick mental check or a quick search: “Is there a Black-owned option I can go for here?” Sometimes there is, sometimes there isn’t. But the habit of just looking is ingrained now.
So yeah, that’s been my journey with it. It started small, with a simple thought. And it’s led to me finding some fantastic local gems, meeting cool people, and feeling a bit better about where my money’s going. It’s an ongoing thing, really. You find a place, you like it, you tell your mates. No big drama, just doing it. And honestly, it’s been a pretty rewarding experience overall.
