Okay, so I’ve been wanting to support more Black-owned businesses, and I live near Tacoma, so I figured I’d focus my energy there. I started out kinda clueless, just poking around online.
Finding Some Starting Points
First, I just googled “Black owned businesses Tacoma”. That gave me some basic lists and articles, but it was a lot to sift through. I felt like I was drowning in information, but not really finding anything, you know?
Then, I tried searching on social media. I used hashtags like #BlackOwnedTacoma and #ShopBlackTacoma. That felt a little more personal, like I was getting recommendations from real people, not just websites.
Digging Deeper
I started making a list of places that sounded interesting. I focused on businesses that had good reviews or seemed to be active in the community.
- Restaurants – I love trying new food, so that was a priority.
- Boutiques – I was in a shopping mood.
- Bookstores – Always!
- Coffee Shops- I needed it badly.
It was still pretty overwhelming, so I decided to narrow it down to one neighborhood at a time. I figured I’d start with the places closest to me and work my way outwards.
Making it Happen
I picked a Saturday and just went for it. I grabbed a coffee at a place that I would love to come back. And I bought some unique jewelry pieces from a Black-owned boutique store I found online. I talked to the owners, heard their stories, and felt good about spending my money there.
It wasn’t a perfect system, and I definitely have a lot more exploring to do. But it felt good to take that first step, to be more intentional about where my money goes. It’s not just about shopping, it’s about supporting a community, and I’m excited to keep doing it.
It’s a long way for me, and I will keep doing it.
