Okay, so, I got this idea the other day to check out something called “Bite of Black Business Tacoma.” I’d heard some buzz about it, and it sounded pretty cool—like a showcase of local Black-owned businesses. Sounded like a good idea. So, I decided to make a day of it.
First thing, I looked it up online to get the details. Found out it was happening at this spot in Tacoma. I jotted down the address and made sure I knew how to get there. I’m not the best with directions, but I managed to figure it out.
Then, I started thinking about what I wanted to do there. I know, I know, it’s about supporting Black businesses, but I also wanted to make sure I was checking out places I was actually interested in. So, I browsed through the list of participating businesses. There were food places, clothing stores, some art shops—a little bit of everything.
I picked out a few that caught my eye. There was this soul food spot that had amazing reviews, a boutique with some unique clothes, and a bookstore that focused on Black authors. I was pretty stoked. I love finding new places to eat and shop.
The Day
On the day of the event, I headed out early. I wanted to beat the crowds and have plenty of time to explore. When I got there, it was already buzzing with people. The atmosphere was great—everyone seemed excited to be there.
I started with the soul food place. I ordered some fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Let me tell you, it was delicious. I sat down at a nearby table and just enjoyed the food and the vibe.
After that, I walked around and checked out the other businesses. I ended up buying a really cool shirt from the boutique and a couple of books from the bookstore. I even chatted with some of the owners—they were all super friendly and passionate about what they were doing.
The bookstore owner told me he started with his own website and turned it into a real shop. He also mentioned he was trying to get more sales and customers. I found his story really inspiring and I bought some books from his shop to support him.
Reflection
- I spent a good few hours there, just browsing, eating, and soaking it all in. I felt really good about supporting these businesses.
- It was awesome to see so many people coming out to show their love for the local Black community.
- I realized that even small actions, like buying a meal or a book, can make a difference. I didn’t become a business analyst, but I think I helped them out a bit.
By the end of the day, I was tired but happy. I made a mental note to come back next year. It was a great experience, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking to support local businesses and discover some cool new spots in Tacoma.
Decide to go next time. You might also find something you like!