Recirculating the Black Dollar | An ATL Black Business Directory

The Black Wealth Crisis in America

According to a survey conducted by the Federal Reserve in 2019, “...the typical White family has eight times the wealth of the typical Black family…” Yes you read that right, 8X the wealth. There are multiple chapters from America’s dark history that we can attribute this wealth gap to. From the Jim Crow-era redlining lining practices that prevented homeowner ownership opportunities, to job discrimination that kept African Americans from landing higher paying jobs. These factors, and many more, continue to stand in the way of Black wealth building in this country.

Recirculating the Black Dollar

The reality is that the best way to close this racial wealth gap and uplift the black community is to focus on recirculating the black dollar by purchasing from black owned businesses. The power of the black dollar is undeniable. According to a recent CNBC article, “Black spending power reached a record $1.6 trillion in 2021.” The article unfortunately goes on to note that despite this growth in spending power, our net worth “declined by 14%.” This statistic proves that the black dollar is strong, but it is leaving our community instead of being used to foster the creation of black jobs and strengthen our local economies.

How to Support Black Business

The best way to consistently support Black businesses is to make buying black a daily practice. Knowing where to go to buy black, and making those establishments your first option when it comes time to spend your money, will ensure that your dollars stay in the community that matters to you. Seek out Black owned brands and recommend them to your friends and family. Fight the urge to shop at local chains simply because they may be more convenient or familiar. I’m sure we can all agree that the benefits to the community at large are worth traveling a few extra miles to invest in a black business owner.

Buying Black in Atlanta

As you know, The PuffCuff is based out of Atlanta, GA, the city that is seen by many to be the birthplace of Black entrepreneurship. According to the US Small Business Administration, there are over 300,000 Black Business Owners in Georgia. There is clearly no shortage of businesses to support here in our own backyard, and with that in mind, we created a directory of black owned Atlanta based businesses for you to begin exploring today. We invite you to continue the conversation in the comments with your recommendations for other additional businesses for us to support.

General Store/Beauty Supply

• The Sistah Shop - We are proud to announce that this Black-owned business is the latest retail location to feature The PuffCuff! In addition to carrying our products, The Sistah Shop is located in Atlantic Station and highlight brands created by entrepreneurial women of color.
• Naturally Beauty Supply- Located on Fayetteville Rd and specializes in black hair care products.
• Atlanta Beauty Depot-  When this family owned and operated business was founded in 2006, their focus was on providing a superior customer experience where people of color felt comfortable to shop hassle free.

Grocery

• Carver Neighborhood Market - Located in historic Southeast Atlanta. They are dedicated to providing fresh, local and affordable grocery staples to the community. 
• Sevananda Natural Foods Market- This fresh market provides a natural source of healthy, local, and organic foods to the community.

Restaurants

• Hattie Marie’s BBQ -This restaurant is located in the heart of College Park. They feature Texas style BBQ and Cajun inspired cuisine.
• Gocha’s Breakfast Bar-In addition to southern favorites like shrimp ‘n grits, this restaurant also offers vegan friendly dishes
• Pit Boss BBQ-A neighborhood favorite with a menu that includes brisket, ribs, and smoked wings!

Clothing Store

• Pink Sky Boutique - An online boutique and retail store located off of Glenwood Ave. They offer a variety of affordable fashion apparel, accessories and footwear, taking an “effortless and timeless” approach to fashion. 
• House Of Fresh- This luxury fashion boutique  believes  in giving you” fashionable and trendy clothing pieces that help you make a statement”
• Merge Co- Located in Phipps Plaza, this boutique is home to a curated collection of emerging luxury black-owned brands.

Car Maintenance

• Men of Power Auto Solutions - Offering quality collision repair in the South Atlanta area.
• World Class Mobile Detailing - Get your car expertly cleaned without leaving your home
• Tips Automotive - Full service car maintenance with services that include detailing, repair, emissions and more

Membership Club & Event Space

• The Gathering Spot - Housed in the NorthYards Business Park. This flexible space serves as a creative and networking hub. Hosting professional and social events inspired by the black community.
• JBs Record Lounge - This record store carries thousands of vinyl options, turntables, and hosts events
• Credit Union Of Atlanta - For all of your banking needs.