Highlighting Black-Owned Businesses in Howard County, MD
One of my favorite things about Howard County, Maryland is the incredible variety of small businesses that shape our community. From food and drink to wellness, beauty, and family services, Black-owned businesses here are thriving. I’ve rounded up some amazing local spots to explore, support, and share.
Food & Drink
Boyd Cru Wines
Address: 8600 Foundry Street, New Weave Building, Savage, Maryland 20763
About: Launched in April 2023, Boyd Cru Wines brings a fresh, non-traditional approach to tastings. It’s not just about the wine—it’s about the complete experience. Their events are designed to be community-focused, socially aware, and culture-centric.
AppleCore’s Bake Shoppe
Address: 6945 Oakland Mills Road, Suite A, Columbia, Maryland 21045
About: Founded by Aisha Applewhite, AppleCore’s is all about fresh, homemade desserts made with quality ingredients you can truly taste. Aisha launched the business in 2020, blending her lifelong love of sweets with her professional background to create treats that deliver warmth, passion, and joy in every bite.
More Than Java Café
Address: New Weave Building, 8600 Foundry Street, Savage, Maryland 20763
About: More Than Java Café offers quality coffees, teas, and fresh food in an eclectic and cozy space. Created by a husband-and-wife team, the café was born out of their love for vibrant flavors and the need for a warm, inviting place where community could gather.
Anegada Delights Caribbean Cuisine
Address: 9861 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, Maryland 21046
About: This casual restaurant brings the flavors of the Caribbean to Columbia. From sandwiches and wraps to traditional Caribbean dishes, Anegada Delights offers something flavorful for everyone.
Dat Jerk
Address: 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 3140, Columbia, Maryland 21044
About: Dat Jerk serves up authentic Jamaican jerk flavors prepared with founder Richard Fray’s unique process of slow-cooking over pimento wood. Richard and his wife Angela built this restaurant around bold, healthy flavors and a dream of bringing Caribbean food to Maryland.
Chick N’ Friends
Address: 7290 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, Maryland 21045
About: For nearly two decades, Chick N’ Friends has been a go-to spot for homestyle cooking. Known for their signature pressure-fried chicken, they’ve recently expanded their menu to include seafood. Family-owned and community-focused, they even earned national recognition as one of the “Best Fried Chicken Restaurants in America.”
Oh, What A Cake!
Address: 6656 Dobbin Road, Suite K, Columbia, Maryland 21045
About: This bakery offers custom cupcakes, wedding cakes, brownies, cake pops, and cookies… perfect for celebrations big or small.
Fruitful Juice Bar
Address: 8975 Guilford Road, Columbia, Maryland 21046
About: Fruitful Juice Bar serves organic cold pressed juices, smoothie blends, açaí bowls, and charcuterie boards.
Health & Wellness
Blossom and Grow Wellness Center
Address: 9250 Rumsey Road, Suite 201, Columbia, Maryland 21045
About: Blossom and Grow Wellness Center is a sanctuary for women and adolescent girls. Offering both mental health services and holistic care such as yoga and massage, their specialties include perinatal, women’s, and adolescent mental health. It’s a space dedicated to helping women and girls thrive through life’s transitions.
Bamba Foods
Address: 8775 Centre Park Drive, #523, Columbia, Maryland 21045
About: Bamba Foods connects people with healthy, carefully crafted foods, drinks, and herbs. Their products are made with a focus on quality and attention to detail, distributed through select vendors and retailers nationwide.
Beauty & Self-Care
The Nail Loft, Elkridge
Address: 6020 Meadowridge Center Drive, Suite S, Elkridge, Maryland 21075
About: The Nail Loft offers a wide range of nail care services including manicures, pedicures, gel, dip powder, acrylics, and custom nail art. They also provide kid-friendly services, making it a family-friendly salon. With top-quality products and tools, they prioritize both beauty and nail health.
Pop Lash Beauty Lounge
Address: 10440 Shaker Drive, Suite 104B, Columbia, Maryland 21046
About: Founded in 2018, Pop Lash Beauty Lounge specializes in natural eyelash extensions, brow shaping, and other beauty services. Their professional team is dedicated to helping women feel confident, while also giving back to the community.
Kids & Family
Dominique Dawes Academy
Address: 9301 Snowden River Parkway, Suite B, Columbia, Maryland 21046
About: Founded by Olympic champion Dominique Dawes, this academy offers gymnastics, tumbling, and ninja classes for kids. With a focus on physical, emotional, and social growth, the academy is dedicated to building happy, active, and confident kids.
Community
Howard County Mocha Moms
About: The local chapter of Mocha Moms, Inc. provides support for women of color throughout every stage of motherhood. Their mission includes community activism, service, and connection for moms across Howard County.
Helping Our Community Thrive
Howard County is filled with Black-owned businesses that bring culture, creativity, and community pride to our area. Whether you’re grabbing dinner, booking a self-care appointment, or signing your kids up for activities, supporting these businesses helps our entire community thrive.
