Where to Support Black-Owned Businesses in the Hudson Valley

Hope Wade of Hope Wade Designs / Photo by Dana Goldstein

Want the dollars you spend to have a meaningful impact? Shop from these local makers and storefronts in the region.

There’s power in the dollar. While social media can get a message far, money has the potential to make the most impact when it comes to supporting small, black-owned businesses during a time when hardships relating to racial justice and COVID-19 are at the forefront. That’s why there’s no better time to spotlight these amazing black-owned enterprises in the Hudson Valley.

Take a look at a few of our favorites, then send us a message on social if there are any others you love in the region.

Accuprint Pack ‘N’ Ship is a one-stop shop for packing, printing, and shipping in Beacon.

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Alima’s African Cuisine is a woman-owned pop-up and catering company known for its authentic West African fare. Look for the Chatham-based business at the Kinderhook and New Lebanon farmers’ markets.

Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen is a dream for fried fish, chicken, and shrimp, along with sweet potato fries, collard greens, and candied yams in Albany.

Andrea M. Events crafts stylish and modern events in and around Orange County, with everything from bridal showers and birthday parties to anniversaries and weddings available for coordination and design.

Balloon Couture by Veronica does some of the most magnificent balloon displays we’ve seen. The Poughkeepsie-based business is a go-to for birthday parties, bridal showers, weddings, and more.

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The Bee Tavern is one of the coolest watering holes in Middletown. It’s all about honey everything, so look for the sweet stuff in everything from the cocktails to the buzz-worthy wings.

Berry Bissap makes West African spiced hibiscus tea from the historic Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory. Find it locally at Adams Fairacre Farms in Poughkeepsie and Wappinger, Sunflower Market in Rhinebeck, Nature’s Pantry in Fishkill, and Taste NY Todd Hill.

Big Daddy’s Homeplate Barbeque does Southern-style barbecue in Haverstraw. Go for the Caroliina-style chopped barbecue pork or barbecue spare ribs, and don’t forget to throw on a side of collard greens and mac and cheese.

BJ’s Restaurant is a favorite for home-cooked food in Beacon.

Blacc Vanilla does seriously sweet lattes in Newburgh, along with seasonal soups, shrimp and grits, and pancakes depending upon the day.

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Blue Byrd’s Haberdashery & Music is the coolest little hybrid store in Kingston. Stop by for a funky hat, a new-to-you CD, or both.

Broadway Arts Gallery offers creative solutions along with small events, lessons, and other services in Kingston.

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Brothers Barbecue in New Windsor makes mighty magnificent barbecue. Keep it light-ish with the pulled pork sandwich or go straight into napkin-pile territory with Brothers famous brisket.

Caribbean First Choice does bites like sautéed king fish with black beans and pepper steak in Troy.

Center for Creative Education Executive Director and Owner Bryant “Drew” Andrews works with his team to enrich both social and cultural awareness of youths in the Hudson Valley through arts, education, and wellness programming in Kingston.

Chapeau is one of those stores that you just need to visit. Even if you’re not looking for anything particular, the Cold Spring boutique is packed with one-of-a-kind furnishings, gifts, and, yes, hats, making it very, very hard to leave empty-handed.

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Cyn’s Sweet Tooth owner Cynthia Herivaux makes some of the most addictive cookies we’ve ever tasted. Favorites like maple bacon and dark chocolate pistachio are available to order online.

Damour Drake is a leading design and construction firm based out of Kingston.

D&M Jerk Center in Albany has your three-square meals covered with callaloo and saltfish for breakfast, curry chicken for lunch, and sweet potato pie for dessert.

The Dutch Pot is the place to go for seriously perfect beef patties and oxtail in Albany.

Essie’s Restaurant resides in Poughkeepsie’s Little Italy district, where CIA graduate and Executive Chef Brandon Walker fuses modern American cuisine with global influences and his family’s heritage.

Fahari Bazaar in Chatham is a go-to marketplace for stunning handmade goods from Tanzania. Visit the shop’s online store to browse the beautifully printed clothes, bags, and homegoods in stock.

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GlammedbyKpie in Poughkeepsie is a hair studio that specializes in weave installs, blowouts, hair and lash extensions, colors, and cuts.

Grand Mango Caribbean Restaurant in Central Valley is a favorite stop at the Cornwall Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays. We promise you’ll smell the jerk chicken before you even step up to the stand.

GreatExbaketatations is based out of Albany. Head to the brand’s Etsy site for sinfully delicious booze-infused cakes ranging from rum to limoncello and margarita limón.

Grinds & Grains is, like the name suggests, a coffee and cereal shop in New Paltz. Go for the custom cereal options, then stay for the cold brew and community.

Harambee is a cultural and educational organization in Kingston that works to foster the strength of the local community through festivals and events.

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Hope Wade Designs is the namesake fashion brand of Rockland County resident Hope Wade, who also organized Rockland County’s very first fashion week in 2019.

Hot Spot Jamaican American Cuisine offers a taste of Jamaica right in Albany. Go for the savory oxtails with a side of plantains, then prepare yourself for an eye roll of delight.

Hott Stuff N Butta is, like its name suggests, a restaurant that understands the beautiful relationship between melty butter and hot foods. The seafood-centric eatery hits a home run with its crab legs and fried shrimp.

Irie Vybez is a combo health food restaurant and smoothie bar café in Albany. Caribbean flavors are no joke here, so find them in the callaloo, seafood soup, and crispy fried chicken.

Jazz in the Valley by Transart is a weekly music and culture appreciation program dedicated to the roots and culture surrounding jazz music.

The Juice Branch in Catskill makes health food so good you’ll be tempted to visit on repeat just to see what’s on the menu for the day. Speaking of that menu, it features everything from scrumptious veggie burgers and smoothie bowls to nutritious juices and sandwiches.

Juice Factory VII is Troy’s go-to spot for healthy juices, smoothies, and bowls. When you want a treat, the Chunky Monkey smoothie is hard to beat.

Juices Forever in Albany has everything a juice lover could crave. Get a spicy power shot in the morning, then sip on a fruit-filled smoothie later in the day.

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Kathleen’s Tea Room in Peekskill is one of the sweetest spots for teatime in the Valley. When it’s open, go for the full afternoon tea, which comes with finger sandwiches, crumpets, and more than a few sweet treats. Kathleen’s also owns Bridgee’s Soul Food Truck, which serves up everything from crab leg boils to barbecue during the summer months.

Kenneth’s Taste Bud specializes in Caribbean cuisine in Albany. Try the curry goat with a side of rice and beans.

Keobi in Albany serves a taste of Africa in the form of soft mashed beans with a lightly spiced pepper sauce and traditional beef suya.

Kingston Design Connection co-founder Maryline Damour is a 2019 Hudson Valley Woman in Business. Her design firm organizes the annual Kingston Design Showhouse to connect local designers and expand the region’s design scene.

Kitchen 216 is the place to go for comfort and soul food in Albany. The fried chicken is fabulous, and it pairs perfectly with sides like collard greens, candied yams, and rice and beans.

The Knitting Room is a dream destination for knitters and crafters in Windham. Head here for indie yarns, handcrafted wool clothing, accessories, or to chat with the owners about projects and technique.

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The Library at the A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center promotes literacy through teaching and learning about African heritage in Kingston. While the library is temporarily closed during the COVID-19 crisis, it’s working with local nonprofits to provide food for families in the Kingston area.

Lomar Farms in Palisades is a passion project for a Hudson Valley couple and their family. The brand crafts all-natural candles from beeswax with a lovely light honey scent.

Love Hair Salon does blowouts, hair extensions, hair straightening, hair coloring, eyelash extensions, and more in Kingston.

Mann on the Move is a resource for auto detailing in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, and Ulster Counties. The Wappingers Falls business has been in operation for more than 15 years.

Measured to Fit is a custom bra fitting and apparel shop in Wappingers Falls.

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Megabrain Comics in Rhinebeck is the type of store you could get lost in for hours. The shop stocks an extensive collection of comics in-store and online, so head to the website for a sampling.

Miz Hattie’s Southern BBQ is tucked inside Beacon’s Hudson Valley Food Hall & Market, where it serves absurdly delicious fried chicken, pulled pork, and baked beans.

My Basics does natural, plant-based wellness products in the Hudson Valley. Visit the website for aluminum-free deodorant in sweet-smelling varieties.

Natty’s Caribbean Cuisine & Pizzeria is a delight for Caribbean specialties like stew chicken and curry shrimp in Albany.

Newburgh Mercantile is the chicest little gift shop on Broadway in Newburgh. Shop in-store or online for knickknacks ranging from bath and body products to local coffees and teas.

Nubian Café is a discussion series based in Kingston to allow women of color to connect and share their perspectives.

Off the Hook does fresh fish, chips, and even lemon pound cake from scratch in Haverstraw. The price points are low, the flavor is full on, and the food pairs perfectly with the eatery’s sweet-tart lemonade.

One N Only Cakes is a sweet tooth’s dream in Kingston. The custom cake business crafts tiered sweets for birthdays, weddings, and events, with tempting flavors ranging from strawberry shortcake to triple chocolate.

Ourstory Collectibles tempts shoppers with collectibles and art from its online storefront. The Poughkeepsie-based brand stocks everything from tableware to home decorations, so there’s something for every style.

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Rise & Root Farm in Chester is a passion project for Karen Washington and three of her closest friends. The black dirt-area farm is known for its beautiful herbs and greens, with a full selection of produce available on its website.

Rock’s Kitchen does healthy fast casual so well that you’ll want to eat that way all the time. In addition to serving its regular menu, the Stony Point eatery also offers meal prep plans for families that want to eat well at home.

Root3d offers community classes ranging from theater and yoga to crystal healing, tarot reading, and West African drumming. The Albany venue also hosts wellness workshops, with options for individual healing sessions by request.

Ruby Mae Soul Food serves up soul food just like owner La Toya B. Flood’s grandmother used to make in Kingston.

Sakinah Irizarry, LMT, is a licensed massage therapist operating out of Saugerties. She’s been practicing since 2003 and has more than 2000 hours of massage education under her belt.

Snowdance Farm has been a family-operated farm in the Catskills since 2002. Known for its pasture-raised turkey, additive-free sausages, and charcuterie, the farm places an emphasis on antibiotic- and hormone-free treatment.

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Soul Fire Farm in Grafton is a BIOPIC (black, indigenous, and people of color) farm committed to ending racism and injustice in the food system. Co-owner and 2018 Hudson Valley Women in Business honoree Leah Penniman debuted her book, Farming While Black, in 2018.

Spill’n the Beans Coffeehouse & Bistro in Troy makes some of the most glorious buttermilk pancakes and Belgian waffles in Rensselaer County. Get them with a cup of fair-trade coffee for a sunny start to your day.

The Spruces Hudson Valley sits on a sprawling five acres outside central Newburgh, where it hosts weddings, photoshoots, filming, and events.

Stella Bella Salon in Kingston finds a balance between the charm of retro salons and the comfort of contemporary ones. It offers hair, makeup, and nail services on Broadway.

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Stickies is all about wings and comfort food in Albany. Keep it classic with sticky wings, then throw on a side of mac salad and corn bread.

Style Counsel is a must-visit for fashion in Warwick. Owned by a duo who got their start in Manhattan’s garment district, the shop specializes in fashionable clothes for everyday wear.

Sylvia’s Jamaican West Indies Restaurant has been up and running in Poughkeepsie for more than 15 years. The family-owned business is known for is mouthwatering oxtail, curry goat, and rice and peas, although everything on the menu is delicious.

Tee-Owels solves the problem of harsh bath towels on hair with a super-soft t-shirt towel designed to prevent breakage and frizz. Founded by esthetician and businesswoman Liz Girolamo, the brand is based out of Middletown.

Thank Goodness It’s Vegan is Chester’s food truck-turned-café that serves up delicious vegan takes on tacos, donuts, and even cannoli.

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Top Taste in Kingston was recently nominated for a James Beard Award, but we’ve long loved it for its authentic Jamaican fare. Go for the curry chicken or goat, and don’t pass up the fried plantains on the side.

TrajectUP’s Leslie Laboriel is one of our 2019 Women in Business honorees. Her Tappan company highlights the importance of STEAM in childhood education through structured and non-structured learning.

A Traveler’s Garden, based in Kingston, offers everything from crystals and organic herbs to nature-inspired artwork and accessories. A portion of funds go toward developing a black female-owned farm in the Hudson Valley.

Troy Kitchen is one of a handful of food halls in the Hudson Valley. With vendors like Halal Palace, Fresh Eats, and Mex Cocina, it has a little something for everyone.

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Twisted Soul co-owner and head chef Ira Lee takes Poughkeepsie diners on a tasting tour of the world with a menu that runs the gamut from fresh dumplings and empanadas to noodle bowls and specialty salads. Also, the cupcakes are divine.

Umana Restaurant & Wine Bar in Albany serves comfort food from around the world. Head here for flavors that tease the palate in dishes ranging from coconut curried goat to red curry fish tacos.

Uncharted Power founder Jessica O. Matthews got her start in the Hudson Valley. Now, she’s working to bring a division of her renewable energy innovation company to downtown Poughkeepsie.

UpRaise Construction offers construction and handyman services out of Middletown for the Hudson Valley area.

Vashti’s Kitchen Delights does Caribbean-American cuisine like sautéed tri beans, bhaji, and veggie herb rice in Schuylerville.

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Vibes Café in Nyack is a hotspot for authentic Caribbean food like jerk ribs, corn bread, and collard greens. Yeah, you should probably call in a to-go order now.

Violet’s Bakery makes treats so pretty you’ll want to get two of each. Stop by the Saugerties bakeshop for bitty cakes, lemon hearts, and apple dumplings.

We Got the Juice is Kingston’s go-to juice bar on Broadway. Stop by for healthy juices and lunchtime bites during the week.

Did we miss a spot? Send us an email to hvdigital@hvmag.com.

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