Black-owned businesses to explore in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas have a variety of Black-owned businesses ranging from restaurants to jewelers that reflect the soul and strength of their communities. Pitt’s Office of Engagement and Community Affairs, which works with dozens of local organizations and leaders to build bridges between the University and the community, suggested 10 Black-owned businesses for Pittsburghers to check out during Black History Month. Read on, and you might just find your new favorite bakery or boutique.

Baked goods

Wild Rise Bakery is a gluten-free establishment featuring cakes, pastries and breads. Find the baked goods at the East End Food Co-op and in various restaurants and cafes around Pittsburgh or preorder for pick-up at the Lawrenceville Farmers Market and Bloomfield Saturday Market.

Whole-body wellness

Based in East Liberty, Royally Fit is a holistic health and wellness company putting 100% of its profits toward its Community Wellness Program, which provides health programming for free in neighborhoods that need it the most.

Skin care for you

Lelia’s Natural Care is an online boutique based in Pittsburgh with all-natural products to improve the skin and enhance the overall health of clients.

Nutritious noshes

Based in Oakland, Uzima advocates for mental health and well-being through nutrition and offers a variety of healthy açaí bowls, smoothies and juices.

Lips ‘n’ lashes

Boss Girl Collection LLC is beauty boutique with stores in Penn Hills and the Hill District selling lashes, lip gloss and lip scrubs. Products are also available online.

Fun fashion

Molly’s World Boutique in the Hill District puts the "fun" in functional fashion, designing clothing clients love.

Vinyl galore

Since 1946, Homewood-based Dorsey’s Record Shop has provided analog to digital transfers, computer repair, upgrades and software installation services. Of course, the shop also sells records spanning genres like R&B, hip-hop, jazz and gospel.

Put a bow on it

Knotzland in Wilkinsburg reuses textile discards to create bowties and accessories.

Gallery of glam

Find candles, clothing, pet accessories, beauty products and haircare and more at Gallery on Centre in the Hill District.

Fair trade fares

Ujamaa Collective is a nonprofit organization that aims to advance Africana women by providing a fair trade marketplace. It operates a boutique in the Hill District and also puts on pop-up events and other arts and entrepreneur programming.

— Donovan Harrell, photography by Aimee Obidzinski