PilatesBae Studio founder “Bay” is building more than a fitness studio in Maplewood. Through mat-based Pilates classes focused on mindful movement, inclusivity and community, she’s creating a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can strengthen their bodies and feel at home.
Jerome Walker, owner of Backspin Records in Middlesex, N.J., has turned his lifelong love of music into a Black-owned vinyl haven. From rare jazz and soul to salsa and rock, his store is more than a record shop, it’s a community hub celebrating Black music and vinyl culture.
Explore Black-owned gyms and fitness studios across New Jersey offering strength training, boxing, yoga, and inclusive community.
A roundup of Black-owned businesses in New Jersey making an impact in 2025, from fashion and food to wellness and entrepreneurship.
Black business advocates urge New Jersey shoppers to support Black-owned businesses this holiday season to strengthen local economies and close wealth gaps.
NJ Urban News CEO and co-founder Penda Howell shares his journey and mission to uplift and accurately represent Black communities in New Jersey.
East Coast Calligraphy founder Michele Bates transforms a lifelong love of handwriting into a thriving Black-owned creative business, offering custom calligraphy and inspiring a new generation of artists.
Hunger Free, founded by Stephanie Glover Wilson, has grown from a Bayonne pantry to a Hudson County lifeline, delivering food and dignity to families in need.
Paterson wives, Asia Carter and Alliah Smith, grow Meet Tha Saints, a flavored butter brand rooted in culture and tradition, inspired by New Orleans heritage and a passion for bold flavors, family, and entrepreneurship.
Shade and Travel is redefining the travel experience with curated luxury trips designed to be inclusive, safe, and empowering for Black travelers worldwide. By blending culture, community, and adventure, the company creates spaces where travelers can explore the world with confidence and joy—turning every journey into an opportunity for connection, discovery, and celebration.
