NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS MONTH 2023
In honor of National Black Business Month, Converge is going to uplift 31 Black businesses from across the Pacific Northwest but we need your help to identify them. Please nominate your favorite Black businesses in the Pacific Northwest below, and they very well might win a TV segment for free on us. The Uplift is Real! You can also check out previous Black Businesses we have featured below to get some ideas on places to go all month long.

If you’re a business owner and think your business should be featured for Black Business Month, click below to submit your information
The Enterprise Nexus event in North Seattle last month brought together a wealth of resources and support for aspiring and established entrepreneurs in the Seattle King County metropolitan area.
Peace Peloton’s upcoming Harmony Hustle Pitch Competition, an annual fundraiser where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas for a chance to win $10,000, is right around the corner. The deadline for applications is October 25, with the final Harmony Hustle pitch event on November 7 at Porter in downtown Seattle.
Besa Gordon joined Good Day Seattle with Erin Mayovsky this morning to talk about Braided and Dreaded, a hairstylist in Puyallup serving military and high profile clients. Besa explained that owner Sharron Hayes, a decorated US Army veteran, channeled her life’s challenges into her craft behind the chair, and is all about preserving Black cultural authenticity one braid at a time.
Did somebody say Ezell’s Chicken is throwing back prices to $3.99 and releasing fresh new merch? Lewis Rudd, CEO of the iconic chicken shop, stopped by the Almost The Weekend set yesterday to share the news with Curtis and Besa about his promo celebrating their new partnership with Redbird Farms, which includes any two bone-in pieces and a roll for just $3.99 until September 30th.
Seattle, WA (September 16, 2025) – The Rudd’s Raising Up Black Businesses (R.U.B.B.) Initiative has announced the return of its fourth annual leadership conference, scheduled for Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at the University of Washington Seattle campus.
Seattle, WA – The inaugural Enterprise Nexus event, a collaborative effort by WorkSource Seattle King County and the Seattle Public Library, brought together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and resource organizations last week. The event, held at the North Seattle WorkSource offices, aimed to provide vital support and connections for Black entrepreneurs and small business owners in the region.
On the latest episode of Almost The Weekend, hosts Besa Gordon and Curtis Delgado welcomed a special guest who sweetened the studio in more ways than one—Ashanti Mayfield, owner of Creamy Cone Café. Known for her unforgettable flavors and warm community presence, Mayfield came through with a full sundae bar, proving why Creamy Cone has become a local favorite over the past four years.
By Besa Gordon - Did you miss the Wing & Soul Food Competition that went down at Supernova? Well I didn’t and let me tell you—it was a whole taste test adventure.
KeAnna Rose Pickett, owner of The Postman in Seattle's Central District, has announced today that she will be closing the business for good on August 31, 2025. "I'm feeling lighter because it's been stressful," she said in an interview earlier today, explaining the immense pressure of being a single parent, running a business, and working a second job after her husband's murder.
#SupportBlackBusiness - In the heart of Capitol Hill, a new kind of wine shop is uncorking conversations as much as it is diverse vintages. La Cha-Bliss Wines, which officially opened its doors on May 17, 2025, is more than just a retail space; it's a passion project brought to life by owner Howard Russell, a seasoned entertainer with a vision for inclusion.
Tacoma, Washington - The City of Destiny buzzed with excitement Tuesday night as Nate Jackson’s Super Funny Comedy Club hosted an exclusive premiere for Nate Jackson's first Netflix special, "Super Funny" The invite-only event was a testament to Jackson's journey, drawing close friends, family, and industry peers who gathered to celebrate a significant milestone in his career.
Trae Holiday recently welcomed author Jarred Isaac to "The Day with Trae" for an insightful discussion about his new book, "Who Am I Without a Mirror." The interview delved into the profound themes of vulnerability, self-reflection, and the artistic process behind Isaac's collection of poems.
In a world hungry for authentic representation, Josiane Faubert stands out as a true champion of diverse creative voices. As the founder of PICHA, a groundbreaking stock photography platform, Josiane has not only redefined how the world sees African and diasporic narratives but has also created a powerful space for photographers and visual creators to thrive.
Seattle, WA – In a recent interview on "The Day with Trae," Harold Fields, owner of the acclaimed Umami Kushi, shared the inspiring story behind his unique restaurant, a culinary venture born from a keen observation of shifting food trends and a deep-seated passion for flavor.
Six days a week sits Jamal Wilson, the owner and founder of Zara Jo Beauty Supply, in his new storefront on Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Opened on May 10 of this year, the vibrant Central District storefront provides beauty products and services for the Black community that were otherwise scarce.
#SupportBlackBusiness - Reginald Robinson founded Altha’s Louisiana Cajun Store, located in downtown Kent, in 2016 with a vision to bring authentic Southern products to the Seattle area. Naming the store after his mother, he aimed to create more than just a business; he wanted a "home away from home" for his customers.
Stationed on the main strip of South Tacoma Way, Goody Cutz Barber and Beauty, owned by Jahara Miller, brings local perspective with boundless aspirations to the Lakewood community.
At Drum Roll Wine in Renton, Washington, something powerful happens every Third Thursday. Organized by Denkyem Co-op and led by CEO Dion Cook, these monthly gatherings are more than just networking events—they’re a space of healing, collaboration, and strategy for Black entrepreneurs and community leaders.
Blend Coffee and Kicks is revolutionizing the coffee scene with its unique hybrid concept, seamlessly blending coffee culture, sneaker enthusiasm, and a strong sense of local community in a way that's completely new to the North American market.
Rhonda Faison didn’t plan to become a juice bar owner. In fact, she once dreamed of being a doctor. But life had other plans. After her brother became a quadriplegic, Rhonda—who had been working in emergency medicine—found herself questioning her career path. While caring for him, she started researching plant medicine as a way to help him feel better without the overload of prescriptions. That personal mission sparked something much bigger.
In Spokane’s East Central neighborhood, Fresh Soul isn’t just serving Southern classics—it’s serving purpose. At the heart of it all is Michael C. Brown, founder of the Spokane Eastside Reunion Association and the visionary behind this powerful community hub. What looks like a cozy restaurant on the outside is actually a life-changing job training program for youth, complete with resume workshops, financial literacy, and a 99% job placement rate.
When you step into MUVA, nestled on the 3rd floor of Seattle’s Columbia Tower, you can feel the energy shift. It's not just an art space—it's a movement. Founded by Jonarra Swanson, MUVA was born from her own experiences as a single mother navigating the art world.
Yesterday morning, Jazz from Seattle returned to Good Day Seattle on FOX13 for a second week as she fills in for Besa Gordon, who is currently on leave. During the interview with host Erin Mayovsky, Jazz highlighted Denkyem Co-Op, a Black-led community development financial institution.
Through the doors of a quant yellow storefront in Tacoma sits Mattice Hoyt, the owner and operator of Mattice Beauty Supply. Opened in 2020, Mattice Beauty Supply has filled an enormous gap in the Tacoma community as the only Black-owned beauty supply store in Tacoma.
In the heart of Puyallup, Washington, Sharron Hayes, owner of Braided and Dreaded, has cultivated more than just a hair salon; she's built a sanctuary for cultural preservation and authentic self-expression. Her journey, marked by unyielding resilience, empowers Black and brown individuals to achieve success while honoring their heritage with top notch hair care, on braid and dread at a time.