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, Robinson wanted a "home away from home" for his customers. The store serves as a hub for those yearning for the flavors of the South, offering not just products but a strong sense of community and cultural heritage.

The store is praised for its authenticity, with customers like Aaron Adams and Rachael Kinney noting the challenge of finding genuine Southern cuisine in Washington. The variety of products, including specific items like red beans, oxtail dinner, jambalaya, and unique ingredients like Blue Bell ice cream and boudin, sets Altha’s Louisiana Cajun apart, highlighting its commitment to offering a genuine taste of the South. 

Altha’s Louisiana Cajun Store 

201 E Meeker St, Kent, WA 98032 

(253) 719-2242 

althascajunspices.com

Presidential Transportation became a key resource during Seattle’s Central District (CD) Art Walk last year— a monthly celebration of community and creativity. Recognizing that navigating the expansive CD can be challenging, Presidential Transportation, led by President and Owner La'Keith “G Prez” Asphy, provided free shuttle services. 

The service has been instrumental in removing barriers to participation, particularly for older folks and youngsters who might otherwise be discouraged from attending due to mobility concerns. Furthermore, the transportation experience itself enhances the event's atmosphere, transforming the journey into a mobile celebration with incredible energy, music, and dancing.

The party bus shuttle service fostered unexpected connections among community members. Takiyah Ward, owner of The Re-Sole 206, noted that riders might make a connection with someone they never knew, calling it a great way to connect people. Ultimately, Presidential Transportation's involvement is a deep commitment to cultural enrichment.

Learn more about Presidential Transportation here.

Tucked away in Seattle’s South End is Emma's BBQ, a culinary cornerstone that serves as a living tribute to generational legacy. For eight years, grandmother Tess Thomas and granddaughter Miceala Thomas have anchored this Columbia City establishment, operating with a shared vision that first came to Tess in a dream of her mother and the restaurant's namesake, "Momma" Emma Thomas. 

The menu is anchored by what the family calls the "king and queen": the award-winning beef brisket and pork ribs. Each cut of meat undergoes a rigorous process, involving six to seven hours of preparation followed by up to 14 hours in the smoker to ensure every bite is warm and juicy. Beyond these staples, the restaurant offers a down home experience with classic sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, and their renowned pulled pork sandwich, which has earned accolades from major publications across the city.

While the business faced the unexpected loss of its satellite locations at Lumen Field last year due to shifting regulations, the owners pivoted their energy back to their original brick-and-mortar home. This shift has allowed them to reconnect more deeply with the South End, reaffirming their commitment to community service and the preservation of Black joy through food. 

Restaurant Hours

• Thu: 12PM–7PM

• Fri: 12PM–8PM

• Sat: 12PM–8PM

Website: https://www.emmas-bbq.com

ETC Tacoma's Spring Line launch last year was met with a sweet surprise during Women's History Month as Back2Besa, FOX 13 Seattle, and Molly Moon's hosted an unannounced pop-up. Guests were treated to free scoops of ice cream, including a special vegan cookies and cream flavor crafted by Back2Besa host Besa Gordon. 

While the ice cream was a highlight, the main focus was on ETC's Spring collection, known as the "Dream Team Series.” Inspired by Olympic themes and their popular Tacoma Sonics designs, the line reflected ETC’s mission to merge fashion, representation, and community. 

“We’re leaning into the pride we have in Tacoma...Sports teams are what people wear from their regions the most, so adding local representation to that is always the goal,” Co-owner Umi Wagnor said.

This collaboration showed ETC’s commitment to uplifting Tacoma’s culture and creative voices. The event, which also featured signature coffee from Campfire Coffee, successfully combined surprise scoops and meaningful conversations to leave a lasting impression. The pop-up was ultimately a celebration of collaboration, culture, and community, reminding attendees that intentional partnership between local businesses and media can be both stylish and sweet.

Learn more about ETC by visiting www.etctacoma.com

Learn more about Molly Moon’s by visiting www.mollymoon.com

Learn more about Campfire Coffee by visiting www.welovecampfire.com

SpoonFed Training recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary last year by opening a new, larger facility in Tukwila, Washington. This milestone marks a significant new chapter for the fitness center, which was founded by LaTaunya Witherspoon with a clear vision to inspire the Black community to embrace a more active lifestyle. Today, SpoonFed offers a welcoming environment for all, serving everyone from professional athletes to those just beginning their fitness journeys. 

The training center is known for providing comprehensive wellness services that go far beyond traditional workouts, including an in-house barbershop, massage therapy, and nutrition counseling. Witherspoon's philosophy of prioritizing love for family and friends is clearly reflected in the encouraging energy cultivated throughout the fitness center. 

SpoonFed athlete Miracle Joy praised the gym’s impact, describing it as “more than just a workout, but a place for therapy, healing, and growth.” The organization is actively working to dismantle the stigmas and shame often associated with working out, replacing them with limitless love and encouragement. 

Visit SpoonFed Training at 708 Industry Dr, Tukwila, WA Mondays to Thursdays from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fridays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Learn more at   spoonfedtraining.com

Hot Fish House, located in Lakewood, Washington, stands as a culinary tribute to the South, serving up authentic Southern cuisine inspired by the traditional fish houses of South Carolina. Owner Quinton Gethers modeled the restaurant after his grandmother's business, ensuring a menu rooted in "down-home Southern Living." 

The restaurant's popularity is driven by fresh, flavorful Southern staples, with the catfish plates, po' boys, and turkey legs topping the list of customer favorites. Hot Fish House fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere built on genuine Southern hospitality. 

Manager Sherrhonda Brown said she aspires for every customer to experience this "Arkansas upbringing," emphasizing the importance of walking everyone to the door when they leave. For Gethers, the restaurant also fulfills a larger vision: creating an impactful Black-owned business that reinvests in the community by hiring and supporting people transitioning through life.

Visit Hot Fish House at 3926 100th St SW, Lakewood, WA and check out their menu here. 

Wednesday: 11 AM–8 PM

Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM

Friday: 11 AM–9 PM

Saturday: 11 AM–9 PM

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

Former NBA Champion Channing Frye has successfully transitioned from basketball star to winemaker, founding Chosen Family Wines in Portland, Oregon. Frye sat down with Besa Gordon in 2023 to discuss how he turned his passion for wine into a thriving business centered on community. 

Located in the Willamette Valley, Chosen Family Wines aims to bring good, affordable wine to the community and encourage individuals to enter the industry. Frye is using his platform not only to share his product with the world but also to focus on industry representation. He noted that his winery is one of only three Black-owned wineries in Oregon, alongside one owned by current NBA player CJ McCollum. 

Frye emphasizes that his venture extends beyond the product itself. "It’s not just about the wine, it’s about the people and the land too,” he said. Chosen Family Wines is committed to "breaking down barriers one sip at a time" while celebrating the evolving cultural landscape of Portland. 

Connect with Chosen Family Wines directly via their website at chosenfamilywines.com.

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

Besa Gordon met up with Melody Brown, a Portland-based entrepreneur and hairstylist who created a haven for Black hair and beauty with her salon, L&M Hair Company. 

Brown’s journey began in elementary school, where she faced teasing and insecurity about her hair, a common experience for many young Black girls navigating predominantly white spaces. Determined to take control of her narrative and embrace her natural beauty, she started practicing braiding on her own hair, discovering a hidden talent and an unshakeable passion that would ultimately shape her future.

As Melody honed her braiding skills, she began to realize the transformative power of hair. A good hairstyle could do more than just enhance one's appearance; it could boost confidence, shift perspectives, and empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty. This realization fueled her desire to create a space where Black people could feel seen, heard, and celebrated for their authentic selves.

In 2020, amidst the uncertainty and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Melody took a bold leap of faith and launched L&M Hair Company as an online store. The overwhelming response from the community affirmed her belief in the need for such a space. The following year, she opened her first brick-and-mortar salon in Southeast Portland, a vibrant hub of Black culture and community. The success of this location led to the opening of a second salon in 2023, further expanding her reach and impact.

Learn more about L&M Hair Company here. 

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

Besa Gordon, Trae Holiday, Deaunte Damper, and Takiyah “T Dub” Ward stopped by Noir Lux Candle Bar, a Black-owned candle-making experience in Downtown Seattle last year.

Colina Bruce, the CEO and founder of Noir Lux Candle Bar, started the business in her kitchen in 2020 as a side hustle. Since then, it has grown into a full-time business with a brick-and-mortar location opened in 2022. Noir Lux Candle Bar provides a space for people to come and create their own custom candles while providing a warm and cozy environment.

Bruce has been able to create jobs, partnerships, and a space for other small businesses to start and grow. "The thing that keeps me going is understanding that this is bigger than me," she said. "So I'm going to figure it out by any means necessary."

For information on Colina Bruce and Noir Lux, go to www.noirluxcandleco.com

At Drum Roll Wine in Renton, Washington, the Denkyem Co-op hosted a Third Thursday gathering last year for local Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Led by CEO Dion Cook, these monthly gatherings are strategically designed to be more than just networking—they serve as vital spaces for healing, collaboration, and collective strategy for Black entrepreneurs and community leaders. 

Cook emphasized that the mission is community development first. “Third Thursday is all about bringing people together to be in communion and dream about what a thriving Black business community looks like,” he said, explaining that Denkyem is fundamentally a movement, not just a loan fund.

What sets Denkyem Co-op apart is its commitment to collective economics and its innovative financial model. The organization offers revenue-based loans using cash flow underwriting, a system where loan payments are flexible, adjusting based on a business’s actual income. This approach frees entrepreneurs to concentrate on business growth and strategy rather than being stunted by rigid repayment pressure. 

Learn more about upcoming Third Thursdays here.

La Cha-Bliss Wines, located in Seattle's Capitol Hill, was founded by Howard Russell to highlight diversity in the wine industry. Officially opened on May 17, 2025, the shop focuses on wines produced by women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. Russell, a seasoned entertainer, uses the space to share the unique stories and histories behind every bottle he curates.

The shop features a variety of standout selections, such as "Descended Wines," "Her," and "House of Brown," alongside a robust collection of non-alcoholic options. Russell also hosts tasting experiences where he educates customers on the aromas and backgrounds of these diverse vintages. His approachable demeanor and passion for inclusion have made the shop a community hub for those seeking both quality wine and meaningful representation.

Starting the business required significant personal investment and faith, as Russell poured his life savings into creating the space from the ground up. Looking to the future, he envisions expanding the brand to include a wine bar and a winery of his own. Through La Cha-Bliss Wines, Russell continues to champion Black joy and community support, proving that dedication and a clear vision can foster both business success and social impact.

La Cha-Bliss Wines

1412 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

https://www.lachablisswines.com/

PJ’s Classic Homemade Ice Cream and Bon Bons, co-owned by sisters Michelle and Danielle Forbes, has brought sweet Black joy and a deep family legacy to Seattle’s Central District.

Founded in Los Angeles in 2011, the ice cream shop opened its doors last year on Seattle’s Cherry Street, paying homage to their mother, a Garfield High School alumna, and their family's deep roots in the community. The business’s name, PJ's, is a loving tribute to their father, Papa John, the original ice cream maker.

What sets PJ’s apart is its dedication to crafting everything from scratch, using locally sourced, organic ingredients for their menu of hand-dipped bon bons, which includes both vegan and dairy options. 

Beyond serving delicious treats, PJ’s was envisioned as a community gathering space, working to bring a sense of home, familiarity, and belonging to the neighborhood and aiming to offer programs that teach local students about entrepreneurship. The mission of the shop is centered on Black joy, which Michelle Forbes defines as "unconditional love.” 

📍 Visit PJ’s at 2334 E Cherry St, Seattle, WA.

📲 Follow them on Instagram @PJsClassicCreamery.

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

RoJo Juice is a Pike Place Market favorite born from a journey of deep personal purpose. Founder Rhonda Faison's path to entrepreneurship began after her brother became quadriplegic and was relying on multiple medications. 

Inspired by her work in remote medical clinics in Vietnam and her study of ethnobotany, Faison started crafting natural, plant-based juices to heal him and help him wean off his prescriptions. What she initially called a "stupid idea" became a thriving business, growing from a makeshift stand at the Queen Anne Farmers Market to its permanent Pike Place location in 2021. 

Today, Row ensures every intentional blend is rooted in the belief that food is medicine, hoping customers feel the love, feel lighter and brighter, and get an empowering boost of energy with every sip.

Learn more about the business here. 

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

Jonarra Swanson is the founder and visionary behind MUVA, a unique space in Seattle's Columbia Tower dedicated to empowering mothers who are also artists. Inspired by a childhood term for a powerful person, Swanson created MUVA to tackle the specific challenges she faced as a single mother navigating the art world. 

Swanson’s goal was to build a supportive community where mothers could passionately pursue their creative work without having to sacrifice family time. Opened last year, MUVA is a movement that fosters connections, provides affordable workspace, and helps mother artists monetize their talents.

MUVA is a hub that celebrates the beautiful intersection of motherhood and artistry, offering a family-friendly environment where children are not just tolerated, but welcomed. Swanson champions the belief that investing in women is an investment that benefits the entire community, as mothers often reinvest their success locally.

MUVA Location & Contact:

701 5th Ave Suite 303, Seattle, WA

muvaseattle.com

Pizza By Ruffin, one of Washington State’s favorite Black-owned pizzerias, recently opened in Seattle’s South Lake Union, bringing rich, soulful flavors of the Black diaspora to the art of pizza making. Last month, Back2Besa host Besa Gordon stopped by to try the new pizza joint herself.

Isaiah Ruffin, co-owner of Pizza By Ruffin, brings a wealth of culinary expertise to his craft, having honed his pizza-making skills in Denver, Washington D.C., and Italy. His approach is deeply rooted in this professional foundation, yet he pushes culinary boundaries to create a menu that is both versatile and culturally rich.

The menu at Pizza By Ruffin features an array of flavor profiles, ranging from a Trinidadian curry with potatoes to a Jamaican goat curry and a pizza inspired by the Brazilian national dish, feijoada. Every component is made in-house, including the sauces and a dough that undergoes a two-day cold fermentation process to ensure a light, crispy, and flavorful crust.

Beyond the kitchen, Ruffin is dedicated to building and strengthening the local community, frequently supporting other Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in Seattle. As a Buy Black card location, the establishment encourages patrons to enjoy a slice and a drink while celebrating local culture and spending dollars with intention.

Check out Pizza By Ruffin for yourself Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 400 Fairview Ave N #107, Seattle. Learn more at pizzabyruffin.com

This story exemplifies Back2Besa’s dedication to supporting Black-owned businesses and acknowledging their place as the backbone of our community.

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

No one brings community together quite like Double Dutch Divas, a youth enrichment powerhouse centered on building community, confidence, and connection through the sport of double dutch. Last week on Back2Besa, host Besa Gordon celebrated the Double Dutch Divas and threw it back to the times she jumped rope with them.

Led by CEO and founder Angie Mosley, the organization's mission is a full-on embrace of joy and physical movement, creating sacred spaces for kids and families to find healing and connection. Their enrichment program is laser-focused on building confidence in kids, according to Coach Tameka Lamar, empowering them to shatter societal molds and stand in their authentic truth.

Through partnerships with groups like King County’s Best Starts for Kids and School’s Out Washington, Double Dutch Divas ensures that no child is left on the sidelines, teaching kids that making mistakes is the first step in improving.

This impactful mission recently hit its stride in their recent partnership with Bras for Girls, an organization dedicated to uplifting young women in athletics. Their joint celebration of girls in sports, sponsored by Seattle Foundation, sent a clear message: eliminating the barriers that keep girls from playing is non-negotiable. Together, they are actively forging inclusive, empowering futures for the next generation.

Check out what Double Dutch Divas are all about at doubledutchdivasllc.com.

This feature on the Double Dutch Divas is an example of Back2Besa’s commitment to seizing the narrative, reflecting the beauty and excellence of the Northwest’s Black community. The show helps ensure important grassroots efforts like Double Dutch Divas are seen and celebrated.

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

Black excellence and good vibes recently swarmed the Black Media Matters Studio when Couture Cocktails and Hunter in the Cup hosted a special Cocktails and Charcuterie night. The event served as an intimate Black History Month celebration, seamlessly melding high-end mixology and culinary art through a collaboration between Black woman-owned businesses.

The evening featured the Couture Sour, a signature drink created by Couture Cocktails owner Ashaunti Martin-Smith, which she noted was a personal twist on the classic St. Louis mint julep by pioneer Black bartender Tom Bullock. On the culinary side, owner of Hunter in the Cup Gennell Hunter led the charcuterie course, teaching guests intricate techniques for creating a professional board.

Martin-Smith and Hunter praised the Black Media Matters Studio for its rich history and culture, making it the perfect setting to celebrate Black excellence. Attendee and Back2Besa producer Paul Sanders highly recommended the experience as a premier networking opportunity for young Black professionals and creatives in Seattle.

This story shows Converge Media’s commitment to creating space for Black businesses to unite, thrive, and spread their excellence to communities across the Northwest.

For bookings and orders, contact Couture Cocktails and Hunter in the Cup on their respective social platforms.

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

The new Boon Boona Coffee location at the Waterfront Park Overlook recently celebrated its grand opening with an enthusiastic crowd of community members and city leadership, marking a significant expansion for the local coffee staple. This new spot joined existing locations in Renton, Capitol Hill, the University District, and Redmond.

During the opening ceremony, CEO Efrem Fesaha expressed deep gratitude for his family and offered special thanks to former Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin for his purposeful community work and significant investment in the company. The event featured a prominent list of speakers, including Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth, CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park Joy Shigaki, and CEO of Ivar’s Bob Donegan.

For the past three years, Converge Media has consistently highlighted Boon Boona Coffee, celebrating its role in the community and amplifying Black-owned business success. Back2Besa host Besa Gordon was notably the first customer in line at the Waterfront Park opening, just as she was for the University of Washington Bookstore launch in 2023.

Through dedicated storytelling and genuine connection, Converge continues to celebrate how Boon Boona Coffee has become a cornerstone of the community and an exemplary Black-owned business, connecting people to the rich heritage and culture of East African coffee.

Visit Boon Boona’s new Waterfront Park location Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1515 Western Ave, Seattle.

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

Besa Gordon joined Good Day Seattle this morning to celebrate the grand opening of Boon Boona Coffee's newest location at the Overlook Walk at Waterfront Park. The new cafe, which Gordon described as a "lighthouse on a hill," is intended to serve as a point of connection for the Seattle community.

“I could not believe how many people that were actually there,” Gordon said, highlighted the immense community support that turned out for the event despite cold, rainy, and windy weather. “That's how much people love Boon Boona.”

The waterfront opening represented a significant full-circle moment for founder Efrem Fesaha, who first visited the area 40 years ago as an immigrant. For Gordon, who was Fesaha’s first customer at his University District location, seeing the business expand to a flagship spot near Pike Place Market demonstrates Fesaha’s dedication to the community. 

See the full story on Boon Boona’s Overlook Walk grand opening on Back2Besa this weekend at 10:30 p.m. on FOX13 Seattle, Sunday at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX13+, or on the FOX Local App.

Catch Gordon on Good Day Seattle every Thursday at 8:10 a.m. on FOX13 Seattle.

Dianna Kennedy is not just a business owner; she is a force of inspiration as the owner and operator of The Makeup Within Beauty Studios in Milton, Washington, and Mrs. Washington Curve' 2025. Her business, which began as an Instagram name to promote inner beauty, has grown into a full-service salon, spa, and Spa Suites—an "incubator space" for other independent beauty specialists. 

Kennedy's vision for The Makeup Within extended beyond diverse services like hair and nails; she is focused on cultivating a welcoming, warm environment that builds confidence and community for her diverse clientele and team.

Kennedy balances her roles as an entrepreneur and a mother of seven children by grounding herself in faith, which she likens to a "rubber band that just stretches and it just never snaps." Her commitment to the "makeup within" message is furthered by her pageant platform, where as Mrs. Washington Curve', she serves as a spokesperson for the WIN Foundation, supporting women overcoming domestic and narcissistic abuse. Guided by her faith, Kennedy envisions a future with more locations and a nonprofit to help other beauty-based businesses thrive, all while building a lasting legacy for her family and team.

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

Happy National Beer Can Appreciation Day! To celebrate, Besa Gordon pulled up to Métier Brewing in the Central District to chop it up with multi-disciplinary artist Damon Brown, aka Creative Lou, and Métier owner Rodney Hines. Brown designed many of the iconic Métier Brewing cans, and he’s all about telling the story of culture, Blackness, and the soul of Seattle’s Central District. For Brown, every can is a graphically dynamic and digestible love letter to the community, ensuring they see themselves reflected in the brewing industry. 

Hines showcased other iconic cans designed by Black artists, including Jessie Lipscomb, Perri Rhoden, Moses Sun, and Amari Leach. Hines said Métier’s goal is always to shine a light on Black excellence and ensure Black people know his brewery is a space for them.

Brown’s art is also displayed across the iconic Converge Media wall in the Black Media Matters Studio, representing a core part of Converge’s identity. As a result, his work carries significant cultural weight for Converge and the community as a whole. With Brown’s creativity expressed on Métier’s cans, Hines’ hopes that people will see Black people as part of the celebration and recognize that Black artists are more than capable of contributing their voices to the industry with pride. 

Visit Métier Brewing’s Cherry Street location Tuesdays through Fridays from  3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m.  to 7 p.m. at 2616 E Cherry St Seattle. 

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

Quincy Henry, co-owner and CEO of Campfire Coffee, opened his Tacoma-based shop out of financial necessity. After he and his wife both lost their jobs in the span of a few months in 2018, Henry leveraged his marketing background and their mutual passion for the outdoors. From their engagement to their honeymoon, they built a brand centered on the relatable idea of enjoying coffee around a campfire.

Campfire Coffee’s signature wood-fired roasting method, which imparts a unique, smoky flavor profile to the beans, was initially an unplanned move. After multiple roasters turned them away in 2019, the couple began roasting green coffee over an open flame in their backyard, embracing the challenge as their defining feature. When construction delays pushed back their shop opening and the pandemic hit in March 2020, they pivoted to an online store. Their authentic story, transparent communication about business hardships, and status as a Black-owned, veteran-owned, and woman-owned business propelled them to weekly sell-outs and a strong national customer base before their physical store opened in August, 2020.

Henry is deeply rooted in the Tacoma community, which he credited for the company’s success, describing the city as a "small town in a big city's body" that fiercely supports local businesses. Campfire Coffee is driven by a mission to increase diversity within both the coffee and outdoor recreation industries. This commitment is demonstrated by their free gear library that encourages community members to engage with nature. With new locations planned for the future, Henry sees his daily work as a part of a larger strategy to build a strong, sustainable business that can continue its legacy of community and intentional growth.

Stop by Campfire Coffee today between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., or Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1554 Market St #101, Tacoma, WA. 

#WWConverge #Back2Besa #CampfireCoffee #SupportBlackBusiness #Coffee #Tacoma

Besa Gordon’s Fan Foodie tour took a trip down I90 East for a blast of Southern flavors at Fresh Soul in Spokane, Washington on Back2Besa last week. Owner Michael Brown is all about satisfying the soul, serving up classics done right like his signature gumbo, slow-cooked collard greens, and the highly-praised, light and crispy deep-fried catfish meal. Beyond the hearty spreads like the Fresh Soul Special Combo (that’s ribs, a chicken leg, a hot link and cornbread), you’re tasting long-lasting love and tradition in every bite. 

But Fresh Soul is so much more than a great meal; it's a mission in motion that's feeding futures in the East Central Spokane community. The restaurant is the heart of a transformative youth job training program, which teaches teens vital life skills, financial literacy, and workforce skills. By pulling up to Fresh Soul, you're not just enjoying Southern goodness; you are directly supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurship that is helping build the next generation of leaders in Spokane.

Taste the soul for yourself Wednesdays through Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 3029 E 5th Ave, Spokane, WA. Check out the menu at freshsoulrestaurant.com. 

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.