A Few of Our Favorite Black-Owned Savannah Businesses
Savannah is home to centuries of potent black history. From the hands that built the city, to the Gullah culture infused in every street corner; Savannah is the perfect place to experience a flourishing Black community. We’ve gathered a list of some of our favorite black-owned businesses to highlight this month.
Alix Baptiste was born in Haiti, where the island’s tropical color palette inspired his love for art. When he was just 21 years old, he joined his family in Savannah, Georgia. He worked as a street artist, and blessed the city with tidbits of stunning color and heartwarming paintings. Before long, fans of his work encouraged him to open his own gallery, and he obliged! Today, you can see him in the window of his art gallery in City Market painting magnificent works of art. You absolutely have to take a look inside! As he welcomes you with a warm smile, it’s easy to see how he manages to capture pure love and joy in every one of his creations.
If cozy fashion is your thing, you have to stop by Diane’s Knitting Studio while you’re in Savannah! Diane creates wearable works of art using the knitting techniques she learned from her grandmother as a child. As she entered adulthood, she felt called by the Lord to turn her and her grandmother’s shared passion into a business. Nowadays, she holds knitting and crocheting classes in her studio at The City Market Art Center on the 2nd floor. You can also view and purchase her incredible selection of handmade hats, sweaters, and vests! Each one is unique, and she is always happy to share a technique or a pattern in her awesome class events!
Silver Silk and Beads was founded by dream team Willis and Gwendolyn Jones in the early 2000’s. They handcraft unique, Savannah-inspired clothes and jewelry, emphasizing affordability and style! My personal favorite selection is their Southern Gates Collection, which is inspired by all of the historic wrought-iron gates in the city. You won’t find wares like theirs, so RUN, do not walk, to Silver Silk and Beads!
Belford’s Savannah Steak and Seafood
After you’ve spent an exciting day exploring our beautiful city; fill up on fine wine and award-winning cuisine at Belford’s Savannah Steak and Seafood! This business started in the Belford family in 1923 as a wholesale food market. It’s been in the family ever since, even as it evolved into one of the finest restaurants in Savannah! Make sure you also stop in for their champagne brunch, and remember to ask what the chef’s special is for the day! It’s always mouthwatering, and paired with the perfect wine to transport you to a Savannah state of mind!