Photo by Kelly
The business world is on the march, and 2025 is set to bring groundbreaking innovations and exciting new prospects. Consumer preferences are shifting, and technology is constantly evolving. In response, small businesses are continually emerging globally and adapting to the changing market landscape.
Philadelphia, a city where history meets hustle has long been a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. In recent years, the city’s small business scene has flourished, particularly among Black entrepreneurs who are redefining industries with creativity, resilience, and community-minded values.
Among Philly’s thriving small business scene is an array of Black-owned shops. These small businesses represent the future. From fashion and food to sustainable solutions that protect our planet and cutting-edge tech services that revolutionize our lives, they are making waves and capturing the hearts of the community.
Whether you’re looking for skincare, bookstores, or restaurants, Philadelphia is home to many small businesses and a number of them are Black-owned. Here are some of Philly’s top small businesses you should watch out for this year.
Dosso Beauty
Founded by Kadidja Dosso in 2018, this Black-Owned / Women-Led company is versed in hypoallergenic braiding hair and organic hair care products for anyone with sensitive scalps and skin. Dosso Beauty provides affordable organic and cruelty-free cosmetics, personal care products, and hair care products to consumers. This organic beauty supplier has been dedicated to providing the best hypoallergenic hair extensions since 2018.
Photo source: Instagram / dossobeauty
A Little Mental
Its founder, Morgan Reid, a mental health professional and operations specialist, is on a mission to break the barriers that prevent people from receiving mental health care. She started A Little Mental to help people find resources and access care. It was founded in 2020, the year when we had to navigate unprecedented levels of trauma, isolation, stress, and overall emotional turmoil due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
AroDough is the first product developed at A Little Mental. It is a portable self-care tool that holds the benefits of aromatherapy, fidget toys, and mindfulness tools combined. The dough can be smelled, squeezed, sculpted, or just rolled in your hands.
Soul Haum Yoga
It’s a new year and it may be time for you to let something go. Located in the Fairmount/ Brewerytown section of Philadelphia, this Black woman-owned wellness and trauma healing space is the place to be. This small business specializes in trauma-informed yoga pilates and somatic experiencing. Its founder Jasmine Allen is certified in Accessible Yoga. She is a somatic experiencing practitioner in training and now accepting somatic experiencing clients.
Photo source: Instagram / soulhaumyoga
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
Temple University professor and author Marc Lamont Hill founded the store in 2017 to provide underserved communities with access to books and a space where everyone feels valued.
This independent and Black-owned Coffee Shop and Bookstore located in the heart of the Germantown section of Philadelphia also serves high-quality coffee, food products, and other items like apparel and children’s games. Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books holds free author talks, and dozens of other events including weekly story time for kids and back-to-school drives.
Photo source: Facebook / Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
Baleena
Say goodbye to microplastics in your laundry and hello to a cleaner planet. This next-gen, advanced filtration technology is transforming the way we wash and reducing the microplastic footprint of laundry. It was founded in 2022 by Julia Yan (Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer), Sarah Beth Gleeson (Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer), and Shoshana Weintraub (Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer). Founded in 2022,
Baleena located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, utilizes bio-inspired filter technology that integrates into washing machines, captures microfibers released during washing, and prevents them from entering waterways.
BigMouth Toothbrush
Dr. Bobbi Peterson, the first Black woman orthodontist to design a toothbrush, made an impact with her innovative design that landed her a $150,000 deal from a Shark investor.
The toothbrush offers a thorough and efficient cleaning through an extra-large head and bristles that are three times the size of a typical toothbrush. The features help cover areas of the teeth and gums simultaneously. The Big Mouth Toothbrush combines luxury and oral care creating a spa-like experience for your mouth.
Photo source: Instagram / thebigmouthtoothbrush
JAB Your Face
Joyce Sample (mother), Alexis, and Brianna Johnson (daughters) started this small business based in West Philadelphia during the pandemic in 2020. They craft natural, handmade soaps & body butter that your skin will love.
Photo source: Facebook / JAB Your Face
Farina Pasta & Noodle
US Army Veteran Daniel Lee is the owner and chef of Farina Pasta & Noodle which is open for business at 132 S 17th St, Philadelphia. He received a $30k small business loan from The Enterprise Center Capital Corporation in 2023. He serves up out-of-this-world custom pasta dishes, using only quality, locally sourced ingredients to suit any palate.
Photo source: Facebook / Farina Pasta & Noodle
