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Sip & Savor Owner, Trez Pugh on Finding Opportunity in the Midst of Crisis.

Shera Strange, Contributing Writer - June 25, 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses, mostly small businesses, were forced to close. Small companies took a significant hit during the pandemic. Now that...

Everyone Needs an ANJEL, a Must Have App for Black Americans.

Danielle Sanders - May 5, 2021

ANJEL Tech is a new app designed by James A. Samuel, Jr. that turns any smartphone into a powerful body cam. The recent conviction...

CurlMix Founders Raise Over $3.5M in Equity Crowdfunding.

Racquel Coral, Contributing Writer - April 28, 2021

Natural hair care line CurlMix has recently announced that they will be going public. Tim and Kim Lewis, the husband-and-wife duo behind the brand,...

A Chance Meeting Blossoms into a Sweet Business Relationship.

Danielle Sanders - April 20, 2021

Have you looked at 75th Street between Calumet and Indiana? Outdoor Greenhouses for dining line the streets and new establishments and businesses are renting...

Three Best Friends Form First Black Owned Bread Company in Chicago.

Tammy Gibson (SankofaTravelHer) - April 19, 2021

Charles Alexander, Mark Edmond, and Jamel Lewis are the founders of The Black Bread Company, the first black-owned gourmet sliced bread company in the...

Jason Armstrong Introduces Den of Thieves Whiskey to Chicago Spirits Market.

Ali Bouldin, Contributing Writer - April 1, 2021

Den of Thieves, a premium crafted whiskey created by New York native Jason Armstrong is preparing to make its way into the Chicago spirit’s...

Chicago Black Restaurant Week (CBRW) Launches in Time for the Super Bowl.

Kimberly Durden, Contributing Writer - February 6, 2021

Lauran Smith, the founder of Chicago Black Restaurant Week (CBRW), is in her sixth year of showcasing and advocating support for Black-owned restaurants in...

New Restaurateur Aisha Robinson Plans to Bring Some Soul to the South Suburbs with KIS Restaurant.

Kimberly Durden, Contributing Writer - January 21, 2021

The Chicago Defender got an exclusive look at KIS Restaurant, a new full-service eatery coming to Markham, IL next month. We sat down with...

Black-Owned Wine and Champagne Guide

Danielle Sanders - December 28, 2020

As the year 2020 ends, The Chicago Defender reached out to black-owned wine and liquor companies to learn what makes a great wine or...

Boxed Expressions Provides a Thoughtfully Curated Culinary Experience.

Theresa Horton, Contributing Writer - December 24, 2020

Boxed Expressions is a local small business that offers pop-up culinary and crafted curated gifting experiences. Chef Jessica is the owner, operator, creative director,...