St. Tammany Parish is home to a growing number of Black-owned businesses that enrich the region’s culture and community, offering unique products and exceptional service. Here, we spotlight a few thriving businesses on the Northshore and share a roundup of more to explore. We hope you’ll support them not just in February, but all year long.
Innovative Entrepreneurs
Black Flower Apparel & Records started as a side project for owners Howard and Amber Harper that quickly grew into a staple on The Northshore. The couple established Black Flower Apparel as a website-based business creating memorable designs for printing on t-shirts, totes and sweatshirts, until, in 2021, a small storefront in downtown Covington became available, and they took a chance at opening a store. It was soon thriving, though space was limited, so when the former Retro Music--a record store a few blocks away on Columbia Street--invited them to join forces, the group became Black Flower Apparel & Records.
Making designs that celebrate Louisiana and Covington culture, with a mind toward diversity, inclusion and positivity, the shop quickly became an eclectic hangout and hub of activity, selling records, tapes, CDs, games, movies, posters, locally made art, jewelry and accessories, and candles by Organically Wicked.
Black Flower has also become a hub for the local community to gather, especially during Covington's final Friday block parties or festivals like Spring for Art and Fall for Art. On sunny, breezy days, you'll find the front door wide open, music floating into the street, and Howard out front, greeting shoppers and chatting about local happenings with the many regulars. And, if you're a music lover, telling you about the latest vinyl records the store's gotten in. Drop in and say hello at 424 N. Columbia St. in downtown Covington.
Sustainable Self-care
Organically Wicked Candles & Tingz is a Covington-based business owned and operated by the mother-daughter duo of Rhegan and Tonya Ramsey, who, like many, suddenly found themselves unemployed during the initial pandemic shutdown. They brainstormed ideas to make their own, more durable, independent business. Combining their love of all things eco-friendly and luxe, Organically Wicked was born.
After months of research, planning, testing and prepping, they launched their brand of non-toxic, natural soy candles, body care items and other goodies. Their candles come beautifully adorned containers that can be repurposed for sustainable home décor and in refillable jars that you can return for refilling. You can shop their products at Black Flower Apparel & Records, local farmers markets, and at art markets, including St. Tammany Art Association's Art Alley during Covington's final Friday Block Parties. You can also shop and order online at https://organicallywicked.com/.
Hear Tonya and Rhegan, along with Black Flower's Howard Harper, talk about their entrepreneurial journeys in Visit The Northshore's All The Waves podcast episode 14, "Celebrating Black Excellence on The Northshore" (February, 2025).
Coffee, Chlorophyll & Culture
Now we take you to the east side of the parish, to Roots Plants + Coffee, owned and operated by Bryisha "B" and Mike Lyons. An inviting shop at the corner of Erlanger and First Streets in Olde Towne Slidell, Roots has a unique combination of offerings: delicious coffees and light, healthy bites alongside tropical plants. It's an inspiring, airy space with cozy sofas and chairs, small tables surrounded by showy plants, and a little library with books and games. Come on the last Friday of every month to see performances by local poets and musicians at their Open Mic Night, starting at 6 p.m. Be sure to arrive early to claim a seat!
Little Girls' Getaway for a Day
Another unique business in Slidell is Spoil Me Rott’n, a luxury day spa tailor-made for children. It offers a variety of services, including manicures, pedicures, cucumber melon facials, sugar scrub massages and more, with add-ons and party packages to sweeten your day and share in the fun. Visit Spoil Me Rott'n at 691 Brownswitch Rd., Unit B, Slidell.
Food for the Soul
Shoppers of the weekly Saturday morning market at Mandeville Trailhead can pick up fresh veggies, prepared goods and handmade crafts, but it's the lucky (early) shoppers who are also treated to delicious aromas floating in the air--the smell of authentic Louisiana cooking and soul food, courtesy of Willie Richardson, owner of the Mandeville-based Willie's Taste of Soul.
Willie serves up a variety of popular local dishes to enjoy during the market or take home, including jambalaya, Camellia red beans, seafood gumbo, fried chicken wings and fried pork chops, as well as nachos and jumbo beef dogs with chili & cheese. Be sure to get a cup of fresh-squeezed lemonade, too. Want to make sure you get your favorite? Reach out on Willie's Taste of Soul Facebook page and order ahead to pick up.
Besides the weekly market, you'll also find Willie at festivals around Southeast Louisiana, including Chef Soirée this March in Covington.
More Black-owned Businesses to Explore:
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A Taste of Chef Ash, LLC, Slidell and surrounding areas
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B & B Generations, Folsom
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Cajun Blazin Wingz, Slidell
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Caribbean Island Mini-Mart, Slidell
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Crawford’s 1-Stop, Slidell
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Da GM's Smoke & Soul, domiciled in Slidell
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Jackson's Essentials, Covington
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Cultivating Culture, Slidell
Do you own a tourism-related business in St. Tammany Parish and want a free profile on our website? Email Roberta at Explore@VisitTheNorthshore.com.
