BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – February is a month dedicated to celebrating Black history. This can be done by reading books about Black culture, attending Black history events or supporting Black-owned businesses in your community.
Harmony Edosomwan started her business in 2019, making soul food plates out of her apartment. Demand for her dishes quickly grew and now she’s working out of a commercial kitchen in Winooski.
“Harmony’s Kitchen wouldn’t be here without the support of the community. From the very beginning, I had folks that just believed in me…Vermont is a great place I think to open up a business because the community cares so much about folks who are just doing their own thing,” said Edosomwan.
Edosomwan said when she first started her business, people in Vermont did not know what the traditional Black southern cuisine was, so she had to educate their pallets.
“Provide the Vermont people with food that they haven’t really had before or in a consistent, authentic way,” said Edosomwan.
Erica McClain, owner of Hangry The Donut Bar in St. Albans had a similar experience when creating her business. She found it challenging to find her niche in a state lacking diversity. McClain wanted people in Vermont to be interested in her culture like she was interested in theirs.
“I want to create a space for all people, where you can truly feel welcomed. And so being a Black business owner in this county, in this state it’s a lot, it’s a privilege. It’s an honor,” said McClain.
She says most days she starts baking at 2 a.m. and being a business owner can seem like an endless job but it is rewarding. McClain said her passion for the business stems from her customers’ support and their love of her product.
“There was a woman who came up from Burlington and she was so kind, she was like man, I just got my tooth pulled the other day but I’d risk it all for your doughnuts. And that made me so happy, this is why I do this,” said McClain.
Another Black business owner making an impact in her community is Sasha Finnell. She grew up in southern Vermont and is now a massage therapist and yoga teacher in Burlington. She says she wants to bring peace and relaxation to Burlington.
“It’s really great to be able to brighten somebody’s day. Right when they come in they might have a look like they’re not feeling the greatest and then when they leave they look feeling refreshed,” said Finnell.
The women say they feel they could not have done it without the support of their communities.
“It’s important to celebrate Black businesses in Black History Month because for so long, Black folks and Black businesses have been pushed into the margins,” said Edosomwan.
Business owners say while it is important to recognize these businesses now, it is equally important to visit them throughout the year so they can continue to serve their communities.