By Madi Bland
CLOTH & KIND has two home bases: Athens, GA where Tami resides and Ann Arbor, MI where Krista calls home. Today we’re stoked to be sharing 5 Black-owned businesses in Athens that y’all have got to check out. Supporting Black-owned companies, dollar by dollar, will help to close the racial wealth gap, strengthen the local economy, celebrate Black culture, all while serving the local community - and we dig ALL of those things, big time!
1.The Plate Sale
Mike and Shyretha Sheats are the couple behind the multi-faceted The Plate Sale. Mike and Shyretha’s focus is on hospitality, Agriculture in the South, and heritage preservation. Some of their current projects include: dinner series pop-ups and farm restoration. You can currently find them slinging breakfast and lunch at Hendershot’s Tuesday- Saturday 9-5. Best. Biscuits. Ever. And in the south we take biscuits very seriously, so you know we mean business.
2. Absynia
Elle, the mind and hands behind Absynia, is a jewelry and stationery designer who got her start by repurposing cheap and broken jewelry. She now creates handmade and ethically sourced jewelry, that only uses natural materials and vintage parts. Elle describes her art as Modern. Bohemian, and African. You can shop her jewelry on etsy, or pop in to Community where you can find some of her work. We’d both don these earrings in a heartbeat.
3. Mannaweenta
Mannaweenta is an Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurant that prides themselves on being family friendly, healthy, and tasty. Mannaweenta is owned and operated by Haregu Bahtu and her family. They offer a very diverse range of traditional dishes that will satisfy any meat-lover or conscious vegan. At Mannaweenta you are treated more than just a customer - you are treated as a member of the Athens community that they hold dearly. Their food and company is best described as comforting.
4. Cherokee Moon Mixology
Cherokee Moon Mixology is a women-run botanical brewery based out of Athens creating artisan apple cider vinegars, with bold botanical concentrates. The business is operated by three women who create unique cultural experiences surrounding food, while trailblazing pathways to deeper nutrition in the Athens community. You can shop their vinegars and tonics at the Athens Farmer’s Market on Saturdays or on their online shop.
5. Cool World Ice Cream Shop
Victor “Beau” Tracy Shell is a 15-year old who believes that ice cream should be its own food group! Beau believes that he can spread happiness with his ice cream and he loves his business - as if you couldn’t tell by his contagious smile! Beau is Athens’ youngest entrepreneur and he is also the youngest person ever to become a member of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. Cool World sells a variety of frozen treats including his signature and custom ice cream sandwiches, hand dipped and soft serve ice cream, novelty ice cream, Italian Ice, milkshakes, sundaes, floats, plus the Coolie Pie and Coolie Shake. You’re welcome!
HEADER IMAGE CREDIT // The Red & Black
