Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. It is a day that reminds us of our responsibility to understand how the past impacts the present, and honor its significance as our country continues to confront racism today. To commemorate Juneteenth, we would like to share with you a few of Black-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses that are making waves in the food industry that you can support today and beyond!
1
Trade St. Jam Co.
Founder: Ashley Rouse
If you’re looking for fun and fresh flavor combinations, Trade St. Jam Co. is your jam! A rare combination from woman and Black-owned businesses, Trade Street Jam Co. was founded by Ashley Rouse, whose love for experimenting as a chef resulted in the company’s selection of jams and sauces that are vegan, gluten-free, preservative-free, and low sugar. Flavors include Strawberry Chipotle + Fig, Smoked Yellow Peach, and Sour Cherry Ginger.
2
Agua Bonita
Founders: Kayla Castañeda & Erin PonTell
Agua Bonita is an Afro-Latina-owned beverage company that sells 100% real fruit aguas frescas made from rescued produce. Castañeda and PonTell value authenticity and culture, and have created a refreshing selection of flavors, including Mango Habanero and Watermelon Chile. The company has seen great success, and Castañeda and PonTell now use this to reinvest into education for children of immigrants.
3
Partake Foods
Founder: Denise Woodard
Denise Woodard founded Partake Foods as a result of her daughter’s experience with allergies and her frustration at the lack of snack options on the market. She put her heart into developing Partake Foods, selling her engagement ring and starting by selling from her car. The woman-owned business now offers a selection of gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly cookies, baking mixes, and breakfast mixes.
4
Zach and Zoë Sweet Bee Farm
Founders: Summer and Kam Johnson (& their children Zach and Zoe!)
The story of family-owned business Zach and Zoë is as sweet as honey! Motivated to help ease their son Zach’s seasonal allergies, Summer and Kam Johnson learned about the health benefits of raw honey and soon got the whole family interested in beekeeping. They now sell a variety of 100% raw wildflower honey infused with superfoods, including lavender, matcha, and ginger root.
5
 Mylk Dog
Founder: Bethovan Enhancing
Mylk Dog is a small Black-owned business that sells plant-based cheese dips. Bethovan Enhancing, a San Diego native, wanted to create a vegan cheese option that he and his children could enjoy, and is determined to help more people switch to plant-based cheese. Mylk Dog’s “Notcho Cheez” comes in two flavors (Original and Spicy Fiesta Queso), and adds a new layer to favorite foods like tacos, salads, and of course, nachos!
6
Poptritional
Founder: Courtney Adeleye
Courtney Adeleye is a Nigerian-American entrepreneur who has been extremely successful in multiple industries, running CPG brands in hair care, coffee, and more. Adeleye used her scientific expertise as a Registered Nurse alongside her husband Adebowale, a physician, to create POPtritional, a guilt-free, delicious popcorn that contains key vitamins and nutrients.
7
MochaBox
Founders: Floyd Sartin and Harlin Thomas
MochaBox is a specialty coffee company created by Floyd Sartin and Harlin Thomas. The pair went from college friends to business partners with a shared vision of changing the lack of African-American representation within the coffee industry. They drew inspiration from Mocha, a port city off the coast of Yemen, that is known as a birthplace of coffee trade. MochaBox is all about blending coffee and culture, and sells a variety of coffee blends and apparel.
8
Basbaas Foods
Founder: Hawa Hassan
The story of Basbaas Foods is one of culture, family, and passion. Hawa Hassan, a female entrepreneur and chef, was born in the capital of Somalia during the country’s civil war. Reconnecting with her family 15 years after Hassan immigrated to Seattle ignited her passion for Somali cuisine, and she wanted to share it with a new audience by creating Basbaas Foods, the only food line of Somali hot sauces and chutneys available in the U.S.
