Black women entrepreneurs are transforming one block of Upshur Street in Washington DC’s Petworth neighborhood. These business owners have created a unique ecosystem of mutual support and community empowerment. Their collaborative approach redefines how local businesses can thrive together rather than compete against each other.
The single block houses multiple Black woman-owned establishments that serve diverse community needs. From flowers to cigars, clothing to cookies, these businesses complement each other perfectly. This concentration of Black female entrepreneurship represents a powerful model for economic development.
Most of these women are Washington natives with deep community roots and generational connections. Their businesses blend legacy traditions with modern collaborative approaches. This combination creates authentic community anchors that residents trust and support consistently.
Flowers by Alexes Anchors Community Events and Creativity
Alexes Haggins founded Flowers by Alexes with strong family ties to the neighborhood. She has lived on the block since age nine when her father moved there. “We reopened the shop, and we’ve been here and doing really well since then,” Haggins told WUSA 9.
The flower shop serves as more than just a retail space for the community. Local creatives and side hustlers regularly use Haggins’s event space for various activities. The venue functions as a springboard for emerging entrepreneurs and artists.
After moving away from the area, Haggins returned with renewed excitement about community connection. “Just coming back, reaching out and reconnecting with the community and how they receive me, it was just a good feeling,” she explained. The shop hosts yoga, Pilates, crocheting, and other community events regularly.
Petworth Cigars Blends Tradition with Neighborhood Pride
Dyane Johnson owns Petworth Cigars, which sits directly across from Flowers by Alexes. Her shop represents the neighborhood’s commitment to preserving traditional businesses while embracing collaborative growth. Johnson sees cooperation rather than competition among the block’s diverse establishments.
“It’s excellent to be able to have the support and integration of different businesses,” Johnson stated. She appreciates the variety of services available within walking distance of her shop. The mix includes clothing stores, flower arrangements, and food options for customers.
Johnson’s perspective demonstrates how these business owners actively support each other’s success. Rather than viewing nearby businesses as threats, they see opportunities for cross-referrals. This mindset creates a stronger overall business environment for the entire block.
Elephant in My Room Grows from Apartment to Brick-and-Mortar Success
Tisha Brown’s journey with Elephant in My Room showcases the evolution from side hustle to established business. She started selling clothes from a single rack in her two-bedroom apartment five years ago. Through determination and community support, she gradually expanded her operations.
Brown participated in pop-up events before securing her permanent storefront on Upshur Street. “I was in Fia’s middle room when she was here, so it’s full circle to be back,” she shared. Her return to the block represents both personal growth and business achievement.
The lifestyle boutique now occupies its own brick-and-mortar space among the other successful ventures. Brown’s story inspires other aspiring entrepreneurs who start with limited resources. Her success demonstrates that gradual growth and community connections can lead to sustainable business ownership.
Cookie Wear Celebrates 25 Years of Consistent Community Service
Michelle Smith’s Cookie Wear represents the longest-running business among the Upshur Street entrepreneurs. Her shop has served the community for an impressive 25 years of continuous operation. This longevity demonstrates the sustainability possible through community-focused business practices.
Smith’s quarter-century of success provides inspiration and mentorship for newer business owners. Her experience navigating various economic challenges offers valuable lessons for emerging entrepreneurs. The long-term presence creates stability that benefits the entire business corridor.
Cookie Wear’s established customer base helps drive foot traffic to neighboring businesses as well. Smith’s loyal customers often discover and support other shops during their visits. This cross-pollination effect strengthens the entire block’s economic ecosystem significantly.
DC Leads Nation in Black-Owned Business Development
Washington DC leads the entire nation in Black-owned businesses per capita according to official statistics. The city’s Department of Small and Local Business Development tracks these encouraging trends. Black women now own nearly 40% of all Black-owned businesses in the District.
These impressive statistics reflect broader economic empowerment within DC’s Black community. The Upshur Street entrepreneurs contribute to these positive numbers while creating their own success stories. Their achievements inspire other potential business owners throughout the city.
However, the Upshur Street women go beyond simply adding to statistics through their collaborative approach. They create blueprints that other aspiring entrepreneurs can follow in different neighborhoods. Their model demonstrates how cooperation leads to stronger individual and collective success.
Collaborative Business Model Creates Economic Ecosystem
The Upshur Street business owners work collaboratively rather than competitively with remarkable results. They refer customers to each other and coordinate events that benefit multiple establishments. This approach builds a stronger overall business environment for everyone involved.
Their presence boosts economic activity throughout the surrounding Petworth neighborhood significantly. Local residents can access diverse services without traveling to distant commercial areas. This convenience factor increases customer loyalty and repeat business for all establishments.
The women’s ecosystem-building approach creates lasting economic impact beyond individual business success. They demonstrate how strategic collaboration can revitalize entire commercial corridors. Other neighborhoods can adapt their model to strengthen local business districts.
Community Roots Drive Authentic Business Connections
Most of these entrepreneurs are Washington natives with generations-deep community connections and understanding. This authenticity helps them create businesses that truly serve neighborhood needs and preferences. Their local knowledge guides product selection and service offerings effectively.
The business owners understand their customers personally rather than viewing them as anonymous transactions. These relationships create trust and loyalty that sustain businesses through challenging economic periods. Personal connections also generate valuable word-of-mouth marketing and referrals.
Their deep community roots ensure that business decisions consider neighborhood impact and resident needs. This consideration creates sustainable operations that benefit both business owners and community members. The approach builds long-term success rather than short-term profits alone.
