A Celebration of Black History in the Delmar Loop
Black History Month is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African dispersal. It is celebrated annually in the United States and Canada in February, and the United Kingdom in October.
Did you know… The precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be “Negro History Week.” This week was chosen because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and of Frederick Douglass on February 14, both birthdays celebrated by African American communities since the late 19th century.
The expansion of Black History Week to Black History Month was first proposed by the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969. In 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial, the expansion of Negro History Week to Black History Month was officially recognized by the U.S. government. Black History Month was later adopted by the United Kingdom in 1987 and first celebrated in London. Canada followed suit and began officially recognizing Black History Month in 1995.
The Delmar Loop would like to recognize the black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs operating in our culturally diverse district.
Loop Luxe – Nakita Smith & Kym Moore
ADDRESS: 6267 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130
PHONE #: (314) 339-5700
- How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, we wanted to take what we knew and loved and turn it into our own business. So together we started Loop Luxe. - Tell us about your business. What areas do you specialize in?
We are a beauty salon/spa. Hair, makeup, facials, waxing. We also continuously feature local artists’ paintings for sale in our salon and rotate the collections on a monthly basis for our customers. - What made you choose your current location?
The Delmar Loop is the best location because of the traffic, high energy and culturally diversity the area is in terms of unique businesses and inclusion of people of walks of life. - What is unique about your business?
We design our own original hair styles that you will not find anywhere else in St. Louis. We can accommodate just about any styling needs. - Who is someone that inspires and continues to motivate you?
Erykah Badu, Buddah, and Osho. - What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?
Just go for it and trust and believe everything will come in time. Also, make sure you get to know your clients on a personal level. And most importantly, do the type of work that you enjoy most.
Boutique Calla Lily – DaLila Waheed-Spencer
ADDRESS: 6195 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112
WEBSITE: boutiquecallalily.us
PHONE #: (314) 367-6353
- How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
I always wanted to work in the fashion industry because it was so exclusive in St. Louis. I always knew what I wanted to do so I made it happen and created my own opportunity to start my own boutique. - Tell us about your business. What areas do you specialize in?
We are a formal dress shop with a full service retail shop. We specialize in prom, party and special occasion dresses for the more fashionable girl and woman. - What made you choose your current location?
Originally we were in the Central West End but because of the scene and the type of customers we were looking to connect with we decided to move our business to The Loop. - What is unique about your business?
The level of service we provide to all of our customers. We hand pick everything in the store and work one-on-one with our customers to understand and fulfill their needs. Boutique Calla Lily is our baby so our passion and dedication is what sets us apart from the competition. - Who is someone that inspires and continues to motivate you?
My business partner, which is my mom Loretta Waheed along with my sister, Mariama who is in charge of our marketing. Our family works together to ensure the success of our business. - What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?
Plan to have heart, put in a lot of time, and make sure the new business venture is something you’re really passionate about. That is what will make all the difference in the success of your business.
Miss M’s Candy Boutique – Sharon Echols
ADDRESS: 6193 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112
WEBSITE: missmscandy.com
PHONE #: (314) 721-7000
- How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
I had childhood memories as a kid going to candy stores and I just knew that I wanted to start my own. - Tell us about your business. What areas do you specialize in?
My business consist of candies, chocolates and unique candy items for all occasions. - What made you choose your current location?
When I chose to open my first business, I had to consider my family. I picked the Delmar Loop location so it would be easy for my daughters to have a place to commute to and from work. The Delmar Loop was the perfect location. Also, we are happy to announce that we have recently opened our second location at the Grand Center. - What is unique about your business?
We carry over 500 kinds of Candy including 21 colors of M & M’s, gourmet chocolates, organic, sugar free, and nostalgic candy. We also have candy apparel, candy accessories, candy novelty items, gift baskets, and more. If you are planning an event, let us candy cater your next party. - Who is someone that inspires and continues to motivate you?
When I see other black businesses strive against all odds, that’s what motivates me. It’s easy for anyone to give up, so I look to them to continue to motivate and inspire me. - What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?
Do your research, remember that finding the right location is key, and make sure you’re financially ready before opening your business.
Cocktailz: A Beauty Bar – Ashley Woods
ADDRESS: 6150 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112
PHONE #: (314) 863-6950
- How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
Our idea came from my visit to Los Angeles and I wanted to bring that vibe to St. Louis. - Tell us about your business. What areas do you specialize in?
We specialize in hair, make-up, nails, waxing and lining. Also have clothing, jewelry and accessories. We cater to all types of women of all walks of life. - What made you choose your current location?
We chose the Delmar Loop location because of the high foot traffic and we love our location across the street from The Pageant. We definitely increase our customer base because of shows at The Pageant and Delmar Hall. - What is unique about your business?
We are a complete styling company that captures the finesse of LA styles. The fusion of the colorful world of makeup with the fabulous world of fashion. We offer dry hair styling, makeup application, lash applications, fashion apparel and jewelry. - What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?
Go for it, don’t be scared at all!
Just Chicken – Antwann Binion
ADDRESS: 5942 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112
WEBSITE: justchickenstl.com
PHONE #: (314) 726-3303
- How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
I started Just Chicken from a restaurant that I owned in the past. A lot of my past customers said that the chicken was the best thing on the menu and they wished I would bring it back. So that’s when I decided to open a restaurant based on just chicken. - Tell us about your business. What areas do you specialize in?
Our name is just what it is, “Just Chicken”. You want the best chicken in town, come visit us. - What made you choose your current location?
Along with the Central West End, we chose The Loop because of the traffic that it brings in on a daily basis along with the close proximity to the students at Wash U. - What is unique about your business?
We picked one thing and we do it right. Come try our chicken for yourself and tell us what you think. - Who is someone that inspires and continues to motivate you?
My mother is the one who inspires me everyday. - What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?
I would advise people to do all their research early on before you open your business.
Tayler-Made Barbershop – Dawn Causey
ADDRESS: 5888 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112
PHONE #: (314) 361-1114
- How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
I always worked in a barbershop. I kept thinking that one day I will open my own business and run my own barbershop. And today I am the proud owner of Tayler Made Barbershop in the Delmar Loop. - Tell us about your business. What areas do you specialize in?
Tayler-Made Barbershop specializes in fades, designs, and natural styles such as locks, retwists and various lock styles. We are proud to be celebrating 10 years of business in the Delmar Loop. - What made you choose your current location?
When I was choosing the location for my business I saw The Loop was growing at a tremendous rate. And it continues to grow with new additions like the Loop Trolley. - What is unique about your business?
Our shop is more of a family business where our family gets the opportunity to work together. - Who is someone that inspires and continues to motivate you?
My mother motivates me to keep going and to be able to continue pushing on. - What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?
I advise people to save their money and do your research. Also, make sure your choose the right location in the right community.
