Charleston, South Carolina is of course known for Rainbow Row and its top-rated restaurants, but many visitors often miss some of the businesses and history that have made Charleston what it is today. Charleston, SC was built on the back of unpaid labor in the form of enslaved Africans and today, their ancestors, the Gullah-Geechee and others within the Black community are the heartbeat of the city. There are countless black businesses in Charleston, we’ve compiled just a very small sampling of our favorites; here are a few of the best Black businesses in Charleston, South Carolina that you may want to add to your vacation itinerary.
Best Black Businesses in Charleston
Supporting Black Business in Charleston
The next time you find yourself visiting Charleston, South Carolina be sure to make an effort to support Black businesses. If you’re looking for things to do in Charleston, the following Black-owned businesses are a great start.
Gullah Tours with Alphonso Brown
Alphonso Brown is a licensed tour guide in Charleston and the owner and operator of Gullah Tours. Not only is he a historian, lecturer, and guide, but Brown is also the author of A Gullah Guide to Charleston: Walking Through Black History; a must-read for anyone visiting the Lowcountry.
This driving tour takes guests on an informative tour of the history and lore of Black Charleston. You’ll see Denmark Vesey’s home, the Old Slave Mart, and the work area of renowned blacksmith, Philip Simmons. Visit the Gullah Tours website to learn more about Brown’s narration style and the sites visited along the tour.
Casual Crabbing with Tia
If you’re looking for the freshest seafood on your next visit to Charleston, it doesn’t get much better than catching it yourself. Casual Crabbing with Tia is a must-do if you want to learn how to catch your crabs! Tia Clark offers crabbing experiences to first-timers and seasoned pros, no matter who you are, you’ll learn something new.
Black-Owned Food and Gifts in Charleston
Nigel’s Good Food
If you’re ready to eat and shop your way through the city, you will not be disappointed with these Black businesses in Charleston. While Nigel’s isn’t directly within Charleston proper, there are three locations within the Charleston area; Ladson, Hanahan, and North Charleston, each just a quick drive or Uber ride away from the downtown area. Consistently rated #1 Geechee spot in the area, Nigels is your go-to restaurant for Southern Soul food like Geechee Wings, gumbo, fried green tomatoes, bourbon pecan pie, and banana pudding.
The Tiny Tassel
The Tiny Tassel founder Mimi Triplin opened her specialty boutique shop in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood of Charleston in 2015. This is one of many Black businesses in Charleston that was born of need; The Tiny Tassel is a great shop for apparel, jewelry, and gifts and is a business that is an especially important one in the community; representation is everything. While there, be sure to check out the Charleston Mug, designed by Evelyn Henson, it is perfection!
Turning Page Bookshop
If you’re looking for a Black-owned bookstore in the Charleston area, look no further than Turning Page Bookshop. This Goose Creek-based bookstore was founded in 2019 by VaLinda Miller. Miller’s shop is the second Black-owned bookstore in South Carolina.
“People can come in with their laptops and work on a project or paper, or can pick a book from a shelf and start reading,” Miller told Charleston City Paper. “I want people to come here and feel comfortable and enjoy themselves. I want them to feel at home.”
Don’t leave Charleston before stopping in to see all that Turning Page Bookshop has to offer. It’s the perfect place to grab a book for yourself and stock up on gifts for family members; plus you’ll be supporting Black-owned Charleston and the community as a whole.
Charleston, South Carolina has come a long way from its colonial beginnings. Some progress has been made. But of course, there is, and will continue to be, work that needs to be done. That is why it is so important that we support and continue to support Black businesses here and throughout the country.
We can’t just sit back and assume that a business that is here today, will remain in business. Rents are increasing and the cost of living is out of control; we should support our community members, spread the word, and recommend these Black businesses in Charleston and beyond, whenever we get the chance.
