3 Black-owned businesses you’ll love to support in Birmingham

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Looking to support Black-owned businesses here in Birmingham? Read on to learn more about PolarisBHM, FLOWBHM and Herban Soul Café—three Black-owned businesses that just might be what you’re looking for.

Regions Bank is dedicated to fostering the growth of Black-owned Businesses in Birmingham. See how Regions Bank’s new initiatives support Black-owned businesses like these.

PolarisBHM

Looking for a new co-working space that brings together creative entrepreneurs under one roof? Look no farther than PolarisBHM! Located in Woodlawn, PolarisBHM is a flexible event and co-working space that provides the tools that entrepreneurs need to grow their businesses.

PolairsBHM was founded by Alycia Levels-Moore, who saw an opportunity in Birmingham to create a new space where people could collaborate, no matter what stage of growth their business was in.

“Our name is derived from Polaris, also known as the North Star. Culturally, the North Star means hope, freedom and direction. I really wanted to create a community for dreamers, thinkers, innovators, small business owners, visionaries and more to have spaces to collaborate with like minded people.”

Alycia Levels-Moore, Founder, PolarisBHM

At PolarisBHM, Alycia and her team have taken great care to provide much-needed resources for their customers. For example, PolarisBHM’s Podcast Studio has everything a budding podcaster needs to execute a well recorded podcast, including a team of people in-house who are ready to help bring the podcast to life.

Regions Bank’s new initiatives support Black-owned businesses like these—learn more.

PolarisBHM is home to everything from solo entrepreneurs to companies that have been in business for 3-5 years, working in a variety of fields such as:

• Mortgage loan officiers
• Therapists
• Workforce development
• Marketing companies
• Fitness & wellness

“I think what draws people to PolarisBHM is the sense of support. One of the things people say when they walk in is, ‘this feels just like home!’ Regardless of industry, business cycle or even the size of your team, PolarisBHM will give you the support, the love and the freedom you need to get things done.”

Alycia Levels-Moore, Founder, PolarisBHM

• PolarisBHM: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
• Address: 5521 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35212

FLOW BHM

If you’re looking for stylish clothes for both men and women in Birmingham, You’re in the Right Place. Located in Uptown, FLOWBHM is a boutique clothing store founded by Brigelle Oden, owner of Frou Frou Boutique in Alabaster. After the success of Frou Frou, Brigelle wanted to open a new clothing store in Birmingham.

“Downtown Birmingham is such a diverse area, with people of all ages, ethnicities and personalities. I wanted to open a boutique that is inclusive and has something for everybody. I always tell people you don’t have to come to FLOWBHM to shop—you’re welcome to come in, chat, vibe and listen to music. If you happen to buy a t-shirt or a sweatshirt while there, even better.”

Brigelle Oden, Founder, FLOWBHM

At FLOWBHM, Brigelle stocks a curated selection of clothing, including tees, sweatshirts, sweaters, hats, jackets, hoodies and more.

“To me, FLOWBHM does t-shirts and sweatshirts the best. I like the tees with catchy saying, like our best selling ‘earth is very ghetto‘ t-shirt. Our Birmingham apparel are customer favorites as well, because they’re a great conversation starter whether you’re in or outside of Birmingham.”

Brigelle Oden, Founder, FLOWBHM

Want to see what FLOWBHM has to offer? Check out their website or visit the store in person to learn more!

• FLOWBHM: Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2240 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Herban Soul Café

This may come as a shock to us Southerners, but sweet tea isn’t the only type of tea in the world! To try exciting new herbal tea blends, look no further than Herban Soul Café. Founded by Alexis Kimbrough, Herban Soul Café is a local mobile cafe specializing in healthy herbal tea and more.

Kimbrough began developing the concept for Herban Soul Café while working at a local health food store.

“It’s hard to find herbal tea in Birmingham; you might find limited herbal tea flavors at coffee shop, but we don’t have any brick & mortar herbal tea cafés. I wanted Herban Soul Café to be a place where people can try healthy tea and food options in a comforting environment.”

Herban Soul Café has fruit-infused flavors like Pina Colada and Strawberry Lemonade, as well as blends that help with:

• Inflammation — 5 Heartbeat
• Immunity — Immune-I-Tea
• Women’s Reproductive Health — Such A Lady

In addition, Herban Soul Café has two new summer flavors dropping on July 14. 

“I specifically formulated these blends with wellness in mind. They are an easy way to get extra water, vitamins and nutrients into your diet, and although they all can be drank for pleasure, they were all formulated to aid anyone along their health and wellness journey.”

Alexis Kimbrough, Founder, Herban Soul Café

Although Herban Soul Café does not have a physical location yet, Alexis is working hard to open her own brick & mortar location in The Magic City. Last June, Herban Soul Café was named one of the recipients of the Magic City Match program, which offers grants to help grow Black-owned businesses in Birmingham.

In the meantime, you can find Herban Soul Café’s products online or at one of the many pop-up market events Alexis attends. In addition, you can reach out to Herban Soul Café directly to learn more about having Herban Soul Café at your next event, market or special occasion via info@herbansoulcafe.com.

“My personal favorites are the ‘Such a Lady‘ blend and the ‘Immune-I-Tea‘ blend, but my customers really love the ‘5 Heart Beat‘ and ‘Spice & Everything Nice‘ blends. I chose specific ingredients for each blend for health reasons, but you can still drink them for pleasure!”

Alexis Kimbrough, Founder, Herban Soul Café

• Herban Soul Café: Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Sign up for Herban Soul Café’s email list for their monthly newsletter, updates, and details of their brick-and-mortar journey!

Regions Bank is dedicated to fostering the growth of Black-owned Businesses in Birmingham. See how Regions Bank’s new initiatives support Black-owned businesses like these.

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