I am always thrilled to shares these gems with you all, and this time it is all about small local businesses. From hearty meals to my favorite accessory designer, the following small businesses are not only companies that I frequently visit, but companies with products and goods I stand by since testing it. However, I will give honest feedback and tell you all the yays and nays about any of them. After all, what is a good critic without feedback!

Smoothie Express Miami Shores

During my serial dating series in the shores (don’t ask, haha), this smoothie and healthy lunch bar was the spot. I would tell my dates (it was only three of them, calm down :-)) to meet me there since it was close to my home, and we would sip on healthy smoothies and sometimes grab a bite to eat. I eventually got to meet the owner and surprise it was a black-owned business. I was excited to spend my hard-earned dollar… I mean my date’s hard-earned money there. Supporting black folks has always been on my to-do list, and this was just the opportunity to do so.

Alright, since you are asking about the dates, here it is: I ended up parting amicably with one of them, blocking another (Child!), and still dating the last one. That is all I am going to say for now ;-). For more information, visit smoothieexpress.com.

Yay’s: Healthy and on the go. Nay’s: Not enough parking, but that’s Miami Shores for you.

berries blackberries close up cocktail
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
closeup photo of slice of orange
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

Arthur McQueen

I have been following McQueen for a few years now. We have many friends in common and frequent the same creative circle, but we never officially meet face to face. However, I have reached out to her personally on social media to congratulate her and recently to purchase one of her clutches, specifically the carmen clutch. The bright pink color is the right pop for a tone down look and accompanies my complexion beautifully. We have since grown a business relationship. She was recently published in one of our latest issues in House of Lafrance Magazine. For more information on the Arthur McQueen brand, visit arthurmcqueen.com.

Yay’s: Well constructed and easy to switch from hand-clutch to over the shoulder bag. Nays: Not enough color options.

Eterna Atelier

Suppose you are a startup clothing brand in need of a mini production company to help carry your small production load. In that case, Eterna Atelier is the spot for you. The owner Tatiana Cochagne is a friend of mine. She is in charge of all the pattern creations, sewing, and finishing off all the work sent over at Eterna Atelier. She specializes mostly in sportswear, bathing suits, and all things lycra. She has all the equipment to help carry your productions, and her prices are unbeatable. Not just saying because she is a friend; I have had great feedback from all my referrals. Eterna Atelier operates on a business to a business level only. Maybe some things may change, but the operation is only limited to companies if I recall correctly.

Yay’s: Great Prices and personable. Nays: Not open to the public.

rolls of assorted fabrics and textiles and sewing patterns inside tailor atelier
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels.com

Organized with eve

Is your house a mess? Your closet, garage? Do you have your life together? Well, organize with eve might be just what you need! I know I sound like a 2:00 AM commercial, but I am onto something. A childhood friend of mine recently advertised her jewelry business “Bijoux Boheme” in House of Lafrance Magazine and mentioned that her sister owns an organized/housekeeping business. Another black-owned company on the rise! I quickly got in touch with her, and let me tell you, this girl has magic fingers! Organized with Eve is own by Eveline Cazeau, and her organized skills have been put to great use in residential properties, transition or moving, and estates. You must visit her site to see all the great work she has done thus far at organizedwitheve.com.

Yay’s: Very Professional and detailed. Nay’s: Not enough social media presence (but who needs that when you’re busy running an empire, haha)

set of skin care products in contemporary bathroom
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

There are many more businesses I would love to shed light on, but we can only do a few at a time. I prefer to keep you coming back on the site because you never know who might pop up on the list. (Maybe someone you know). I love showing support to fellow grinders, boss babes, and minority owners. Together we are more robust, and shining the light on others has always been part of my mission statement.

Stay tuned for the next four businesses because a list of them is pending to be on this blog.

Stay active,

Lafrance