Local BIPOC Businesses

Local BIPOC business spotlight

Seri Welsh

Co Editor-in-Chief

Humboldt County is a predominantly white community. 83.2% of county residents are white according to the United States Census Bureau.

When it comes to the business ownership aspect, the numbers are even lower. According to the Census Bureau, as of 2012, there were 1,853 minority owned businesses, compared to 10,333 non-minority businesses in Humboldt County.

The Pepperbox aims to provide a foundation for dynamic and inclusive community dialogue, and raise voices of marginalized people. As part of our goal, we wanted to highlight some of Humboldt County’s BIPOC businesses. Homeboldt

Started by Tommy Hernandez in 2017, Homeboldt is a BIPOC and queer run clothing store based out of Jacoby Store House on Saturdays from 11-3.

One of his biggest obstacles was “starting from absolute zero… and legitimately building a business, one at a time without having anybody in particular local or in [his] family to help,” Hernandez explained.

Living in a predominately white county, Hernandez recalled his unique experience as a BIPOC business owner.

While he hasn’t experienced outright discrimination, he acknowledged “a lack of being able to see, hear, or be around people that look like [himself] or people of color in general.”

His identity plays a huge part in his business and portraying people from all backgrounds is what makes his work stand out.

“I gravitate a lot towards artists of color just because sometimes that’s the style of artwork,” he explained.

People often think about disadvantages for BIPOC business owners, but Hernandez was quick to identify advantages.

“I feel like I have an advantage just because the BIPOC community is close knit and we do support each other,” he said.

He recognizes his responsibility as a successful BIPOC business in raising the voices of others. He’s been working with the Wiyot tribe to screen print shirts among other things.

“It’s been just recently that I’ve been able to have a platform and it’s just been a privilege and an honor.”

Hernandez appreciates the support of the community throughout the pandemic.

“Honestly just keep doing what you’re doing. The community has been really accepting and I really appreciate that. Keep supporting the local artists, not just my store, but Humboldt County is just filled with a lot of local art. That’s what inspires me and makes it home,” he stated.

Hernandez advises aspiring BIPOC business owners to “put your head down and work, it takes a lot of work... There are gonna be obstacles, it’s not always indicative of where you come from or how you look.”

Two Beauties, Skin + Makeup

Five and a half years ago Two Beauties, Skincare and Makeup Artistry was opened by entrepreneur Elizabeth Wilson. They are located at 523 F Street in Eureka, and are available to service by appointment.

“We’re just proud to be Mexican-American sisters who own a business together,” Christine Brown, Elizabeth Wilson’s sister explained.

She acknowledges that her identity has had an impact in her work.

“I bring pride to my work because of my background… We had to work a bit harder and I think that really shows in our work,” she stated.

It is evident that they’re hard work has paid off. Brown is continuously booked up with appointments weeks and even months in advance.

“The support from clientele and other business owners has been amazing… We get really great support. Our website has been super successful,” Brown voiced.

Following their recent years of success, they decided to help organizations they aligned with.

“Right as the pandemic started, Liz and I began donating to other organizations, Black Humboldt and things like that,” Brown said.

Brown’s support for the community goes far beyond her business. She acknowledges her responsibility as a business with a platform in raising voices of marginalized individuals.

“It’s just important for our clients and community members to know where we stand in terms of our views on things and be able to spread the word and spread awareness,” she explained.

“Liz and I promised to our community that we would continue to work with different Black brands or different POC brands, stand up for our community and work with people of color in our community,” she continued.

In terms of advice for people starting their business, Brown was quick with her answer.

“Just do it…I feel like sometimes people tend to shy away from being themselves because they’re scared of what people will say and how it will affect their business. The right people will come to you when you’re being yourself,” she said.

Taken by Stacy Ashburn Tommy Hernandez poses in his new Homeboldt apparel

Business partners and sisters, Liz (left) and Christina (right) are proud to own a business together

Taken by Annika Botha