PLACES AND SPACES SPECIAL SECTION
Black-Owned Hot Spots in Charlotte
No Grease! Barbershop
Twin brothers, Damian and Jermaine Johnson are second generation barbers. They are also the founders of No Grease! Barbershop, established in June 1997. Their acumen was imparted to them by their mother—a businesswoman, salon owner and beautician. Shortly after formalizing their business, the Johnson siblings united with fellow master barber, Charlie Petty. With over 75 years of collective experience, they fortified No Grease! into an alliance that “develops people, who develop families, who develop communities.” No Grease! offers franchise opportunities for those interested in the industry. The shop has over 10 locations spanning across North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, as well as a barber school in Charlotte, NC.
You Should Know By Lelita Cannon
W
ith a population inching toward a million residents, Charlotte proper boasts more than the title of the largest city in the Tarheel State. The Queen City is the 15th largest in the U.S. Charlotte is currently the third fastestgrowing major U.S. city, and with that growth comes a beacon for burgeoning businesses. It is home to quite a few wanderlust-worthy locations. Whether you need some R&R, a gift for a friend (or yourself), or simply a reason to venture outside the house, these Charlotte hotspots should be at the top of your list.
The Cocktailery
Tamu Curtis, a native Oaklander and owner of The Cocktailery — a newly opened cocktail supply and beverage lifestyle shop — relocated to Charlotte in 2012. “I saw the city had a lot of opportunity,” Curtis said. “It was growing. It was very community-oriented; people supported small businesses.” She felt she could thrive in such an environment. Curtis believes cocktails are an
experience, and she wants others to experience them from conception to sipping. At her shop, you can find an array of supplies from barware to bitters, mixers to muddlers and strainers to shakers. Interactive, hands-on classes where patrons can learn to craft libations are also offered. The Cocktailery is located inside Atherton Mill in South End. Tamu Curtis, owner of The Cocktailery
Urban Reader
Photo on left by Dana Gray Studio
Photo by Brian Twitty
Urban Reader, a bookseller specializing in African American literature, is Charlotte’s only Black-owned bookstore. The brick-andmortar location opened in July, though the business has been in existence since 2000. “The goal is to rebuild our community with books”, says owner Sonyah Spencer, whose mission is quite clear. “We consign with other Black-owned businesses and authors.” The proprietor’s future plans include potential expansion with a café and a larger section of children’s books. Urban Reader holds monthly open mic events and paint and sip sessions with muralist Tajmah Allison. Taj’s work is displayed throughout the store.
Their mission at The Cocktailery is to “take the mystery out of mixology.”
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Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
Ms. Elsie’s Caribbean Bed & Breakfast
Born from a dream Cheryl Watkins had on March 2, 2000, she opened Ms. Elsie’s Caribbean B&B to celebrate her
