Guide to Black Women Owned Businesses Across the Bay Area

By Staff Writers Prisha Virmani & Fiona Yang

Introduction

This February marks 100 years since the first observance of National Black History Month, an annual celebration of African American achievements such as during the Civil Rights Movement. The following month of March honors Women’s History Month and women’s contributions. In this issue, the Smoke Signal highlights Bay Area Black women owned small businesses and their impact on the community. 

 

The Giving Pies in San Jose 

Situated in a complex on 569 W Alma Ave in San Jose, The Giving Pies offers French inspired pies with items including lemon and ube flavors. For owner Voahangy Rasetarinera, her French upbringing inspired her to incorporate less sugar, more butter, and assorted fruits in her culinary style. Meanwhile, her Madagascan heritage contributed to her focus on community efforts similar to the unity found in African villages. As a Black woman, Rasetarinera expresses that her identity makes her business even more special. In the Bay Area, many customers support her during Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Juneteenth.  

“We are part of the minority, but actually, it’s our strength … Even me with my French accent, it’s what really makes me different. And people appreciate that … I know the resilience, and especially in the Bay Area, diversity is so celebrated.” — The Giving Pies Owner Voahangy Rasetarinera

“[For young entrepreneurs, especially black girls], there are a lot of organizations that would help you so really do your research and take advantage of it because we are very lucky to be in the Bay Area.” — The Giving Pies Owner Voahangy Rasetarinera

 

Swirl Works – Menlo Park 

Located in Menlo Park’s Allied Arts Guild on 75 Arbor Road Suite S, Swirl Works is a perfumery that shares the art of designing perfumes. Caribbean-American founder Kori Shaw spreads the joy of blending fragrances with families, couples, and friends, offering a selection of experiences that allow customers to create signature, unique scents. Throughout Shaw’s life and business, she makes decisions confidently, believing in her own capabilities and passion. In the future, she hopes to keep this mentality to expand her business across the US with blending kits so that people across the country can enjoy making beautiful perfumes. 

“I’ve been a woman and minority my whole life, and I just navigate the world … When I was studying engineering [at MIT and UC Berkeley], I was the only Black woman … I just really can’t stop to think about how it’s affecting me. I just keep going forward and taking the next step and making things happen.” — Swirl Works Founder Kori Shaw

“ Just put it out there and then refine it as you go … You’re constantly prototyping, iterating, improving, and so put something out there. Think of it as a prototype. Get feedback on it. Change it. Change quickly, pivot and just continue to put something out there.” — Swirl Works Founder Kori Shaw

“Be ready to stand your ground and what you believe in what you’re trying to accomplish, be double prepared. Be the person who’s the expert in what you’re doing in the room, so that if it ever comes to question of why you belong there, you know it’s because you’ve prepared and you’ve you know you’ve earned your spot to be where you are.” —  Swirl Works Founder Kori Shaw

 

Blk Girls Green House 

Tucked into Oakland’s West neighbourhood, Blk Girls Green House opened in 2020 as a plant and lifestyle shop founded by Kalkidan “Kalu” Gebreyohannes and J’Maica Roxanne. Built from their shared love of greenery and design the space features curated houseplants, handmade ceramics, candles, and other goods from Black creators. They also host pop-ups and gatherings to make it a vibrant hub for local culture and connection. Since opening, it has become a place where customers can “access our joy with the Earth… that brings peace and love to [their] community” and appreciate how “plants are a way of life for [them],” the founders said in a Forbes interview. For many, it remains a go-to destination for plants, gifts, or simply a serene, greenery-filled pause in their day. 

“What we are doing is expressing the right to access our joy with the Earth and its plants, and presenting it in a way that brings peace and love to our community.” — Blk Girls Green House Founder J’Maica Roxanne

“For Black people, plants are a way of life for us…We’re not new to the plant game. Intuitively and innately plants have always been a way of life.” — Blk Girls Green House Founder Kalu Gebreyohannes

 

Black and Brown 

Black and Brown in San Jose’s West San Carlos Street offers curated vintage and designer pieces to shoppers who crave individuality and style. Owner Monisha Murray built the boutique into a beloved destination where every rack feels like a treasure hunt for retro gems and statement pieces that pop. With nearly two decades in the business, the shop blends classic fashion with contemporary flair while hosting pop-ups, DJ events, and seasonal sales that keep locals coming back. Reflecting on that loyalty, Murray describes the support “like a love feeling,” sharing in an interview with ABC7 News that customers she met years ago still return, “super supportive and excited about it.” From one-of-a-kind jackets to bold accessories, Black and Brown continues to celebrate style that stands out. 

“It’s like a love feeling. You know, I see a lot of kids that I’ve seen over the 20 years that are still coming to us and just are super supportive and excited about it.” — Black and Brown Owner Monisha Murray