Taste of Soul Business Directory

A GOURMET QUICKIE

Food trucks, food carts, catering, branding and consulting — melts, sausages, dogs, fries

• (818) 268-9976
• 1428 Essex Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021

AFRICAN DIASPORA BOOKS

Children's books celebrating African Diaspora cultures, identities, and stories — promoting inclusive, culturally responsive literacy for children and families. Founded by Dr. Amina Humphrey, Los Angeles.

• Los Angeles, CA

AARP

Nonprofit, nonpartisan organization empowering people 50+ — information, advocacy and community resources for Californians. Southern California state office in Pasadena.

• 866-448-3615
• caaarp@aarp.org
• 200 S. Los Robles Ave, Suite 400, Pasadena, CA 91101

AIHTNYCITY COLLECTION

African print clothing, dresses, kimonos and unisex pieces, plus authentic Akoso glass beads, waist beads, cowrie jewelry and raw organic shea butter for body and hair.

ANTIOCH UNIVERSITY

Progressive university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology, education, nonprofit management and creative writing — enrollment and admissions information.

• 310-578-1080
• admissions@antioch.edu
• 5150 W. Goldleaf Circle, Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90056

ARIELLE'S BEAUTY SUPPLY

American beauty supply store with a wide range of natural hair and skin care — shampoos, conditioners, hair butters, scalp treatments, and body butters made with ingredients like hibiscus, rosemary, shea butter, and Ayurvedic oils.

ASANTI BY KOI

Black-owned intentional jewelry: affirmation and symbol necklaces, Angel Number and custom name pieces, Africa Motherland necklaces and ID bracelets. 18K gold PVD stainless steel, hypoallergenic, water resistant and tarnish free.

BAILEY RAE EVENTS

Concierge catering and event planning serving Southern Louisiana Creole/Cajun cuisine: shrimp étouffée, fried catfish and more. Weddings and events, food from $35 per person, bar service available.

BANJOS DEEP FRIED

Fair-food favorite serving deep-fried Oreos, deep-fried Snickers and ice-cold horchata at festivals and events across Southern California. Follow @banjosdeepfried on Instagram for their latest event schedule and menu.

• Los Angeles, CA

BEIGNET SPOT

Family-owned by the Alce family since 2009, Beignet Spot serves fresh-made powdered beignets with artisan fruit compotes, signature milkshakes, and chicory coffee. Flagship store at 4019 Market St, Riverside, CA, with a growing Beignet Spot Express franchise.

• 909-237-8349
• contact@beignetspot.com
• 4019 Market St, Riverside, CA 92501

BLACK AIDS INSTITUTE

The only uniquely and unapologetically Black HIV think-and-do tank in America — founded 1999. Free HIV testing, prevention education, PrEP navigation and community support. Los Angeles clinic on Crenshaw Blvd.

• 213-353-3610
• 4249 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90056

BLASIAN EATS

Black-Asian fusion food vendor based in Santa Ana, known for seafood boils and hot honey shrimp at festivals and events across Southern California. Follow @blasianeats on Instagram for their latest event schedule and menu.

• 513 Nottingham Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92703

BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN STREETWEAR

Urban-inspired Christian streetwear founded in Menifee, CA by Alyssa De Pasquale. Bold faith statements on heavyweight hoodies, tees, and caps designed to empower believers to wear their faith proudly.

• 951-741-6119
• info@bornagainchristianstreetwear.com
• Menifee, CA 92584

BOURGEOIS BOUTIQUE

Boutique clothing, purses and hats from Leimert Park — a Los Angeles registered small business founded by Ashley Briggs in 2021. Follow Shop Bourgeois Boutique on Facebook for new arrivals and event appearances.

• 4395 Leimert Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008

BUSHEA BUTTA

Luxury natural skin care founded by Evelyn Herring: 100% whipped white shea butter in 13 women's and 5 men's fragrances, plus organic salt body scrubs and a fragrance-free line for sensitive skin. Based in San Lorenzo, CA.

• San Lorenzo, CA 94580

CAKES BY CHANTE

Mobile bakery famous for the best Red Velvet cake in town — moist cakes and desserts from scratch, baked onsite in their truck. Lemon Raspberry, Caramel Banana, Funfetti and more.

• 323-236-3210
• Los Angeles, CA

THE CHILDREN'S COLLECTIVE

South LA nonprofit since 1972 — free to low-cost child care, youth development and family support across 13 locations, serving about 5,000 children and families a year.

• 310-733-4388
• 8616 La Tijera Blvd Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90045

CHILDREN'S DENTAL FUNZONE

Pediatric dental and orthodontic care with 20+ years of experience — free consultations, walk-ins welcome, most insurance accepted. Crenshaw office plus locations across Southern California.

• 323-613-7122
• 3736 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

CHRYSALIS

Nonprofit changing lives through jobs since 1984 — free job-readiness program, resume help, practice interviews and paid transitional employment for people facing barriers to work.

• 213-806-6300
• 522 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

COLLEGE BOY CHEESESTEAKS

Authentic Philly cheesesteaks in Hollywood — founded by Philadelphia natives who moved to LA in 2016 and couldn't find the real thing. Pickup, DoorDash and Uber Eats delivery, plus food truck catering.

• 267-428-8904
• 7107 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046