PHILADELPHIA - East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID), an “Avenue for All” with numerous retailers, services, restaurants, and bars owned and operated by people from a wide variety of backgrounds and ethnicities, is honoring Black History Month by highlighting Black-owned businesses on the Ave: Haus of Wax, Ocho Rios Parilla, Super Loa, Supreme Beauty, The Dutch, Uprising ACM, Whiplash Allure, and the soon to open Sawubona Creativity Project.
- Haus of Wax (1343 E Passyunk Ave) was founded in 2019 by Deja Jones in the back of a small salon and has grown into one of Philadelphia’s premier luxury wax centers. Dubbed “The Waxing Guru”, Deja gives customers comfortable and zen grooming treatments with a bevy of waxing services available. She is also an inspiring entrepreneur who guides others in business development, marketing, and networking through her “All About Business Society”. Appointments are suggested and can be made by HERE.
- Ocho Rios Parrilla (1710 E Passyunk Ave), is co-owned by Lisa Wilson (also the owner of Jamaican Jerk Hut on 14th and South Streets) and Krishna McGeachie. Strongly influenced by Caribbean cuisine and authentic Jamaican flavors, Ocho Rios Parrilla brings fresh island fare to South Philadelphia in addition to tropical cocktails and an ambiance and interior reminiscent of the Caribbean.
- Sawubona Creativity Project (1935 E Passyunk Ave) is preparing to open this month and will weave social-emotional learning and character education into various theater arts programs, such as applied improvisation, literary and performance arts, mindfulness workshops, storytelling, and playwriting, in a way that is fun and interactive. Owner Tanya Morgan is a mental health professional, social-emotional learning interventionist, and performer who advocates for the value of teaching theatre arts programs infused with social-emotional learning skills. More information on this dynamic new business can be found HERE.
- Super Loa (1746 E Passyunk Ave) is a CBD dispensary that joined East Passyunk last year following the tremendous success its original location on the Main Line. Founder Tamara Ali Bey stands out from the competition with distinct expertise. She bolsters their wide selection of CBD products with vegan and Kosher-certified goods and women’s health and wellness items.
- Supreme Beauty Philly (1943 E Passyunk Ave) provides luxury hair braiding and services, including touch-ups, sew-ins, and more. Owner and Founder Brandi James is available via appointment only, which can be booked online HERE. Supreme Beauty Philly also produces their own proprietary Hair Growth Oil, available for purchase HERE.
- The Dutch (1537 S 11th St), the popular breakfast, lunch, and dinner eatery with a focus on reinventing the Pennsylvania Dutch classics, is reviving Co-Owner and Executive Chef Kevin Watters’ popular Mom Mom’s Soul Food Pop-Up as a sit-down-dinner on Monday, February 27. A celebration of both Black History Month and a tribute to his late grandmother Lillian Lewis, who was known in her community as “everybody’s Mom Mom," the multicourse meal will be $65 per person. They can be reserved by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via Tock.
- Uprising ACM (1839 E Passyunk Ave) is dedicated to the wellness of all people through integrating yoga, the arts, and cultural events. Led by owner Achola Simkins and her team, Uprising ACM offers yoga classes, both in group and private sessions, and hosts community art and cultural events like talks and workshops directed toward the principles of body neutrality, holistic healing, and inclusivity. Peruse their class schedule online HERE.
- Whiplash Allure (1934 E Passyunk Ave) is a bustling esthetics boutique on the Avenue helmed by Certified Lash Artist Brittnee Floyd. Britnee’s mission is to demonstrate her expertise gained through consistency and dedication, so that every client leaves the experience more knowledgeable about of the services provided. Whiplash Allure is a comfortable, judgment-free environment, offering services including eyelash extensions, body sculpting, lip filling, and more. Appointments can be booked online HERE.
