Alif Brew & Mini Mart, owned by Hayat Ali, is a woman-owned café in West Philadelphia that offers a blend of personal history and cultural heritage. Hayat, raised in Ethiopia, was initially reluctant to participate in the long, ceremonial coffee-brewing rituals common in her family. However, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed her to find a new way to connect with her community and her heritage, leading her to open Alif Brew in 2020. There, she brews up connection in multiple ways, offering Ethiopian coffee ceremonies as a regular event, along with delicious food and coffee that reflect her heritage.

📍 4501 Baltimore Avenue

Plant and People is owned by Cherron and Amma: a Black, mother-daughter duo operating in West Philadelphia. After operating their store for four years on 52nd Street, they recently announced that on April 1st, 2025 they’ll be re-opening a new location at 3952 Lancaster Avenue that will feature a cafe in addition to their unique selection of house plants, plant wellness products, supplies, and gifts. Their focus is on supporting the restorative needs of the community through nature, offering a calming and nurturing environment for plant lovers of all levels. Whether you’re looking for pet-safe plants, low-maintenance options, or wellness-focused items, Plant and People have something special to offer! Check out their spot at the address below through April 1st!

📍 1431 N 52nd St A1 

PHilthy Paws, a self-serve pet wash, is a local, woman-owned business founded by Palma Marinas. With over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry and a passion for animals, Palma created PHilthy Paws to offer a unique service for pet owners in the neighborhood. The self-serve pet wash allows customers to wash their pets without the mess at home, offering all the necessary tools, from shampoos to dryers, for a fee ranging from $12 to $18. Palma’s love for animals is evident in her business, as she also dedicates time to saving stray pets in the community.

📍 806 S 47th St

Rashida Watson, owner of The Silk Tent and Ultra Silk Gallery, has been a key figure in Philadelphia’s arts scene since the 1970s. Alongside her daughter Ms. Kenya, the pair has revitalized a the shop on Lancaster Avenue. Together, they’ve transformed the gallery to feature collections of artwork by international tastemakers, including African art, jewelry, and textiles. They continue to contribute to the neighborhood’s vibrant arts corridor, showcasing global artistry and fostering community engagement!

📍3859 Lancaster Ave

Black Hound Clay Studio, founded by Bethany Rusen, is a West Philly favorite, focused on making ceramics accessible to everyone. The studio offers working space for artists, sliding-scale workshops, and casual drop-in sessions where you can craft a mug or planter in just a couple of hours. If you’re looking for something more hands-on, their eight-week wheel-throwing classes dive deeper into the craft. With a second location open in Point Breeze, Black Hound continues to grow its creative community!

📍 715 S 50th St