Black-owned businesses may not be exactly new to Knoxville, but there are more now than ever. Jarnigan & Son Mortuary became the first Black-owned business in Knoxville in 1886, and the city is rich with Black-owned businesses and organizations in 2025. From nonprofits to luxury clothing, here are some Black-owned businesses Knox County residents can visit in honor of Black History Month.
Girl Talk Inc.
Founded by Denetria Moore, Girl Talk Inc. is a nonprofit working to empower girls in the Knoxville area.
Girl Talk Inc. offers a variety of services based on grade level. Girls between sixth and 12th grade are offered one on one mentoring from an adult peer to help guide them through life’s challenges. They also partner with Knox County schools to offer group mentoring sessions for girls between grades three and five.
The organization also offers two different academic scholarships and hosts a multitude of events such as college tours, sleepovers and an annual retreat.
Marc Nelson Denim
Owned by Marcus Hall, Marc Nelson Denim is a luxury clothing store right here in Knoxville.
Located at 700 E. Depot Ave., the store operates on what is known as small batch crafting, meaning the clothes are intended to be limited in quantity. The team crafts 214 versions of each new style they design unique to specific customers.
Customers can make appointments to ensure they receive made-to-measure, made-to-order denim.
The store is open six days a week, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oglewood Avenue
Owned by Jade Adams, Oglewood Avenue aims to make all people plant people. Located at 3524 N Broadway, Adams’ boutique offers a wide variety of indoor plants.
The boutique offers pop-ups, workshops and events to help educate current and future plant owners. They also offer additional services like consultations for plant owners who are struggling to maintain care and need assistance.
Oglewood Avenue has plants for owners at every level of experience. They are open from Wednesday to Saturday between the hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Billie Rae’s BBQ
Billie Rae’s BBQ was founded in 2023, with its 1920 E. Magnolia Ave. location opening in April 2024.
Owned by husband and wife Patrice and Eugene Chandler, the restaurant prides itself on making soul food style barbecue. The restaurant offers classic barbecue options like turkey ribs, and they also offer catering services.
Billie Rae’s BBQ is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Euphoric Phrames Photography
Euphoric Phrames Photography is owned and operated by Sabrina Turner, who holds a photography degree and eight years of experience.
Turner photographs all kinds of clients, from weddings to sports photography. The Euphoric Phrames studio is located at 4313 Eagle Drive. A portfolio of previous work is available on the company website, where clients can also book appointments.
The studio is open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between Thursday and Saturday and is open from 11:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Shora Foundation
The Shora Foundation is a nonprofit tutoring organization owned and operated by Tanika Harper. The foundation is named after a Nigerian word meaning “safe place.”
The Shora Foundation runs as an after school program for children between the ages of six and 13. This program ensures all homework is completed. They also provide daily snacks and weekly meals to help with food sustainability issues. Children are given project-based learning assignments to help stimulate education.
Through a partnership with the University of Tennessee Department of Psychology, the Shora Foundation offers group and individual therapy sessions.
The after school program isn’t the only one offered, as students can be registered for a summer program. The foundation also hosts family nights to increase engagement.
