Amidst recent, nationwide movements for racial and social justice, advocates around the country have issued guidance on ways Americans can help build stronger cross-racial equity. Among them, some have issued calls to support black-owned businesses, coupled with nationally scoped lists. In the last few weeks, a number of Watershed Voice subscribers and online followers have inquired about where they can find local black-owned businesses to support in and around Three Rivers.
Although about 10 percent of the city’s population is African American, the rate of business ownership among the black population is much lower, reflecting national trends that are often rooted in long-term problems with access to startup capital and other resources. However, a growing number of businesses are able to call Three Rivers home. In alphabetical order, Watershed Voice gathered information, and in some cases conducted interviews, with the following businesses.
Boost Mobile
Facebook.com/boostmobile
700 South Main Street, Suite B, Three Rivers
269-278-2678
Boost Mobile sells cellular phones, service plans, and accessories. The local franchise is black-owned.
Colorful Roots LLC
Colorfulroots.com / also on Facebook
9 North Main Street, Three Rivers
269-718-7752
Colorful Roots is a store that specializes in prescription eyewear, sunglasses, a range of health and beauty products, and a variety of fashions. The shop has also recently begun offering handmade face masks for the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Colorful Roots’ website, owner Brandi Peterson “is a certified optician with over 15 years’ experience styling and fitting eyewear. She is a self-proclaimed naturalista with a passion for fashion and cultureh, using her knowledge and skill set to connect beneficial products to the needs of her clients.”
Colorful Roots recently reopened its store in downtown Three Rivers, and Peterson makes frequent appearances at most local events with a display and sale booth. Her website offers an online shopping cart, pickups are available, and prospective customers can call for consultations.
King of Bargains
King of Bargain’s Facebook
132 North Main Street, Three Rivers
269-718-5947
Located at the corner of North Main and Prutzman Streets in downtown Three Rivers, Zyrone Sanders owns the King of Bargains store, which he operates with his partner, Rachel Bowers (pronounced Ra-shell).
“We are a resale shop, founded in about March of 2018, and we basically wanted to make like your current household products and needs affordable to those who might not have the money to go out and buy them at regular price,” Bowers said.
“We carry a little bit of everything. The store focuses primarily on new items, including clothes, outdoor and indoor furniture, and home appliances, everything you would find in a general store,” Bowers said.
The store gets its stock in bulk and from unsold overstocks, seasonal stock, returns, and refurbished products through wholesale retailers. Bowers checks each item to ensure that it is complete, undamaged, and functional as it comes in.
Bowers said her background is strong in customer service, and Sanders has strengths in business management and hands-on work. The pair began operating from their basement, and in June of 2019, opened a storefront on the south end of Main Street. They quickly outgrew that space and moved into the current location at the end of the year, where they previously operated a photography business. Since the COVID-19 shutdown, the business has focused on online sales.
“I do a lot of interactions with people on (Facebook),” Bowers said. “Now that the governor has opened up, we’re slowly phasing into having an actual open store for people to come into.”
My Granddad’s Ribs
269-718-4684
This business debuted at Three Rivers’ first annual Juneteenth celebration at The Huss Project on June 19, 2020. Owner Mike Brown operates a mobile grill, where he prepares grilled chicken wings, and rib tips. He will eventually include ribs, and plans to work toward opening his own restaurant, where he can also smoke brisket.
“I’ve been barbecuing for the last 40 years. I picked it up from my father in law, and along the way I’ve picked up tips here and there and added my twist to things,” Brown said, which allows him to have his own secret recipes and techniques.
Brown recently retired from International Automotive Components in Mendon. He and his wife have four sons, 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. The Chicago native first came to Three Rivers to spend summers as a youth. Brown’s usual location will be at Paul’s Pantry, 261 East Michigan Avenue, at the corner of Wood Street. He plans for his next setup to take place on July 10 and 11, and expects to be out during the afternoon and early evening.
Sambo’s Mobile Auto Detailing
Facebook.com/autoDetail101
440 9th Street, Three Rivers
269-858-3877 | 269-718-7766
Kendall Sambo has been in business doing mobile auto detailing for about 10 years.
“I had an older brother detailed, and I just took up after him,” Sambo said. “I do steam cleaning, carpets, seats, wax, buff, wet sand, clay bar, just about everything that can be done, I pretty much do.” He also does houses, boats, and jet skis.
His business offers multi-vehicle deals and has a mobile shop that can travel to a client’s location. “As they come, I do it all. In the day, at night,” he said. “Whenever they’re booked, I do it. I try to work with customers that work different shifts, so I’m pretty flexible as far as that. We’ll make an appointment and then we’ll get it done.”
T&A Photos / @UsForPhotos
Facebook.com/usforphotos
269-816-0945
Aaron Smith is a freelance photographer who does occasional work photographing wedding events, as well as portraits. Smith, who grew up in Three Rivers, said his photography started a hobby when he decided to take his children’s portraits. When he began taking photos for other people his work started getting good responses on social media. “My friends encouraged me to pursue that part of it,” he said.
Smith has now been doing it for over 20 years. “I’m an artist first and a photographer second. I like to capture what I see and go from there. I’m not like somebody that’s going to pose you or something. I like to talk to a person or distract them, Smith said. “You’re more natural when you’re having a conversation.”
Because call volume can be difficult to respond to, Smith prefers to be contacted through his Facebook page, which shows samples of his work, and where people can contact him through messenger.
Vel’s: Still Grilling and Smoking for my Momma
[email protected]
269-718-7141
LaChanuj Shelton, who also goes by “Sean,” owns and operates this catering business. He offers a range of grilled and smoked meats, including ribs, rib tips, whole and half chickens, and brisket, as well as sides. They are available in bulk and individual portions.
Watershed Voice staff have encountered the business catering weddings, HarmonyFest, Huss Future Fest, and other events. Shelton also serves to individuals and can arrange delivery or pickup.
Dave Vago is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice. A Philadelphia native with roots in Three Rivers, Vago is a planning consultant to history and community development organizations and is the former Executive Director of the Three Rivers DDA/Main Street program.
