Located in the King of Prussia Mall, FOR THE JAWNS (FTJ) was started as just a “cute idea,” then founder Telanea gained clarity of the bigger picture and how it fits into her purpose. T’s ultimate goal is to build a network of beautiful, intelligent, boss women who are unapologetically themselves and are living their purpose. The women in this network will be offered opportunities to mentor the young girls T meets every day through her work with her 501(c)3 Elizabeth Ann Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (EACADA) and networking opportunities to potentially help one another reach the level of greatness that we all strive to achieve.
Black-Owned
A Little Mental
A Little Mental is a business created by Morgan Reid, a young mental health professional, in effort to help people reach wellness, a little mental, at a time. Its mission is to bridge the gap between recognizing one’s own mental health struggles and accessing the adequate care needed to address them.
AroDough is the first product developed at A Little Mental. It is a portable self-care tool that holds the benefits of aromatherapy, fidget toys, and mindfulness tools combined. It’s a soft malleable dough infused with essential oils that leads you to smell and squeeze your stress away.
Grant Blvd
Grant Blvd is a Black- and women-owned business practicing ethical and sustainable fashion right here in Philly! Their mission is to support women who have formally been incarcerated or have experienced homelessness by using fashion to create employment opportunities and points of exposure. You can check out Grant Blvd’s designs located on Penn’s campus, or visit their website to learn more about their mission and find out how you can support this one-of-a-kind, Philadelphia-based clothing store!
The Cheesecake Lady
Vanessa Jackson has come to be known as The Cheesecake Lady, and rightfully so. This Elkins Park shop opened in 2018 (originally opened in Jenkintown in 2014) and has people coming from all over to try the delicious desserts made by Jackson herself. With over 40 flavors to try, these mini cheesecakes are delectable and the perfect-sized treat. Be sure to arrive early and check their Instagram for updates, as they are known to sell out quickly!
Something Different By Eric
Something Different by Eric is a nonprofit gift store that celebrates individuals with disabilities. Eric owns the store with his mom, Bernadette, and greets everyone who comes into his store with a great big smile; He is proud to show other people with Down Syndrome just how much they can achieve. This gift shop has everything from puzzles and home décor to candles and greeting cards; stop in to give Eric a visit and see all of the wonderful things happening at Something Different by Eric!
OK Produce
OK Produce offers a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables conveniently located inside Reading Terminal Market. Stock up on some produce for the week and get to cooking!
Callowhill Greens
Former Miss Haiti Universe Christie Désir founded her own wellness cafe right here in Philadelphia. After watching the influential women in her life use food as medicine for skin and gut issues during her childhood, she draws upon these ideas at Callowhill Greens to help others “enhance their beauty from the inside out.” The shop has holistic skincare that you can tailor to fit your individual skin needs, while also offering drinkable beauty and wellness. Stop by today to craft your perfect, individualized skincare routine—and for a bite to eat!
Viva Leaf Tea Products
Christa Barfield founded Viva Leaf Tea Co. with a “farm-to-cup” approach to tea. Viva Leaf Tea Co. offers high-quality tea with ingredients coming locally from their small farm right here in PA. They use sustainable farming practices to harvest the power of herbs in creating many blends of artisanal teas and honeys with a wide array of flavors. Stop by their Germantown shop to treat yourself or a loved one to their new favorite cup of tea!
Cloud Cups
From funky flavors like lucky charms and french toast stracciatella, to classics like vanilla and chocolate, Cloud Cups serves up artisanal gelato that is heavenly to try. Galen Thomas has perfected his gelato recipes to keep customers coming back, and has made a name for himself as a “Gelato Artist.” Come in for a scoop (or two!) and try this creamy, decadent dessert in Fishtown.
Farina Pasta and Noodle
What started out as a ghost kitchen during the pandemic turned into a full-time restaurant as a result of its popularity and success. Drexel graduate Daniel Lee took inspiration from his time in Rome when crafting the menu for his restaurant. Today, he is serving up authentic pasta dishes for all of Philadelphia to enjoy.