While the likes of businesses such as Amazon, Facebook and Zoom are experiencing unprecedented financial windfalls during the COVID-19 pandemic, the average business in America is struggling.

According to an Oct. 30 article in Business Insider, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos earned a whopping $48 billion from March to June of this year. Zoom’s CEO earned $2.5 billion. According to Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), in a survey of small businesses from March 28 to April 4, 43 percent of businesses were forced to at least temporarily close their doors due to the pandemic. With Gov. Tim Walz’ most recent order to shutter business doors in efforts to combat the deadly virus, area businesses are again feeling the pain. Some – many – may not survive.

Recognizing small businesses are the backbone to the American economy, and understanding many large corporations started as small businesses, North News is highlighting a few locally-grown businesses in efforts to create (and/or provide continued) awareness and foster their growth.

Black Excellence/HWMR

Houston White’s Black Excellence and HWMR clothing brands are no small secret to the socially conscious, fashion-forward crowd. It was this time last year when White’s Black Excellence clothing was picked up by JC Penney. This time around it’s Target. The department store company tapped White’s lines to highlight the opening of its Lake Street store that was ravaged during the summer’s uprising following the police killing of unarmed Black man, George Floyd.

In addition to the two aforementioned brands, White has the Be the Change and Viictory lines (the latter catering to golf enthusiasts) and he recently launched the Get Down Coffee Co. at his 1500 44th St. N. location. For those who can’t get to Target or his 44th Street location items are available online at www.houstonwhite.co.

Up Your Image/Black Love Rocks/Image Renewal Organics

A couple of years ago barber Teto Wilson expanded his business portfolio to include apparel and skincare lines.

His Up Your Image and Black Love Rocks lines include shirts, sweats and headwear. His skincare line offers body butters, beard oil and scalp oil. Most recently the Image/Black Love lines added colorful unisex cross-body bags. Wilson’s Image is located at 2124 ½ W. Broadway Ave. To inquire about products, call (763) 245-8922.

Métier personal chef/catering

COVID-19 his hit the culinary industry the hardest.

Jessica Cak started her personal chef/catering business following the loss of her job in May due to the pandemic. The classically trained chef has worked all over the country including Napa Valley, New York City and Austin, Tex.

Métier offers drop-off meals, meal prep, cooking classes, chef inspired tasting menus, cocktails hours and more at www.metiermpls.com or by emailing hello@metiermpls.com.

Allure Cigars

Unlike the consumption of other tobacco products, cigar smoking is a lifestyle for its devoted puffers.

It was an attraction to that lifestyle that led Fonzie Mayfield to hand roll his first cigar a little more than two years ago. Since then he has grown his hobby into a thriving business with a line of exclusive blends catering to the varying tastes of discerning aficionados.

Allure Cigars offers flavorful whiskey, bourbon and red wine infused smokes such as the Kendrick Classic, Exec Black, Black Mamba and Pantella as well as the dual wrapper cigar, Black is King. Cigars can be purchased individually or as part of a collection online at www.allurecigars.com.

Individuals must be 21 years of age or older to purchase.

Adorn by Kella

Sadly, accessories companies have also taken a hit during the pandemic as many people are not leaving their homes for work or play, thus less of a need to accessorize.

But the current state in which we find us shall pass (hopefully soon) and when the state and the nation reopens, be ready with accessories from Adorn by Kella. In fact, many people are hosting and attending “virtual” parties and the proper accessory is a must. Adorn by Kella offers reasonably priced custom earrings, bracelets, necklaces, scarves and pendants. Most items are designed for women, but the Adorn brand also has an attractive line of men’s bracelets. Items are available by visiting www.facebook.com/AdornByKella1 or by calling (612) 242-8050.

JH Brown Accessories

What’s a queen without a crown?

JH Brown offers vibrant bonnets, headwraps and Turbans for everyday casual or formal wear. Styles are offered in African print, floral or solid patterns. Bonnets come in 26 color patterns and turbans are offered in seven colors. Go to www.jhbrown.online to purchase and review colors and styles.

Imani Creates

Photography for all occasions, Imani Creates offers studio and on-location shoots for those seeking to capture the moment – no matter the moment.

Whether celebrating an engagement or graduation, capturing the beauty of maternity or something more intimate, Imani Creates is up to the task. A private photoshoot or family portrait makes perfect gifts for the holidays. Book online at www.imanicreatesartistry.com.

Thomasina Cashew Brittle

The loss of this year’s Minnesota State Fair was more than missing out on carnival rides, concerts and cuddly critters; it was a loss of cashews – cashew brittle to be specific.

To be exact, we’re talking about Thomasina’s Cashew Brittle. The delectable creation of Thomasina Petrus, Thomasina’s Cashew Brittle is equally beloved as the maker herself. Petrus is a Twin Cities icon, known for her vocal and performing arts talents.

A great gift to ship, Thomasina’s Cashew Brittle (thomasinascashewbrittle.com) is the perfect way to say happy holidays to family and friends with a bit of a sweet tooth.

SHOP LOCAL: North Minneapolis holiday shopping guide