5 Black-Owned Businesses in North Vancouver
Black History Month is an important time to inform and educate oneself on Black history and to celebrate, support and uplift people of color in our communities. With that said, celebrating Black history shouldn’t be confined to just one month. The lower Lonsdale community will continue to recognize and honor the diversity that surrounds our neighborhood with a focus on raising cultural awareness and inclusion.
This month, we are celebrating Black-owned businesses within Lower Lonsdale that continue to make an impact on the community! We encourage everyone to continue learning and striving toward equality.
“Crooks & Co., "The Pain Relief Therapists", is an integrated health center that focuses on optimizing human performance for life.” Located at #202 - 106 West 1st Street, Crooks & Co’s mission is to provide Lower Lonsdale with the best possible care. Along with your help, their practitioners aim to find exactly what treatment care you require. With their number one objective being YOU, they are confident that you’ll move towards continual healthy improvements. Book your appointment today!
Native Vancouverite, Beverli Barnes, studied Fashion Design at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York 1978 -1983, after graduating from Carson Graham in North Vancouver in
1977. Upon her return to Vancouver in 1983, she started her own patternmaking business catering to local designers and manufacturers. Known for her custom “white shirts” during the 1990’s, she landed in the custom court attire business which she operates today under Beverli Barnes Custom Design Inc. at her Shipyards District design studio on West 1 st St. Barnes. Her philosophy of design is that clothing should be as beautiful on the inside as out. She is a strong supporter of clothing made in Canada and continues to manufacture her garments locally by her skilled team of seamstresses and tailors who have worked with her for over 25 years. Partnering with indigenous artists, Barnes has designed lavish regalia for Emily Carr University, Simon Fraser, Capilano University, Mount Royal University and currently the University of Manitoba.
This Lower Lonsdale local has made it their mission to create non-synthetic athletic wear that should be comfortable, functional, attractive and long-lasting. Items are made from bamboo, merino wool and organic cotton; CA5 Athletics’ mandate is quality over quantity. Using every meter of material is one of the ways they limit waste and keep it from landfills. In 2021, CA5 Athletics repurposed 50 street banners from the Shipyards District in North Vancouver into shopping, musette and totes for the community. Everything is designed at our Shipyard District studio and manufactured in Vancouver. CA5 Athletic can be found at their Lower Lonsdale studio or customers may shop online at ca5.ca
Melt away your insecurities — literally. The Nudie Collective is a small candle business focused on racial inclusivity and body diversity while elevating your home! This Lower Lonsdale-born brand has joined the movement to a future where all shapes, sizes and colours are celebrated. Lead for and by women, their collective goal is simple: to grow your self-love and share their appreciation for female nudity. You might have seen them pop up at markets and spin-studios all across the city. Most recently, they collaborated with Lolo locals favourite @creampony! Shop nudies today!