Make It Main Street campaign celebrates Black-Owned Businesses
Phase 4 of the #MakeItMainStreet brand campaign with Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board has begun, and we’re proud that all throughout Black History Month, we’re going to profile Black-owned businesses in Montgomery County! Read more about what makes each of these businesses unique, and why you should support them, not only in February, but all year.
Meet the Businesses:
D’IYANU
Owner Addie Elabor
Almost 10 years ago, Addie Elabor made a jump, quitting her job and cashing out her 401K to get D’IYANU off the ground.
Headquartered in Norristown, she taps into her Nigerian roots to create accessible, authentic African-inspired clothing for the entire family. With the help of her brother, Dara, what started as a pop-up stand near Philadelphia’s South Street, has grown into an international brand and a leader in the design industry.
Even with their success, they remain home-grown, keeping the designs, staff, and inventory headquartered in Norristown.
🛒 Shop at D’IYANU
WELCOME TO THE AVENUE
Owner Kwane Haywood
At its core, Kwane Haywood’s kitchen is home cooking. Hailing from the Caribbean, he creates traditional favorites like jerk chicken, braised oxtail and fried plantains out of his Pottstown restaurant, Welcome to the Avenue.
He is a one man show in the kitchen and even drives over an hour to Philadelphia several days a week to ensure he finds the best ingredients for his homemade recipes.
What struck us about Kwane is that he is truly living his dream as a restaurant owner. Going the extra mile takes time, but the love for his home cuisine and sharing it with his community makes every day worth it.
🍽️ Dine at Welcome To The Avenue
TRICYCLE CAFE & BIKE SHOP
Owner Michael Brown
Michael Brown always knew there was an accessibly gap in the world of cycling. As a black man and veteran who had fallen in love the sport, he and his wife Adena founded the Tricycle Cafe & Bicycle Shop to fill that void.
They wanted it to be a space where everyone felt welcome, regardless of weight, race, gender, or experience. The full service bike shop doesn’t just have mechanical specialists and professional gear - it is a place for all riders.
The shop also acts as a community hub, with Michael and his team hosting weekly events, classes, and workshops. Nestled right off the Schuylkill River Trail in Conshohocken, halfway between Philadelphia and Phoenixville, the ideal location allows bikers to stop in for a coffee and a quick bite to eat.
🚲 Bike at The Tricycle Shop
