Richmond ranks No. 7 for Black-owned businesses nationwide: Here’s a look at those making that happen

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond is ranked as the seventh highest ranking cities for Black owned businesses across the United States according to Black RVA. Take a look at how some of these local businesses are making that happen.

In Richmond alone there are over 1,800 Black owned businesses in the region that help drive the River cities economy.

Tameka Jefferson Community Relations Manager with Richmond Region Tourism shared with 8News that "Nationally Black people spend about $18 billion annually and so with that, a lot of people are attracted to the Richmond region, [because of] the history and the culture here--its a trickle effect -- what we have to offer makes people want to return and stay."

Jefferson goes on to explain how tourism further impacts the Greater Richmond Area "Supporting Black-owned businesses, especially those showcasing Black history and culture, helps position Richmond as a premier cultural tourism destination."

According to LendingTree within the past year, Black owned businesses in the area have seen a increase from 5.6 to 7.6 percent increase which Jefferson says "Speaks to people wanting to support local, it kind of speaks to the culture and diversity here, and how people want to be a part of what the Richmond Region has to offer."

One of those businesses helping to drive the cities economy is a new raw vegan smoothie and wellness shop, Natroganix.

The unique name got its origin from owner Natalie Doss who started Natroganix in 2025, and decided to blend her own nickname with the word organic giving way to the smoothie and wellness shop's current name.

Photo courtesy of: 8News Nia McMillan

Doss started the all natural wholistic smoothie shop after beginning her journey with becoming vegan and later raw vegan.

"I completely went plant based when I was 18 I really started paying more attention to the type of things I was taking in, the type of things I was reading, the type of movements I was making with my body and I just felt so much better mentally," Doss said.

The shop is located in the heart of Downtown Richmond on 105 East Broad St. and the location was not stumbled upon by accident, "We're in between so people who are in Mechanicville can get to us, Chesterfield can get to us, Henrico can get to us, we're just here to serve as a resource for people to be able to come in and get whatever health knowledge, health resources that they may need," Doss shared on 8News.

When ordering you may notice that the smoothie names look a little bit different than what you normally see in your typical smoothie shop. That's because each drink item name is an affirmation and Doss says "The importance is just being a space for people to grow, for people to come in and leave feeling better than when the came in."

Photo courtesy of: 8News Nia McMillan

At Natroganix, they pride themselves in being not just a store but a community space for health and overall wellness. Which for the Black community is crucial due the health issues that disproportionately effect the community.

According to The American Heart Association (AHA), 55 percent of Black adults suffer from hypertension and has the highest rates of severe hypertension than any other ethnic group. The AHA also states that this demographic faces higher rates of obesity and diabetes, which increases the risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.

"In our community its so common for how we eat to continue to be passed down and I think what a lot of people aren't realizing is its not just the food its what we're used to and those traditions are being passed down, but the different health issues are being passed down with it," Doss shares.

Doss revealed that at Natroganix everything is made in house, from the juices to the milk--there are no additives in any of the menu items like sugar, ice, water, frozen fruit or other preservatives.

"It's a space for community to come together, for community to feel safe, for community," added Doss.

Just two doors down from Natroganix you might be able to hear music pouring out from vinyl and coffee shop, Le Cache Dulcet.

8News digital reporter Nia McMillan sat down with owner Patrick Weaver to discuss more about Richmond's new coffee and vinyl fusion.

Photo courtesy of: 8News Nia McMillan

"What really inspired it was really just me bringing two of my passions together," Weaver said. He found his love for coffee during his time spent in Los Angeles due to majority of his meetings taking place in coffee shops, "I was subconsciously picking up a lot of information that I did not know I was going to use years later."

As for the music portion, Weaver says he's been collecting records for over 15 years which was a passion that was handed down to him from his father, who unfortunately has since passed away. "He's always with me for sure, and I know he's happy about what's happening here."

The Le Cache Dulcet owner continued to frequent both specialty coffee shops and record stores until, "One day it crossed my mind why aren't these two things in the same space," Weaver shared.

Weaver's shop also features a dj set up where you can find him occasionally playing some of his own personal records. This feature offers customers a more immersive experience while shopping for their next record, or to just listen while they sip on coffee.

Photo courtesy of: 8News Nia McMillan

To Weaver he views the shop as him just pursuing his passion but he's noticing its beginning to inspire a community of people he's never met.

"It means a lot and I don't think I've fully thought about it just yet--but I'm super, super overwhelmed, I'm happy to be here and I believe that this is gonna set a lot of things in motion for a lot of Black people in general," Weaver says.

Although his doors just opened the Le Cache Dulcet owner is already looking at way to improve the experience

"I have a lot of work that still needs to be done now that we finally got the doors open but now it's like how do we get the community more involved, how do we get jobs for other people, and in the grand scheme of things just making this area a better place," Weaver shared.

Weaver offers this piece of advice for anyone looking start their own business "Pick and choose who you listen to, and you can't be scared."

Stay up to date on upcoming wellness events from Natroganix on their social media page, and for all things coffee and music you can follow Le Cache Dulcet on Instagram.