Black Businesses at the Heart of Wichita
Written by Julie Hying
Black Businesses at the Heart of Wichita
Written by Julie Hying
Many gems grace this city each day with their spirit and connection to the community. Their contributions to the wonderful people of Wichita can be celebrated each day but deserve a spotlight during National Black Businesses Month.
Jewel Angels owners Darren and Jackie McGilbray
Jewel Angels Boutique
Nestled in downtown Wichita sits a treasure, a rare-find experience that awaits to help patrons “unleash their divine radiance” through unique apparel and accessories. What began as a business venture in 2010 in St. Peters, Missouri has brought owners Jackie and Darren McGilbray full circle and back to our city in 2019, when they opened Jewel Angels Boutique in their hometown. Although primarily available online during the challenges of the Covid era, today their business shines brightly at their brick and mortar location on east Douglas.
The couple sought to connect with people at the onset in the ICT and brought Fashion Friday to life on Facebook and Instagram with original handbags, jewelry and clothing. Today, they are one of the shops that grace the College Hill shopping area alongside Traditions, Vora Restaurant European and Coffee Dayz.
Jackie McGilbray is also a gifted seamstress and designer who often styles her patrons for a special event like a wedding, prom, bridal or wedding shower, perhaps an anniversary party, creating a one-of-a-kind look. She enjoys the design challenges of creating a unique yet timeless look and hopes to bring greater joy to the individuals she serves.
“Helping people feel confident and beautiful is why I do this,” Jackie says. “So many people return to us sharing the compliments they have received wearing our clothing and accessories, returning the joy of their own experience. It’s amazing.”
Feel-good special touches make Jewel Angels Boutique the place to go for personality, warmth, inspiration and of course, beautiful clothing choices. For these aspects as well as their connection to the community, they have received numerous awards: BlackOut ICT in 2022, BlackOut ICT Best Boutique Award in 2024, the 2025 Shine Award by Storytime Village, and the 2024 Heroes and Sheroes Award by the ARISE Ensemble.
Dr. Latasha Eley Kelly and Corinthian Kelly, owners, Left on Read
Left on Read Bookstore
Kansas’ only Black-owned bookstore, Left on Read, houses a curated selection of books by Black authors alongside locally-made merchandise, luxury hot chocolate and meaningful discussion. According to their website, they seek to “connect literature to wellbeing, civic engagement and joy, in service of our mission to amplify representation, cultivate perspective, and empower community.” Founded by Dr. Latasha Eley Kelly and her husband Corinthian Kelly, the shop has quickly become a community hub for readers, artists and entrepreneurs.
Located on east Central in Wichita, Left on Read Bookstore features a beautiful space, providing a venue for expanded programming, larger author events and additional community gatherings. The bookstore is home to Blackprint ICT and hosts book clubs, author talks, children’s storytimes and its NPR Tiny Desk-inspired live music series, Left on Stage. In its first year alone, the bookstore hosted more than 40 community events.
The atmosphere is an inviting space for all book lovers, offering Black authors, an array of unique gifts, as well as a wonderful place for community events that celebrate culture, conversation and connection.
Greater Grounds Coffee & Co
Navy veteran and entrepreneur Byron McSwain says that Greater Grounds Coffee & Co. is a place of connection and was inspired by a personal reflection on his time at sea and his faith, the idea that there’s always “better days ahead” or “greater grounds.”
“We pride ourselves on creating a space that is not just comfortable but also aesthetically pleasing. Our cozy seating areas and warm lighting create a welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for catching up with friends or tackling some work,” he says on the Greater Grounds website.
Here, skilled baristas craft coffee cocktails, delicious smoothies, espresso drinks, and innovative teas like the Blue Butterfly Mango, a vibrant blend of tropical mango and delicate butterfly pea flower, steeping into a naturally blue brew that transforms with a squeeze of lemon to delight the palate.
Greater Grounds’ food offerings include seasonal fruits, delectable crepes, a variety of scones and croissants as well as Yoder cinnamon rolls. There are also shareable selections like The Great Charcuterie Pretzel, a large, soft pretzel filled with assorted cheese, grapes, salami, mixed olives, pickled onions, honey, deli mustard and cheese sauce.
For those who have an event and would like to bring Greater Grounds Coffee & Co on location, the Greater Grounds Trolley can be booked for events around the city, bringing the feeling of warmth and connection along with great coffee drinks to the party.
