(Black PR Wire) Nubian Hueman, located in the heart of the Southeast D.C. Anacostia community, has invested more than $2.7 million in Black-owned businesses and services since its inception in 2013. They have featured more than 600 artists, designers, and brands worldwide. On December 29th, the boutique commemorates the evolution of its Washington D.C. business with the closure of its first store. The closing celebration takes place at the Anacostia Art Center, with art exhibits, poetry, exclusive collection launches, and curated DJ experiences.

Born out of her passion for becoming an economic change agent, Nubian Hueman was founded in 2013 by Anika Hobbs, a former District Manager for one of the world’s leading fashion retailers. Nubian Hueman is one of the first businesses to open inside the Anacostia Arts Center. "We know we're not just leaving a building, but we are leaving a community. Although leaving the Anacostia community is bittersweet, this is a celebration of what is to come," Hobbs said.

Nubian Hueman’s mission is to promote Black culture, aesthetics, and the creative economy, often being the first to provide opportunities for independent brands to have their goods on a brick-and-mortar shelf. Many graduated to having their products in larger retailers like Whole Foods and Anthropologie. Heralded as the Best Physical Manifestation of Black Excellence, Nubian Hueman has partnered with more than 600 brands from 35 countries across six continents. 

Local businesses such as Nubian Hueman have been vital to the Black community. They are more likely to keep their revenue inside the community, serve as a critical solution to combat wealth inequity, and hire local residents. Today, Black-owned companies account for approximately $133 billion in revenue while only making up 2.3% of all employer firms. Nubian Hueman has employed 55 people during its nine years. 

Numerous factors impact a Black business's ability to thrive, such as not owning the real estate they occupy, lack of access to capital, student loan debt which impacts the ability to borrow, and customer bias.  When you add the COVID-19 pandemic to the list, Black-owned businesses were disproportionately impacted, and Nubian Hueman was not exempt. “Strong investment is necessary for social impact businesses such as Nubian Hueman, as it allows us to weather through the unexpected and continue to serve the communities we deeply love. Our impact in providing a platform to Black artists and creatives can grow exponentially with the right strategy and investment,” stated Hobbs.

Nubian Hueman (Anacostia) was a safe gathering place for the community. It will continue to serve its customers through its online store – nubianhueman.com, a newly developed app (launching January 2023), and its Baltimore, MD store, which opened in late 2019. To learn more about the closing celebration, visit nuhuedcclosing.eventbrite.com.

About Nubian Hueman  

Nubian Hueman has become a catalyst for culture, community, and the development of the creative economy by connecting consumers to emerging artists and brands from around the world. nubianhueman.com