Small Businesses in and around Winston Salem NC

Ms. "V" and Chef Stephanie Tyson

There’s no mistake that the Small Business commercials are still running, because they are going to “Make America Great Again”.  During the Thanksgiving holiday, this writer had the pleasure of visiting many unique venues around Winston-Salem and Greensboro, North Carolina, that she would like to share.

“Sweet Potatoes” is a quaint restaurant in downtown WS.  If you are looking for diet meals, then you should move on.  The food is rich and fabulous, the service is wonderful and the atmosphere is calming.  They have a cookbook published and was endorsed by the famous poet Maya Angelou.  You need to experience this culinary delight.  “A really cool restaurant in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that captures the flavors of the South with uptown funk and downhome soul to the best of Ella and Miles” — Stephanie L. Tyson.

Vivian Joiner and Stephanie L. Tyson are the CEO’s of Sweet Potatoes.  These two ladies (and staff) will make you desire to come back for more when you come to town.  The atmosphere is wonderful and you’re in a great location where you can shop before or after your meal.  And don’t forget to purchase their cook book, so you can attempt to recreate this delicious cuisine.

Sister2Sister

Two doors down is a quaint little ethnic shop called “Sister2Sister”.  This place is packed with beautifully hand-made African jewelry, crafts, clothes & gifts that will enhance your wardrobe, home and will show that you’re a gift-giver who selects only the best.

It was a joy to personally meet Purity Ruchugo, founder of Sister2Sister, who was gracious and very hospitable.  “In April 2012, Sister2Sister opened a shop called UMOIA African Crafts, located on Trade Street in Winston-Salem, NC. The items in the shop are crafted by Kenyan women and the proceeds benefit women in need both locally and in Kenya” — Purity Ruchugo.

Finally, our little group put on comfortable shoes and meandered up and down the aisles of the 43rd. Annual Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic Art & Craft Festival up the road at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.  Since it was the Thanksgiving weekend and Small Business Saturday, the place was packed with hungry shoppers to fulfill their holiday shopping lists.  It is very similar to the Christmas Made in the South shows that come to Jacksonville, Florida.

At these festivals there’s food, pottery, baskets, blown glass, carvings, clothing, paintings dolls, clay items, tole, furniture, jewelry, leather, metal works, media, musical instruments, ornaments, pewter, photography, pottery, quilting, sculptures, stained glass, stitchery, toys, weaving, woodworks, and much more.

If you ever get to North Carolina or hear about any craft festival near you, it would behoove you to go and discover treasures for you and someone you’d like to bless.  These merchants are not only open during this Christmas season, but they are ready and eager to serve you anytime during any year.