Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to join us in supporting these establishments and advancing local economic growth. In celebration of Black History Month, we are shining the spotlight on a few of the Black-owned businesses in the neighborhoods where we work. We are starting the series in Little Haiti, Brooklyn, with African Queen Boutique!

In 2018, Nigerian-born entrepreneur Modupe Akinbolaji opened African Queen Boutique on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn. Her goal was simple. She wanted to bring African culture to light through clothing using different pieces, fabrics, colors, and art forms. 

As you may have guessed, the boutique focuses on providing African-inspired fashion. But the mission of the shop stresses that the culture is for everyone. Their clothing is a ready-to-wear, vibrant print line inspired by African fashion. The pieces reflect not only the beauty of Africa but also the essence of its culture and origin. All the items are high quality and made to cater to all with love and boldness for the most confident and beautiful individual who wears them.

One look at the inventory, and you are struck by the traditional Ankara prints. Ankara fabrics, also known as African wax prints, are vibrant and colorful textiles that originated in Indonesia but have become a staple in African fashion. One of the most unique aspects of Ankara fabrics is their versatility. The colorful and eye-catching designs can be dressed up or down, making them a versatile addition to any wardrobe. In addition to clothing, Ankara fabrics can also be used to create stunning accessories. Many people use these fabrics to make purses, scarves, and headwraps, adding a pop of color and pattern to any outfit. Ankara fabrics can also add a vibrant touch to home decor. These fabrics are often used to make throw pillows, curtains, and even furniture upholstery, bringing a sense of warmth and joy to any space.

African Queen Boutique offers premade items such as dresses, skirts, and tops. But they also have accessories such as handbags, headwraps, and jewelry. They even have selected home decor items. Best of all, if you find an Ankara print you love, the shop has a tailor on-premises to customize something just for you.  

The shop is conveniently open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Moreover, you can check out some of the inventory and keep aware of promotions on Instagram and Facebook. 

Just a couple of years after Akinbolaji opened her shop, the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding lockdown hit. While 48% of small businesses in NYC are owned by immigrants, these businesses were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Thankfully, Akinbolaji’s African clothing boutique survived thanks to federal PPP loans and a loan from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Social Justice Fund, which was designed to help businesses owned by people of color. But as many small business owners know, the road to recovery is a long journey.

Broadway Stages admires the work ethic and determination it takes to open a small business and to persist through hard times. We encourage you to check out African Queen Boutique and support Akinbolaji because, as a Nigerian proverb says, “Seeing is better than hearing!” And when you stop by, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!