Black-owned business spotlight: Maria Ann, LLC

Each year during February, America observes Black History Month. According to history.com, Black History Month is “an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.”

Here in the Pike District, we are proud to recognize local Black-owned businesses and the integral part they play in our community. One especially meaningful Black-owned business in the Pike District is Maria Ann, LLC. Maria Ann, LLC was founded last year by Tramaine Newsome. 

After the Buffalo grocery store shooting in 2022 that devastated the Black community, Newsome sought to start a business that would “bring smiles” to those around her. And thus, Maria Ann, LLC was born. The small business specializes in customized, hand-picked Graze Cones and Gift Boxes.

If you attended Salsa in the Park last summer, you may have seen Newsome and her daughter selling special Salsa-dancing-themed graze cones!

Newsome prides herself on her business’s mission to promote Peace, Love, and Unity. She works toward her mission by volunteering with local elementary and middle school students to make graze cones and give out samples in the community.

“This helps with their social skills, builds new friendships, boosts confidence, and improves financial literacy,” Newsome said.

Maria Ann, LLC is our go-to shop for trendy and delicious treats. Trust us, you can’t go wrong with anything from this amazing shop. Gift boxes and graze cones make perfect goodies for yourself, your friends or your loved ones, or even as giveaways at parties and gatherings!

Purchase any pre-made cone (Newsome suggests All Things Chocolate…yum 😋) or gift box, or customize your own at mariaannllc.com. Maria Ann, LLC even caters to dietary restrictions!

We encourage you to support Maria Ann, LLC and other Black-owned businesses in the Pike District this month and every month.