Today’s post features Mohammad Ali, owner of Black Lion Market (3500 14th St NW A) in Columbia Heights.
Tell us about your business! When was it founded and what inspired you to start your business?
My wife and I we started this business about 16 years ago. We were inspired by the idea of being your own boss rather than working for somebody else. We believe that we can do more.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a person who believes in hard-work. When you go to sleep at night you should believe that you have accomplished good things.
What is unique about your business?
Our business has all kinds of international merchandise. We also carry products from local and organic suppliers. I think that makes a little bit different.
Are you still operating during COVID-19? In what ways?
Yes, we are open. We are following the city’s COVID-19 policies.
How can the community support you right now?
The community and our landlord are already supporting us! Continue to shop locally.
What is your favorite thing about this community?
The community is so unique and diverse. They are also beautiful and caring. Those are my favorite things about it.
If you could tell all of the residents in the Columbia Heights/ Mount Pleasant Main Street area one thing, what would it be?
It would be that our community has a fiber that is unique and is made up of all kinds of people. Keep being a caring community that has so much diversity.
Often when people hear the term ‘Main Street’, they think about business corridors. But many people do not think about the stress and loneliness that many business owners experience while navigating the hurdles of entrepreneurship and running a business—especially during an unprecedented pandemic. Main Street programs all over the country work to make sure that business owners have an advocate and support system so that your favorite local coffee shop or tailor can keep their doors open. Help us continue doing our work by chipping in $10, $100, $1,000.