Black-owned businesses growing in West Virginia

HINTON, WV (WVNS)– In honor of Black History Month, 59News highlighted how West Virginia’s black-owned businesses have grown over the years.

In West Virginia, black-owned businesses have historically been few and far between. In 2017, the U.S Census Bureau reported that out of about 35,000 businesses in the Mountain State, only 1,116 of them were minority-owned.

That small number, however, is starting to go up – and Sheldon Lemay’s Jewelry Repair in Hinton is one of them.

LeMay said he is glad more black-owned businesses are coming to West Virginia, and he also thinks Black History is an important subject.

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“As far as Black history, I know a little bit about it, and I think it’s a good thing. I always learn a little bit about Black history during that month,” said LeMay.

LeMay specializes in jewelry and watch repair, and also creates custom pieces for his customers. LeMay added that he hopes his store can inspire others to also open their own businesses – even if there aren’t a lot of others doing the same.

“It’s nice to have a shop to come to, and hopefully, you know, more people will move to downtown Hinton to open their own business, whether it’s black-owned businesses or whatever, it’s just nice.”

Lemay’s Jewelry Repair first opened in June 2023.

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