02 / 17 / 2023

Supporting Black-owned small businesses in Georgia

February marks the start of Black History Month, a time to reflect on and highlight the contributions Black Americans have added to the country and society as a whole. One of the best ways to celebrate this month is by using your spending power to support Black-owned businesses. When small businesses flourish, so do their communities.

Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite small, Black-owned businesses across Georgia. Whether you’re looking for jewelry and trendy apparel to baked goods and more, we’ve got you covered. Check out these 23 Black-owned shops and restaurants across Georgia that you can start supporting today.

Boutiques + Markets

the beehive – Atlanta

This beautiful boutique is fully stocked with local, independent designers offering apparel, housewares, accessories, baby goods, food goods and jewelry. Visit them in store or shop online!

Berry Trap Boutique – Waycross

If you’re looking for the latest trends, head to Berry Trap Boutique–a one-stop shop for all kinds of women’s clothing and accessories. With a variety of styles, you’re sure to find something you love when you visit them in-store or online!

Just Add Honey Tea Company – Atlanta

Not a fan of coffee? Then Just Add Honey is the perfect place. With unique and classic flavors available, stop by for a pot of tea, or buy to take home.

Nourish + Bloom – Fayetteville

Say hello to the world’s first Black-owned, autonomous grocery market. Aimed at making healthy foods more accessible, Nourish + Bloom offers locally sourced craft items, such as produce, meats, baked goods, dairy, and prepared meals, alongside everyday convenience items without the hassle of a checkout line. Simply download their app and get to shopping!

Restaurants

Albany Fish Company – Albany

With fresh seafood daily, Albany Fish Company caters to all your seafood needs–raw, fried, steamed, grilled, blackened, or however ever you like it!

Back in the Day Bakery – Savannah

Initially founded as an artisan bakery, Back in the Day Bakery has a curated specialty menu featuring delicious morning pastries and sweet & savory bites alongside a gourmet retail shop featuring independent + BIPOC small business products for the neighborhood. They also have a new event space called Dåy Studio that allows people to come together around the love of food, classes, and focus on community.

The Flint – Albany

The Flint is not just a restaurant—it’s a gathering place and a celebration of community. Offering the freshest seafood and richest southern cuisine in Southwest Georgia, The Flint remains true to local roots while exploring the flavors of the world.

Good Times Jazz Bar and Restaurants – Savannah

If you’re looking for a great night of entertainment and good food, look no further than Good Times Jazz Bar and Restaurant! Delicious Southern fare, fine wines, and the best in jazz can all be found at this sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere.

The Grey Market – Savannah

The Grey Market combines the classic New York City bodegas with the history and convenience of the southern lunch counter. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or picnic basket for the beach, The Grey Market is ready.

Le Petit Marche – Atlanta

Established in 2008, the Little Market started as a true market complete with fresh breads, cheeses, and other unique, locally made pantry items. Today, Le Petit Marche focuses on delectable breakfasts and lunches that draw people from all over, making it a favorite neighborhood hangout.

Popbar – Atlanta

Cool off with tasty popGelato, popSorbetto, and popWiches in delicious flavors like chocolate, green tea, hazelnut, and more.

Sisters of the New South – Savannah

Sisters of the New South is serving up authentic Southern cooking from their locations in Atlanta and Savannah. Not local? Check out their online store!

Slutty Vegan – Atlanta

In trying to open the conversation around vegan food options, Slutty Vegan has taken over Atlanta. A plant-based burger chain, this restaurant offers a variety of burgers piled high with sauce and plenty of toppings.

Sublime Doughnuts – Atlanta

Founded by Kamal Grant, treat yourself to a yummy treat from Sublime Doughnuts at their North Druid Hills or Georgia Tech locations. Delicious flavors include Orange Dream Star, White Chocolate Peach Fritter, and more.

Tropical Taste Restaurant – Albany

Where Southern cooking meets African cuisine! Tropical Taste serves up traditional dishes like jollof rice, plus Southern classics like black-eyed peas.

Wandaful Things – Kingsland

Every day isn’t perfect, but it may come pretty close if it’s filled with Wandaful Things! Fresh bread, delicious food and desserts can all be found at this awesome bistro.

Who’s Got Soul Southern Café – Atlanta

This casual neighborhood restaurant was founded by owner and executive chef Keith Kash. Focusing on family and food, this southern café features local ingredients and special seasonings and sauces to spice up your traditional favorites.

Other

atl kula Wellness Studio – Atlanta

From yoga to Pilates, tai-chi and more, atl kula has it all. Inspired by nature’s ability to withstand and transform, this wellness studio is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and work out.

Auntie Renee Story Teller – Atlanta

Auntie Renee is a captivating storyteller who uses her creative skills for performances and motivational speaking. She performs storytelling for festivals, schools, and birthday parties, and she does monthly workshops.

Brave + Kind Bookshop – Atlanta

A neighborhood kids and family bookshop, Brave + Kind Bookshop carries a carefully curated selection of literature, from activity books and pre-school, to fiction favorites and graphic novels. They also have a monthly book subscription services for all ages. Shop online, or browse in-store.

Footprints of Savannah Walking Tours – Savannah

Learn about Urban slavery, the Slave Trade, and the Cotton Trade in Savannah. See the remnants of the 1860s slave trade and a building that once was a slave mart that became a Freedmen’s School.

Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia – Atlanta

An affiliate of The National Association of Black Storytellers, Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia’s teachers, actors, drummers, biblical pundits, educators, and librarians share and spread the love of storytelling. Kuumba Tattle Tales for ages 7-15 is part of their Kuumba Youth Storytellers program.

Medu Bookstore – Atlanta

Medu, meaning “the power of the word,” is the second largest African-American owned bookstore in Atlanta. Medu specializes in culturally significant and often hard to find books written, published, and distributed for the enhanced awareness and enjoyment of its readership.

When we shop with companies that uplift diversity, we increase representation, visibility, and economic development. Buying from Black-owned shops, restaurants, and brands is just one of many ways you can support a community that is essential to Georgia’s culture and economy.

02 / 13 / 2023

Georgia’s Own Credit Union named to 2023 Top Workplaces USA list

For the second consecutive year, Georgia’s Own Credit Union is proud to be named to the Top Workplaces USA list. In addition, the Credit Union was named a Top Workplace for the financial services industry for 2022.

Organizations must receive at least a 35% response rate on their employee engagement surveys to be considered for the Top Workplaces award from Energage. Questions range from employees’ experiences with work-life balance and their overall well-being to communication, innovation, and values within the organization.

As a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution, serving our members, giving back to our communities, and cultivating our employees is at the heart of what we do. That includes providing a flexible, innovative, engaging, and progressive work environment—just to name a few.

We had an impressive participation rate of 79.5% in the employee engagement survey. Below is what some of our incredible employees have to say about working for Georgia’s Own:

“In my work, I can be very flexible with my schedule, and I feel like I can contribute to the overall success of the company.”

“I feel like I am an important part of Georgia’s Own, and what I do matters.”

“Georgia’s Own is true to its values.”

 “I can contribute to the greater cause of providing our community with financial assistance to meet the dreams and needs of their families.”

“It’s fulfilling [to work for Georgia’s Own], and I am learning so much about Georgia’s Own Credit Union and its culture and diversity. My manager is very responsive and supportive in helping me to be successful at my job.”

We’re honored to be included among some of the most highly regarded organizations in the nation. This award would not have been possible without our extraordinary employees who work hand-in-hand to ensure our mission of Banking on Purpose remains the foundation of our work.

02 / 09 / 2023

10 ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget

Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic days of the year—and it’s also the third priciest holiday with people shelling out a total of $23.9 billion each year. Love or hate this holiday, there’s no denying that Valentine’s Day impacts your budget. But, there are still plenty of fun options that won’t break the bank. Keep reading for 10 ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget with your special someone:

1. Cook dinner at home

Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, making it difficult (or expensive) to score reservations. Skip the overpriced dinner and enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner at home! There’s no better way to bond than by making a home-cooked meal with the one you love the most—all while saving a few bucks. You don’t need to be a world-class chef, either. There are plenty of online cooking classes that will guide you both along the way.

2. Have a game night

Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Break out your favorite board game and have a game night in with your Valentine. Make it nostalgic with some classic games, or if you’re feeling bold, try a game neither of you has played before. To make it more fun, designate a prize for the winner.

3. Volunteer together

Save money and help out your favorite charity? We call that a win-win—and an excuse to skip out on the cliché giant teddy bear. Not only does volunteering feel good, but research shows that special bonds often develop while volunteering with others. It provides couples with a shared experience that both of you can enjoy. Stuck on what to do? Volunteermatch.org allows you to search for opportunities in your area based on your interests, including working with animals, homeless and housing initiatives, working with immigrants and refugees, and more.

4. Create a scrapbook

Scrapbooking is a fun hobby that can bring out your creative side and preserve your favorite memories. Collect your favorite photos, whether it’s from a memorable trip or your daily life, and tap your inner artist. Take a trip to your local craft store, grab some supplies, and start scrapbooking! If you’re unsure where to start or need some inspiration, there are various step-by-step guides that will walk you through from start to finish.

5. Take a hike

There’s nothing better than exploring the great outdoors—and Georgia has plenty of it. If the weather is nice, take a hike this Valentine’s Day and spare your budget. Not only will you have a fun day that will end in some amazing views, but you’ll also reap the benefits of hiking as a couple. It encourages you to solve problems together, communicate effectively, and unplug from your daily life—all for as little as $5. Bring along a camera to capture the memories (scrapbook idea!). You can even pack a picnic to enjoy when you get to the top.

6. Rent a movie

The average cost to see a movie (not including snacks!) is nearly $30. Coupled with long lines, noisy people, and the possibility of only front-row seats being available (hello, neck pain), you’re better off staying home. Instead of trekking to the movie theater, rent a movie at home—and no, we don’t mean re-watching the same movie you both have seen a billion times on Netflix. Spend a few dollars and rent a new release you’ve both been dying to see.

7. Ride bikes

Is there anything sweeter than riding bikes with your sweetie? Rent some bikes and explore your city. Bike rentals cost as little as $10/hour, making it an affordable and fun date. If you’re in the Metro Atlanta area, the Beltline is a perfect spot to start. If you’re feeling adventurous, try riding a tandem bike instead of a regular bicycle!

8. Go on a scavenger hunt

Create a scavenger hunt with riddles that must be answered to advance to the next clue. The scavenger hunt can be completed at home, the park, or any other location that is special to you. If you’re stuck on riddles, there are dozens of free, printable scavenger hunts to choose from.

9. Take a dance class

Put on your dancing shoes and take a dance class. A dance class is a fun way to surprise your partner and learn something new together. Check Groupon or your local dance studio—most will offer low-cost (or even free) one- or two-hour classes.

10. Try the TikTok “Target Challenge”

The Tiktok “Target Challenge” has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s a fun (albeit silly) date that you can make as cheap as you want. You’ll visit your local Target (or Walmart, or any other store closest to you), and each person picks out items based on certain parameters. The list varies, but below is an example:

• Favorite drink
• Favorite snack
• Favorite color
• Something that reminds you of them
• Something to try together

The beauty of this challenge is you can make it as inexpensive as you want, making it a great Valentine’s Day on a budget, and it’s fun to see what the other person picks. It’s an entertaining and adorable way to see how well you know each other!