By: Chloé Richards In the heart of the Acres Homes community, Mrs. Shirley Ann Malonson has spent the past 30 years building more than just a business. Shirley Ann’s Kollectibles and Flowers, the largest Black-owned gift shop in the United States, has been a place for Black culture, art, and history. Now, at 87 years old, Mrs. Malonson plans to close the doors of her beloved gift shop, a place that has become a cultural landmark locally and nationally. The shop is filled with figurines by renowned artists like Thomas Blackshear, Martha Holcombe, and Annie Lee. There are also soapstone pieces from the African continent. These pieces celebrate Black life, showing details of the beauty and complexity of African American culture. Shirley Ann’s Kollectibles and Flowers began as a way for Mrs. Malonson to stay active after retiring in 1992, following a 34 year career. She opened the business in 1994. “After I retired, I said, ‘I’m going to have to do something,’” she said. The shop’s legacy is deeply rooted in a history where Black people were often excluded from property owner- ship and entrepreneurship. Yet, Mrs. Malonson beat those odds, creating a space that not only provided a livelihood but also celebrated African American art and culture. Starting in a small office, Mrs. Malonson has grown her business into a 6,500-square- foot space on the property that she owns. Becoming an example of Black excellence, the choice of Acres Homes, a historically Black neighbor- hood in Houston, was deliberate. “No businesses were out here,” she said. “Now, I’m the only gift shop still standing.” Owning property and run- ning a successful business has always been important for building wealth, but in the past, Black Americans faced many obstacles. They dealt with unfair lending practices, areas where they weren’t allowed to live, and even violence to stop them from owning land. Despite these challenges, Mrs. Malonson worked hard, started her business, and has kept it going strong for 30 years. Her commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience set Shirley Ann’s Kollectibles and Flowers apart. She greets every visitor […]
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