Food + Coffee
Restaurants, bakeries, cafés, food trucks and more.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Jessica Bell
Creator • Wife • Mom • College Student • Community Advocate
I created The Black Long Island Experience to uplift our community, shine a light on Black-owned businesses, and make it easier for people to find trusted resources across Long Island.
I also know what it is like to juggle family, school, errands, meals, activities, bills, content and your own goals on the same calendar. Through Just Ask Jess, I share practical mom-life tips, savings ideas, encouragement and the real-life lessons I am learning along the way.
This platform is about more than a list — it is about community, opportunity, representation and making sure people feel welcomed, respected and valued.
Thank you for being here and supporting the vision. — Jess 🤎
THE BLACK LONG ISLAND EXPERIENCE
Black-owned. Community-rooted. Long Island proud.
Discover Black-owned businesses, community resources, local events, professionals, food, beauty, wellness, family experiences, and the people helping Long Island thrive.
Beauty + Wellness
Salons, spas, nail techs, fitness and self-care.
Health + Support
Doctors, dentists, mental health and social services.
Professional Services
Lawyers, real estate, finance, creators and local experts.
COMMUNITY FIRST
No shame. Just steps, resources & people who can help.
I know what it feels like when life gets heavy and you do not know where to start. Whether you need help with a light bill, housing, benefits, childcare or simply finding your people, this section is here to point you toward the next step. Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of.
The Black Long Island Experience
Connect with the community, recommend Black-owned Long Island businesses, share resources and help this directory keep growing.
Find the group on Facebook →Black Long Island
An independent Long Island community initiative founded by William and Falischa Moss. It began as a Facebook group and also highlights Black-owned businesses, local news and community events. It is not operated by Jess.
My electric bill is behind. What should I do first?
Call PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0025 and ask about a payment agreement or extension. Their Consumer Advocacy team can also walk you through assistance programs at 631-755-3407.
I need housing, rent or arrears help. Where do I start?
Check current Long Island Housing Partnership programs first. Nassau and Suffolk DSS can also help with emergency or temporary housing depending on your situation and eligibility.
Can I get emergency help even if I do not receive benefits now?
Possibly. New York Temporary Assistance includes emergency programs for situations such as utility shutoff, eviction risk, homelessness, little or no food, and other urgent needs. Eligibility is based on your situation.
I do not even know what program I need.
Start with one call, not ten. Explain what is happening, ask what programs you may qualify for, write down the representative's name and your next step, and keep copies of every document you submit. You do not have to have everything figured out before asking for help.
Suffolk after-hours emergency housing: 631-854-9100. Nassau temporary housing: 516-571-3680.
Programs, funding and eligibility can change. Always confirm current requirements directly with the agency before relying on a program.
LONG ISLAND RESOURCE HUB
Find what you need — organized in a way that makes sense.
Start with community help, then move through childcare, medical care, dental, mental health, wellness and everyday services. Tap a category to see the current directory listings.
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Community Help + Resources
Facebook communities, utility help, housing assistance, benefits and practical next steps.
Start here →Daycare + Childcare
Daycare centers, group family care, preschool and childcare resources.
7 listings →Doctors + Medical Specialists
Primary care, OB/GYN, dermatology, endocrinology, high-risk pregnancy and future specialty slots such as cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology and more.
24 current listings →Dental + Oral Health
General dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics/root canals, periodontics, oral surgery and more.
6 current listings →Therapy + Mental Health
Counseling, trauma therapy, social work and mental-health resources.
5 listings →Health + Wellness
Occupational/physical therapy, nutrition, massage, aromatherapy and wellness support.
7 listings →Dance + Fitness
Dance studios, movement, yoga, walking clubs, gyms and fitness resources.
7 listings →Attorneys + Legal Services
Family law, real estate, personal injury, estate planning and other legal specialties.
Submissions open →Mechanics + Auto
Auto repair, body shops, tire shops and mobile mechanics who come to you.
23 listings →Beauty + Hair
Hair, skincare, cosmetics, esthetics and beauty businesses.
11 listings →Food + Restaurants
Restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, markets, drinks and local dining.
14 listings →Coffee Shops
Cafés, espresso spots and coffee-centered gathering places.
2 listings →Plants + Garden
Plant shops, nurseries, floral and garden businesses.
1 listing →Retail + Creative
Bookstores, boutiques, makers, photography programs, classes, events and creative spaces.
16 listings →Financial + Tax
Tax preparation and future financial-service listings.
1 listing →Other Community Services
Notary, travel, family/event services, business networks and professional resources.
5 listings →THE DIRECTORY
Find Black-owned businesses, community-recommended providers & trusted resources across Long Island.
Start here, then search by name, town, specialty, service, or category. We’ll keep growing this directory with Black-owned businesses, community-recommended professionals, resources, and Long Island favorites.
127
businesses & community resources
How listings are labeled:
Jess visited means Jess or her family personally used/visited it. Community Recommended means it came from a community recommendation. Verified means current public contact details were checked before posting. A listing does not automatically mean Black-owned unless ownership is independently confirmed.
No matches yet. Try another name, town, or category.
JESS RECOMMENDS
The finds, places & businesses I’m loving.
From Black-owned Long Island gems to mom finds, home, beauty, college life and everyday favorites.
BLACK-OWNED
BUSINESS
SPOTLIGHTS
BUSINESS
SPOTLIGHTS
Black Long Island Finds
Explore →MOM LIFE
+ HOME
FAVORITES
+ HOME
FAVORITES
Everyday Jess Favorites
See More →COLLEGE
+ CREATOR
HACKS
+ CREATOR
HACKS
Busy-Girl Essentials
See More →THE JESS JOURNAL
Real-life help for busy days.
Motherhood, college, home life, budgeting, encouragement and the little systems that help when your plate is full. Nothing here is about being perfect — it is about making real life a little more manageable.
The 3-priority rule
When the day feels too heavy, choose three things that truly have to happen. Finish those first. Everything else can move to tomorrow without turning the whole day into a failure.
Reset, do not restart
You do not need a four-hour deep clean every time life gets busy. Set a 15-minute timer, clear the main surfaces, start one load, reset the kitchen and keep moving.
Cook once, mix and match
Prep a few proteins and easy sides, then remix them through the week. It saves money, cuts down on last-minute takeout and makes busy evenings easier.
Protect one study block
Do not wait for the house to become perfectly quiet. Put one realistic focus block on the calendar and treat your own goals like another important appointment.
Handle today before tomorrow
Matthew 6:34 is a reminder not to carry tomorrow's worries on top of today's responsibilities. Take the next right step, then the next one.
Rest is part of the work
Matthew 11:28 points weary people toward rest. Being responsible does not mean running yourself empty. Make room to be still, regroup and begin again.
A soft heart can still have boundaries
You can love people, show up for your family and still say no when your plate is full. Boundaries can protect the version of you that everyone depends on.
Your ordinary life is worth sharing
The school run, grocery haul, family dinner, small win, hard lesson or local business you discovered can help somebody else. You do not need a perfect day to have something valuable to say.
Mom LifeCollege LifeBudget + HomeBiblical EncouragementCreator LifeCommunity + Real Talk
BOOK JESS
Bring Jess to your brand, business or community.
Available for business visits, creator collaborations, community events, hosting, speaking opportunities, promotional content and select appearances.
Request a Booking Booking inquiries go directly to Jess.WORK WITH JESS
Let’s create something people actually connect with.
Brand Partnerships
Sponsored Content
UGC
Business Visits
Community Partnerships
Media Inquiries
COMMUNITY FIRST
Know a Black-owned Long Island business or community resource we should feature?
Send the business or provider name, town, category, specialty and contact information. Every submission is emailed directly to Just Ask Jess and stays pending until Jess reviews it — submissions are not automatically published.
COME HANG OUT WITH ME