School, sports & pickups
Keep one weekly calendar for every practice, appointment and pickup. Start with what cannot move, then build the rest around it.
THE BLACK LONG ISLAND DIRECTORY
Everything you need, without a long scroll.
Open the directory when you are ready to find Black-owned businesses, community-recommended providers, health resources, food, beauty, childcare, wellness and more across Nassau and Suffolk.
Black-ownedshops, food, beauty & services
Family helpdoctors, childcare & resources
Wellnessfitness, therapy & self-care
Nassau + Suffolkbuilt for Long Island
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 🤎
JESS'S MOM CORNER
For the moms holding a lot.
School, sports, work, meals, bills, appointments, your own goals—and still trying to be okay. This is a soft place for real-life support, simple ideas and resources that can make the week feel a little lighter.
Bills & food help
Light bill stress, food benefits, HEAP, rent questions and emergency support belong in the Community Help section—because asking for help is part of taking care of your family.
Burnout is real
You do not have to finish every task today. Pick one important thing, one house thing and one thing for you. The rest can wait.
Your goals still matter
Whether you are in school, building a business, working or starting over, you are allowed to grow while raising your family.
Explore our community categories
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.
Food + Coffee
Restaurants, bakeries, cafés, food trucks and more.
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.
WELLNESS FEATURE
NOVA Essence Inside Out
Creative wellness, aromatherapy and movement experiences created to help you slow down, breathe and reconnect. Coach ACE’s Rooted Flow brings together yoga, Pilates, aromatherapy and somatic relief in a welcoming space.
Tuesdays • 8 AM • FarmingdaleThursdays • 6:15 & 7:30 PM • East IslipThird Sundays • 1:30 & 3 PM • East Islip
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS
People, purpose & programs worth knowing about.
These permanent features celebrate the people and projects helping our community grow. Come back often for new updates and ways to connect.
4theLove CLOTHING
4theLove Clothing
Founded by Naquane Isaac. A clothing brand with a mission to spread love in abundance and a focus on people and passion.
Godson Michel
AI marketing consultant, entrepreneur and community builder sharing marketing support, coaching and speaking resources for people growing their ideas and brands.
Melinda Delgado
Melinda Delgado is a New York creator and entrepreneur behind All About Melinda, Lavish Avenue, and Body8te. She shares affordable lifestyle finds, fashion, fitness, and encouragement for women to just start.
Her planner, Babe, Just Start: Because what if it works?, is also available on Amazon.
Amityville Student Essentials Drive
Help us support Amityville students with pads, underwear, deodorant and everyday hygiene essentials. Every donation—whether it is one item or a full pack—makes a real difference.
OCTOBER • NOVEMBER • DECEMBER
Things happening around Long Island
Save these dates, support our community and check back as new events are added.
🎀 more coming soon 🎀
Soft Sips × Elenna Beauty Paint & Sip
Guided painting, specialty coffee and good vibes in Baldwin. Supplies and drinks are included.
GrowInShade Plant Shop
A beginner-friendly sourdough workshop at the Islip plant shop. Learn, create and take an artisan loaf home.
Black Business Shopping Experience
Presented by Black Business Network of Long Island. SUNY Old Westbury, Student Union Building, 223 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury. Free admission, local vendors, panel discussions and giveaways. Questions: (631) 745-1946 or hello@blacklongisland.com.
Financial Literacy Summit
Presented by The Getty Initiative and Level Up The Experience, Inc. Holiday budgeting, saving, credit and building wealth. Keynote speaker: Shameka Brown. Wyandanch Memorial High School, 54 S. 32nd Street, Wyandanch. Contact GerrenNixon@gmail.com or ShamekaB620@gmail.com.
More community businesses & creators
COMMUNITY SHOUTOUTS
Follow, shop & pour back into people doing their thing.
Small business and creator shoutouts from the community. Tap a page to follow, learn more or shop directly.
Melinda / Lavish Avenue
Fashion, lifestyle and bougie-on-a-budget bags for the girls who love a lavish look without the lavish prices.
Follow @allaboutmelindaa →Shop Lavish Avenue →
Find Babe, Just Start on Amazon →
HerBODY8TE
For the girls who 8TE. Follow the page to see current drops and athleisure pieces.
Follow HerBODY8TE →4theLove
A clothing brand founded by Naquane Isaac with a mission to spread love in abundance.
Follow 4theLove →The Legal Code
Follow for general legal information and education from an author and attorney. Always speak directly with a qualified attorney for advice about your own situation.
Follow @thelegalcode on TikTok →Alexra Soccer Training
Long Island soccer training focused on helping players stand out and build confidence.
Follow @alexra_soccer →GrowInShade Plant Shop
Plants, home décor, workshops and private events in Islip.
Follow @growinshade →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.
Apply for HEAP before winter gets here.
HEAP can help eligible New Yorkers with home heating costs. The 2026–27 regular HEAP benefit is scheduled to open November 2, 2026. Do not wait until you receive a shutoff notice—check your eligibility and apply as soon as the season opens.
Apply for HEAP / SNAP on MyBenefits →
NY State HEAP information →2026–27 opening announcement →
Suffolk HEAP help →
Nassau HEAP help →
Nassau HEAP: 516-227-8519. Suffolk HEAP: 631-853-8820. Apply online, by mail/fax, or at a Suffolk HEAP service center.
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.
Education, savings & more resources
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.
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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 • Search by name →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.
6 listings →Health + Wellness
Occupational/physical therapy, nutrition, massage, aromatherapy and wellness support.
9 listings →Dance + Fitness
Dance studios, movement, yoga, walking clubs, gyms and fitness resources.
8 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.
14 listings →Food + Restaurants
Restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, markets, drinks and local dining.
18 listings →Coffee Shops
Cafés, espresso spots and coffee-centered gathering places.
4 listings →Plants + Garden
Plant shops, nurseries, floral and garden businesses.
1 listing →Retail + Creative
Bookstores, boutiques, makers, photography programs, classes, events and creative spaces.
19 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.
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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.
Looking for a doctor? Type their first name, last name, specialty, or town above.
No matches yet. Try another name, town, or category.
CURRENT LISTINGS
Explore listings
Tap a website to learn more, or open the full directory to search by name, town, or specialty.
No listings are available in this category yet. Know one? Send it to Jess to review.
Jessica’s recommendations
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 →Mom-life notes & encouragement
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.
You do not have to hold it all alone.
When you feel overstressed, pause before you push through. A small reset can help you get through the next moment—and the rest of the list can wait until it is time.
Take a safe step away
Make sure the kids are safe, then take a few minutes in another room, outside, or by a window. Unclench your shoulders and take a few slow breaths before you respond to anybody.
Try a quick reset breath
Breathe in slowly, pause, then let the air out even slower. Repeat a few times. You do not have to fix the whole day before you take the next breath.
Asking for help is healthy
Text somebody you trust, ask someone to take one thing off your plate, or consider counseling when you need a space to talk. Support is not failure.
Do the next small thing
Drink some water, eat something, take a short walk, stretch, pray, put on calming music, or rest. Healthy habits do not have to look perfect to count.
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
Books & encouragement
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 Jessica
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. Fill in the details below to prepare an email to Jess. Choose your email app or Gmail, then press Send there. Jess reviews each suggestion before adding it to the directory.
Send suggestions directly to Jessicabsylvester118@gmail.com
COME HANG OUT WITH ME