Born and raised in DC, entrepreneur, advocate and community leader Angel Gregorio's roots run deep in the city.
From her childhood in the public school system to her education at Howard University and her years as a principal in DC's charter school system, she has lived many lives in her hometown. But her latest chapter – as the entrepreneur behind spice curator The Spice Suite and Black-woman owned business strip mall Black + Forth – allows her to bring all of her communities together.
This entrepreneurial journey began serendipitously when a friend returned from an international trip with spices, and Angel found herself with an inventory … and in the right place at the right time. In 2015, she noticed a "For Lease" sign at a commercial space in Takoma Park, which became the original site for The Spice Suite. Today, her business resides in Black + Forth, alongside other Black-owned permanent and pop-up businesses dedicated to facilitating Black prosperity, joy and community. Angel's business prowess has attracted national attention, earning her features on The Drew Barrymore Show and in Essence Magazine and Bon Appétit.
When she’s not revolutionizing DC's business landscape, Angel immerses herself in the city's vibrant go-go dance scene, where dancing the night away serves as essential self-care. "Go-Go is the thing that natives run to," she says. "It’s a regional dance culture all about loud music and African roots and feels very familiar on a soul level." As co-founder of DC Natives Day (officially recognized by DC's Mayor), she champions the city's Black cultural heritage while fostering communities of shared experience. For Angel, showing up for the culture means the culture shows up for you.
Join this true DC insider for a day in the capital, including visits to a Black-owned farmer’s market, can’t-miss carry-out landmarks and a go-go dance party for the ages.
Morning
Angel begins her morning browsing produce and connecting with vendors at the Farmer’s Market at Black + Forth in Langdon. The neighborhood is both residential – lined with Queen Anne Style homes and Crepe Myrtle trees – and industrial, with its history as a foundry paving the way for the body shops that flourished here in the 20th century.
When she’s done at the market, it’s off to The Spice Suite to stock kitchen staples for the week’s cooking. To gear up for a day of running errands around the city and a night of dancing, Angel’s hitting up a couple self-care spots in Black + Forth, including Jheri Taylor of She Nail’d It, who specializes in unique and conversation-starting nails. Egypt Ami Wellness is the next stop, which focuses on natural hair styling and even offers workout classes.
Afternoon
It’s off to Congress Heights for a sandwich from the MLK Deli. The neighborhood in Southeast DC is known for its rich Black cultural history and soul food and the deli lives up to that reputation. Choose from options like the Marion Barry Salmon Cakes and the John Wall Ham sandwich.
Next, it’s up to Capitol Hill to visit Eastern Market, one of the city's oldest and most beloved public markets. They’ve got everything from permanent indoor food vendors to pop-up retail. With some extra time in the area, book a facial at Skin Beauty Bar or explore high-end dining options along Barracks Row.
Evening
With a date to check out Go-Go music tonight, Angel has only a little time to eat dinner, so takeout it is. She’s hitting up Twin Dragon, a Brightwood Park Chinese fusion stall slinging the city’s best and biggest egg rolls with a side of mumbo sauce for dipping. The regional DMV condiment is similar to barbecue sauce but with added sweet and sour flavor.
Next, it’s off to Sycamore & Oak, a Black-owned community of retail stalls including artisan boutiques, food vendors, services and community events in Congress Heights. Sip Ethiopian coffee at one of their culinary workshops or sing your heart out at one of their karaoke performances. There’s also the monthly Go-Go night, which turns into a mini-festival full of food, kid-friendly activities, music and plenty of joyful movement. There’s nothing better than Go-Go.
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