By Devin Crudup,

As the pandemic redirects business models and disrupts financial platforms, many small businesses are taking a hit, but one Black-owned business is thriving and reaching new heights in its distribution endeavors. Blk & Bold, a specialty coffee company, announced a distribution partnership with Amazon and Whole Foods Market. According to Black Enterprise, Blk & Bold proclaims themselves to be the first-ever Black-owned coffee and tea company that is nationally distributed. 

“The seemingly overnight shift of the retail landscape and store operations have no doubt impacted the flow of emerging brands entering and expanding in the market. This is also why the alliance with Whole Foods and other key retailers continues to showcase the support and belief in Blk & Bold as a coffee brand,” co-founder and CEO of Blk & Bold, Pernell Cezar told Black Enterprise. 

Blk & Bold coffee has a plethora of options to choose from, including a Rise & Grind medium roast, BLK & Bold dark roast, and a steeped Ethiopian light roast. The brand also has a variety of teas and Blk & Bold accessories for purchase on the company’s site shop as well as their recently launched Amazon storefront.

The company also released its Music Blend, which is endorsed by songstress, Kelly Rowland.

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This one's for the coffee AND music lovers! We've curated the perfect playlist to accompany your morning routine! Follow BLK & Bold on @spotify , hit play, & vibe out with a cup of coffee. Speaking of #coffee, you know we had to throw that new @kellyrowland in the blend! ☕️ Click the link in our bio to listen to Bold Vibes on @spotify

A post shared by BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages (@blkandbold) on Apr 22, 2020 at 8:07am PDT

Blk & Bold was launched by friends Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson — in 2018 — after the duo decided to ditch their careers in higher education fundraising and retail. Since then, the company has successfully completed a test run in 15 Whole Foods locations and is set to widen its distribution to Whole Foods’ Midwest market, which includes 31 stores in Nebraska, Illinois, and Iowa. 

The Iowa-based company also donates 5 percent of its profits to a nonprofit organization that supports at-risk youth. 

“As our national and regional retailer partnerships grow, so do the opportunities for anyone to participate in supporting at-risk youth, the demographic in most need,” Johnson told Black Enterprise. “Creating a pathway for everyday consumers to become contributors to the most vulnerable communities is as personally fulfilling as it is motivating for BLK & Bold’s growth.”

Click here to get your coffee fix with Blk & Bold Coffee.

Original article was published here.