Macon Magazine

34 SOME ATTRIBUTE IT TO "black girl magic." Some say it's born from an entrepreneurial spirit just waiting to rise. And some credit a longstanding desire to chase their dreams. It seems the reasons for opening a new business are just as varied as the businesses themselves. From clothing to cosmetics and cupcakes to cocktails, downtown's booming business culture is a growing reflection of our diverse community. Steadily working to increase the diversity of downtown's economy, NewTown Macon says there are more black-owned businesses opening downtown than ever before. Jamice Terry and Brittany Girtman have co-owned the boutique Commander in Chic for several years. Originally located in Warner Robins, when the opportunity came to move to downtown Macon in March, they jumped at the chance. Selling "edgy but functional" clothing for all age groups, the move downtown followed their desire to be closer to their customer base and to be part of the downtown vibe. "Even being here for this short time, downtown is ever expanding and growing," Girtman said. "We see the diversity in downtown, and we feel honored to be a part of the black-owned businesses here." Terry, who quit her full-time job to work at the boutique, said the feeling of freedom that comes from owning her own business is unreal. "People are putting themselves out there so they can have control of what they earn, what they put out and how they are appreciated. That feeling of freedom to create and put out what you want people to see and feel is awesome," Terry said. Another business owner who BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES ON THE RISE DOWNTOWN JAMICE TERRY AND BRITTANY GIRTMAN CO-OWN COMMANDER IN CHIC, A BOUTIQUE THAT HAS RECENTLY RELOCATED TO DOWNTOWN MACON.

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