D-Biz: Black Whole Collective blooms in Highland Park

Stepping into Black Whole Collective on Woodward Ave. in Highland Park is a multi-sensory experience.

It smells wonderful — to be expected from a shop that sells dozens of incense varieties from around the world.

It looks interesting— Egyptian statues, colorful cloth and varieties of books, lotions, candles, paintings and jewelry catch the eye immediately.

It sounds like a smooth party -- thanks to The Blackman, in-store DJ extraordinaire. A recent visit was punctuated with the sounds of Tupac, Stevie Wonder and even a little house. But anyone familiar with the late, great Soul Clique, Black's former band, knows his wide range and sly sonic humor.

Black's wife, Goddess Shu, runs Black Whole, which initially started down the street as Heaven on Earth. She banded together with another shop-keeper, Sister Sauni, to form the Collective. They moved to their current location four years ago.

The row of storefronts Black Whole occupies is like a little community in the heart of Highland Park. Every Friday, along with neighbors Fade Away Barber Shop and Nandi's Knowledge Cafe, Black Whole stays open late and has a little block party. In warmer months, the back door opens up for barbecue and sometimes even dancing. Local start-ups use the events as a place to promote their enterprises, so business gets handled along with the good times.

Shu couldn't be happier with her Highland Park locale. "We're like a big family, that's the atmosphere — especially among this strip," she says.

Black Whole Collective is at 2521 Woodward at the corner of Colorado. Call 313-867-0026. The store is open from 10:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, except for Fridays, when it stays open until midnight.

Source: Goddess Shu, Black Whole Collective
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh