RIVERDALE – The camera crews were in place and several Love & Hip Hip Atlanta cast members were making their way on and off the red carpet for photos and filming, as the star of the evening, Dancehall sensation Spice, made her first appearance in front of the newly opened retail location for her travel boutique clothing brand Graci Noir.
Located in the Allen Plaza shopping center. a low-slung strip of small businesses such as an insurance company, DUI school, and barbershop, Graci Noir immediately gave name recognition to what was once an easy-to-miss location. Graci Noir sits at the corner of a bust section of Highway 85 in Clayton County across the street from the city’s popular Super H Mart location.
Spice was without her signature blue hair on Tuesday, and decided to wear an all-black ensemble to the ribbon-cutting of her new retail location. Spice wore black leather pants and knee-high boots that matched the black Graci Noir hoodies she wore. A film crew from Love & Hip Hop Atlanta worked its way around the parking lot to film her as she greeted guests and posed for pictures.
Graci Noir occupies a corner suite in the shopping plaza and that extra parking space was used for tables, a miniature red carpet, and Barbie box for the grand opening.
The clothing line, described as travel wear, consists of men’s and women’s sweatsuits and tracksuits. Both were displayed in the window at the retail location, and there are kid’s sizes available online. The Graci Noir brand includes accessories, such as handbags, sunglasses, and hats, and footwear.
The retail location is one of the newest Black-owned businesses in Riverdale, a city of just under 15,000 residents, according to the United States Census. The boutique is a bit more high-end in comparison to the traditional retail businesses in the city, particularly on Highway 85. Spice’s decision to open her business in Clayton County says a lot about how the county’s reputation is moving in a positive direction. The Harris-Walz ticket and Democratic Party of Georgia held a number of rallies in Riverdake during the recent residential campaign. Most recently, Jonesboro elected its first Black mayor in Dr. Donya Sartor.
Clayton County is quickly becoming a destination for Black-owned businesses instead of an option.
“Fashion, like music, has always been another art form of expression for me. When I launched my luxury apparel brand, Graci Noir, a few years ago, it was always my dream to open up my own storefront location; and what better location than in Riverdale Georgia,” Spice told The Atlanta Voice. “The community has welcomed me with open arms. It just feels right, and I am so grateful to God for making this all possible.”
