Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses in Evergreen Park for Black History Month

Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black entrepreneurs who shape our communities and industries. In Evergreen Park, Black-owned businesses play a vital role in fostering economic growth, innovation, and community engagement.

This year, the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight Bruce Total Wellness and Nancy’s Home Care, two businesses committed to improving the well-being of our residents. Alongside them, we’re also recognizing several other Black-owned businesses that are making an impact in our community.

Bruce Total Wellness: A Holistic Approach to Health

Owner: Tashica Bruce
Location: Primarily telehealth (1333 Burr Ridge Pkwy, Suite 200, Burr Ridge, IL)
Website: Bruce Total Wellness

Health and wellness are at the core of Bruce Total Wellness (BTW), a nurse practitioner-owned telehealth clinic specializing in Medical Weight Loss, Hormone Optimization, and General Wellness Services. Founder Tashica Bruce, a dedicated healthcare professional with nearly 20 years of experience, started BTW to provide science-backed, personalized care that helps individuals reclaim their health, confidence, and vitality.

Her inspiration stemmed from witnessing preventable chronic illnesses impacting patients’ quality of life. She saw how traditional healthcare often managed symptoms rather than addressing root causes, such as metabolic health and hormonal imbalances. Through BTW, she offers accessible, expert-led care designed to help people not only look and feel better but also live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Tashica appreciates Evergreen Park’s close-knit community, saying it reminds her of the small-town feel she grew up with in West Michigan. Through networking with local businesses, the Chamber, and community organizations, she has built strong connections that have helped her navigate the entrepreneurial world as a nurse business owner.

“Supporting and highlighting Black-owned businesses is essential because it fosters awareness, trust, and economic empowerment within the community. Many consumers may not be familiar with Black-owned brands or may feel hesitant to seek them out due to lack of exposure or visibility. By providing a platform to showcase these businesses, we create opportunities for connection, trust-building, and education about the high-quality services they offer.”

Nancy’s Home Care: Compassionate Support for Seniors

Owner: Felice Searles
Location: 10146 S. Western Ave.
Website: Nancy's Home Care

Nancy’s Home Care provides non-medical, in-home care to seniors and individuals with disabilities, helping them maintain independence and dignity in their own homes. Services include:

• Meal preparation
• Light housekeeping
• Medication reminders
• Ambulatory assistance
• Grooming and personal hygiene
• Specialized Dementia Care

Felice Searles, an Air Force veteran and passionate advocate for elder care, was inspired to start Nancy’s Home Care after witnessing the growing need for compassionate, professional support for seniors. She believes in creating an environment where clients feel safe, valued, and respected.

Felice appreciates the strong support system for small businesses in Evergreen Park, saying:

“The Evergreen Park Chamber has been very helpful and impactful in recognizing what I do but, most importantly, sharing what I do. They also have great activities for the community that I absolutely love partaking in.”

She also highlights the importance of amplifying Black-owned businesses, as it helps the community learn about their contributions and accomplishments.

More Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Evergreen Park

Along with Bruce Total Wellness and Nancy’s Home Care, here are a few other Black-owned businesses in Evergreen Park that are worth checking out:

Toast It IZ

Website: toastitiz.com

For a Southern and Creole-inspired brunch experience, Toast It IZ is a must-visit. Known for their gumbo grits, fried catfish, banana pudding waffles, and lollipop lamb chops, this lively restaurant at 9204 S. Western Ave. blends delicious food with live DJs and an upbeat atmosphere.

M.E.P. Exterminating

Website: mepexterminators.com

With expert pest control services, M.E.P. Exterminating has been a trusted name in Evergreen Park. Owned by Percy J. Allen Jr., 2nd Vice President of the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the company helps homes and businesses stay rodent- and pest-free with reliable, effective solutions.

Aries Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Website: ariesbjj.com

Offering self-defense training and martial arts instruction, Aries Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals looking to build strength, discipline, and confidence through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and judo techniques.

Why Supporting Black-Owned Businesses Matters

Black-owned businesses are an essential part of Evergreen Park’s economy, bringing innovation, diversity, and unique services to the community. Supporting these businesses isn’t just about economic empowerment—it’s about celebrating entrepreneurship, fostering inclusion, and ensuring that businesses of all backgrounds thrive.

The Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to support Black-owned businesses—not just during Black History Month, but all year long.

For more information on local businesses and Chamber events, visit Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce.