ESPN and NBA select Cleveland’s Adun Spice Co. for national business spotlight
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ESPN and NBA select Cleveland’s Adun Spice Co. for national business spotlight
Adun Spice Co. is part of the annual Champion Black Businesses program. The program highlights Black-owned businesses in a series of promotional videos. It’s the first time a Cleveland-based business has been included in the program. Ramat Wiley, who owns Adun, didn’t apply or put her name in, so she isn’t sure how she landed on ESPN’s radar. The video went live last week, and online orders have been “flowing in” from across the country, she says.. “The people who support you will always be there when you least expect it,” she said.
It’s the first time a Cleveland-based business has been included.
The program, now in its sixth year, highlights Black-owned businesses across the country in a series of promotional videos during the NBA Finals.
Ramat Wiley, who owns Adun at 12721 Larchmere Blvd., found out she was selected to be spotlighted via email. She didn’t apply or put her name in, so she isn’t sure how she landed on ESPN’s radar.
“I attribute it to people saying your name in rooms that you’re not in yet,” she said. “This was truly an affirmation of you’re doing what you need to be doing. Your business is seen, your business is cherished by your community and keep going.”
Wiley filmed the video at the Larchmere shop a week before it went live. In the clip, she shares the message behind the brand and what she’s built in Cleveland.
“The fact that they’re doing it during such a tumultuous time in the world to say, ‘We still want to champion you and we want you to continue to be here for the future,’” Wiley added.
Additionally, she’s joined the Champion Black Businesses cohort to connect with Black-owned businesses around the country.
“I’m in good company with four other Black-owned, women-owned businesses across the country,” Wiley said. “So from L.A. to Harlem to Houston and, for Cleveland, this is our first time being featured in this program.”
Since the video went live last week, Wiley said online orders have been “flowing in” from across the country from people looking to try her spices.
“We have been receiving notes and emails and calls from people around the country who have ties back to Cleveland that say they’re rooting for us,” Wiley said. “We plan to continue building and growing.”
Wiley encourages local business owners to pursue their passion because “you never know who’s watching.”
“The people who support you will always be there when you least expect it,” she said. “I’m thankful to be someone from Cleveland that is able to be a part of this.”
Adun Spice Co. sells spices and seasoning blends at its brick-and-mortar store and online.