This. Place. Is. AHMAZING!! Black Girl Magic in a store!! Incense, books, bags, bangles, oils for the body and to burn. You will lose your mind! Have fun!

Absolutely love this place, a variety of quality products; topical and internal use, the owner is the truth, she’s intelligent and very knowledgeable, check this place out, been shopping here for over 3 years now. Peace and blessings to all.

This is the location in Long Beach to meet all of your Afrocentric needs. Not only is it Black owned most of the products carried in the store were produced or manufactured by other Black entrepreneurs. Let your National Black Business Month support start here!

I love this shop. They have mostly everything I need. I like that I can one-stop-shop, and I can do it while supporting black businesses; which what this place is all about. I can buy art, health and beauty supplies, household stuff, crystals and smudging stuff... great customer service too. Support this neighborhood gem.

Ordered a book, and received an empowering care package. Lightning fast shipping all the way from Cali to Nashville. I’m really looking forward to placing more orders, and sending more business your way. I couldn’t ask for a better online shopping experience! 🙏🏾

Always 🖤 coming to and am showed plenty of 🖤 in return when I stop and pay a visit to the SOA fam. Always have what I need in stock plus new and interesting items like this...

I ordered a book online since I am too far away to go in-store. The book arrived quickly and was wrapped in a protective layer on top of being well-packaged for shipping. They also included some bonus items from their shop which was sweet. I will definitely be visiting in person the next time there is an opportunity!

Love your store and salon.Sad to hear of Mz.Tinas leaving and Rae leaving in December.Your salon does fabulous work.

Every time Ive been to the store if the owner is there she is always pleasant! I like the variety and I dont feel uncomfortable asking questions about the items Im not familiar with.

Total crème de la crème wares for living in tune with natures rhythms.Plus, an awesome surprise hearing that the lady keeps personal relationships with certain suppliers of hers.The diverse product assortment (from incense, to jewelry, books, trinkets, supplements, hygiene, etc.) has got you covered in your own shade of Afrika.

Great store and wonderful selection of black owned products. Very welcoming to all walks of life

Been coming here for over a decade. Ms. Rene will take care of you, educate you, and leave you feeling welcomed.

Very good place for people who want beautiful things

Love this place! Been coming here for close over 5yrs!

This is by far one of my FAVORITE places to shop! From the welcoming and beautiful staff, to the owner who is so full of life and gives such useful and informative information! From the wide assortment of incense, natural Shea butter, organic black soap and the wide selection of books, this place is truly a GEM! Blessings to you Queen!!!

Very unique items that you will want to take home. Friendly & professional service.

I love her oils. I had a couple bottles in storage for 4 years because I moved across states and when I took them out and used the oils they still smelled the same as when I first purchased them. I am a forever customer.

Excellent shop for holistic health needs, and excellent customer service.

A beautiful place to visit and learn! 🙏💪😎💙

An amazing place to connect with our culture, and support Local Black Owned business!

Great customer service! Very knowledgeable of her products!

Great place for all kind of Afrocentric gifts and incense.

Gotta go here have everything for anything store incents smell great fresh juice on Sundays nice good people. Take a trip you wont regret it.

Shades of Afrika is the bomb period. There are some unhappy characters that try to wonder in there to bring the shade, but the owner Renee is the sun hunny 🙌🏾. Thank you Renee for being a hub for the black community. You and your shop are amazing! Oh an I love whats going on with the African Restoration Project on Thursday nights. People if you havent attended, your missing out on the betterment of self.

Love the shop, great energy! Beautiful products...

Could tell there was lots of love placed into my order. They included soap & incense, which was so kind - now my books smell amazing (:

I have been coming to this store for years. I love the fact that I can gain knowledge every time I come always helpful always polite. Back in 2013 went to the store seeking knowledge my daughter had cancer and was in the hospital she needed a donor . I was tested and was a match for my daughter. But I had some health issues that I needed to clear up so I could be her donor. I had three weeks to get my body in order. I took what the doctors gave me. But I wanted to do more, went to this store got the knowledge and the products that I needed to help my daughter live.The doctors were even amazed at what I had accomplished in such a short time. I got beneficial knowledge from the owner of this store and I am forever grateful. Best of all, my daughter is 7 years cancer free.

Ive loved this store for years. Best incense and more! So knowledgeable and helpful.

This is one of my favorite shops ever! I buy my body oils and Shea butter from here. The people are beautiful and welcoming. I don’t actually live in Long Beach I actually live an hour and half away going north and I would drive there before I found out they had a website. That’s how much I love this place.

From haircare to crystals, jewelry to Black baby books, this store has everything you need to embrace, explore & represent your African heritage with pride.

Because im black, and they black and they own it, simpele sub toPossibly Cap on youtube if you black

Always a treat to visit! Great selection of incense, body/essential oils, soaps, and childrens books! Great vibes, you think you have a specific item in mind and leave with knowledge, and educated by owner! If you havent visit Shades of Africa you are in for a real treat!

Great selection. Very knowledgeable staff. Very friendly. Check out YouTube channel: building stronger men.

Kinda overwhelming and bossy. Was ignored upon entering shop.

The owner Renee has built something truly special here. I first found Shades of Afrika just walking down the street I decided to stop in and take a look. This store would set me down a path of greater body awareness and taking care of my health.Here I discovered shea butter and the incredible value of essential oils for daily use in life.I would come in here for body care products, and leave everytime with a bit of wisdom and inspiration from Renee in addition to great products.

First time visiting today and I enjoyed the store a great variety of things to buy would recommend.

Every time I go there I find everything I need and a few things I didnt know I needed. Thank you for all that you do.

Been going here for years, have brought art, clothes, soaps, body oils are my favorites!! I recently brought some body oils online from a different company and I was disappointed, shades of Africa is the best!!! Black owner, nice people,I will continue to be my go to spot, love, love, love!!

My go to place for body and essential oils. I also purchased many earrings, an ankle bracelet, birthday cards, body soap. Ultimately, this is a one stop shop. Make sure you bring enough cash because you will wanna shop. Im never disappointed when shopping at the Shades of Africa!

I am all for supporting black businesses which is why I wanted to support this store. Someone I met actually introduced me to this place. Ive probably visited 3-4 times this yr. The owner is often too candid with her responses and often shares too much information. Customers can just solely want to make a purchase and leave without being lectured. I think her intent might be good but its the way that its delivered that cannot be received the best. The line is also very long usually. Id prefer more focus on getting people in and out the store than the banter that takes place that sometimes have no substance or is rude. I think the customer service can be improved upon for 2020.

I love this place it gives me a touch of majesty and when I’m there i feel like i am with like minds. Come check them out and get a piece of Africa

I LOVE this shop! Black Love, Black Art, Black products and wear. Bohemian, earthy revolutionary vibe. The incent selection is supreme! Thank you for the love Renee!💯😘

All natural products that helps nourish your skin and body from the inside out! Im going back once I get back to California and stock up on my favorites

Excellent customer service, ordered online and my items were shipped quickly with great care. High quality and hard-to-find products, Ill be ordering again. Thank you, Shades of Afrika!

Best Black bookstore in L.A.!!

I live in Seattle and my order from Shades of Afrika was *immediately* fulfilled, packaged, and shipped, and it arrived at my doorstep within 3 days. I opened it up to find a few additional items and surprises—just little touches that share the heart of the individuals behind this business. Thank you!

Awesome online experience. Just heard about these good folks. I will definitely revisit them soon.

Very nice specialty store if you want anything of Africa this where to go

Great stash of educational books/novel, hair care & hygiene products. Mostly Black Made...I going again.

Ive got a lot to say, but its wise to say Nice Lion until you get your head out of the Lions mouth. Stay tuned.

Extremely, positive place. Clean and comfortable. The go to place for my needs.

I have only been to this shop once with my sister but We will definitely be back! Thank you for your kind and uplifting service to our community (:

I love this ❤🖤💚 store my favorite place 2 shop to get all my African stuff. The Queen that runs the store always down 2 earth.

Very cool spot, great one of a kind business. Plenty hair products for curly hair, there even is a hair salon inside. Also a lot of great skin care products, from jojoba oil, coconut oil, almond oil, apple cider vinegar, books on black history and culture, spiritual merchandise, like incense and sage and books, music. The people are very cool every time. Very one-love one-world people, has a very spiritual culturally proud and forward thinking vibe, I love it. Smells so nice too, when you just drop by.I always load up on skin care oils in here, and have always splurged on various small souvenirs also, they have jewelry and small purses, accessories like that. Love the shae butter balls, they are about a fist sized!

Great customer service! I live near Washington, D.C. and I ordered two books (7 Little White Lies, and Stolen Legacy). I called the store before I ordered online and spoke with Renee Q. regarding some questions I had prior to my purchase. She was extremely courteous, knowledgeable, and professional. I will continue to patron Shades of Afrika.

One of My favorite places

Always a favorite for personal care and novelties. The friendliest service too. Ms. Renée is always making sure her customers are taken care of.

Great hole in the wall store. Excellent selection of hair and skin care products, oils and incense plus art. Seems to be primarily West African. Knowledgeable and friendly staff interested in helping customers, not just selling products. Hope to check out the Corona location soon

They have so many items at the great price! I love the owner! Shes so inspiring and so positive.

Truly outstanding, warm and beautiful in every detail. From the people to the books to the other products. Renee the owner is wonderful and everyone there are magnificent people.

I love the store and I love the energy that the people have in the store Positive Vibes all over. Theres a side room that has poetry reading. Poetry reading was the bomb ! Very friendly people if you go youll go again. The store is very well put together too.

One of the best local shops in the neighborhood. The staff is helpful and friendly. They really provide a sense of community

Great store. Great atmosphere. Nice owner that’s knowledgeable. I love the store for coming for my first time there. Besides it’s nothing like spending money with your own people. I’m definitely a customer now via online or in store thanks appreciate it. Just go it’s so much in there. Stop complaining about the prices when some of y’all will spend money on the wrong ones. Not your black fam.

Beforehand, I visited their website to see if the specific products that was seeking were offered. Yes, they were and beyond. I had a great time looking and learning. Everything for my hair to my toes. From my skin to internal health. They have all kinds of natural substances for your well being and to take care of art work of The Creator (body, mind & spirit)!! I look for to visiting again soon.

I was in Long Beach 2 years ago and asked around for a shop that sold Body Oils and was directed to Shades of Afrika. From the moment I entered the store I felt welcome and yes I found what I was looking for with Renees assistance. Her knowledge of her products is great and the customer service is #1 bar none. I have since ordered several products online form Shades and they have delivered promptly and I will continue to shop with them as we dont have this type of store where I live in Hawaii. Thank you Renee and I look forward to continuing to patronize your store online or in person.

First time at her shop, i am definitely comming back to re-up on oils and other stuff . Very welcoming and respectful . Went to three different shops in Long Beach and this was the only one i purchased items from !

Has been a community icon for years...I remember when Renee first opened on 3rd Street. She was well stocked and versed on products, life and the Afrikan Community. Promotes wellness in mind, body and soul and always has advise and a kind word. Quality inventory. A must visit!!

Not only is this store amazing so is the owner. I have had nothing but good vibes and great customer service experiences at her store. Continue to provide great service and educate us on our blackness & African roots 🥰. 5 stars every day.

Great vibe in the shop. Staff was very helpful and nice. So much in here to look at you can get lost for hours. Amazing books in the back to purchase as well.

They are exactly what they say that they are 100!!

Sorry, I dont remember giving a review for Shades of Afrika on google because I dont use google like that. But now I will. I give Shades of Afrika 5 Stars! Excellent Service all around the board! Thank you for serving the community with Dignity and instilling Black Excellence!

I love the ambience and the environment

Ordered some books & had an all around lovely time.

I absolutely love this shop. Spending my money at Shades Of Afrika makes me feel like I am contributing to the well being of the community. Not only do I get quality products from essential oils, skin care and hair care products but books not to mention there is always a community event taking place. Never a dull moment. Thank you shades of Afrika

Absolutely Beautiful spirited lady(owner)Product are amazingMy favorite place

Its been a long time since Ive been there. Now living in the valley...I sure miss it. Rene is denitely missed.

They should take that “Closed but still Awesome” sign down. I came on a Thursday at 7:45 and the sign clearly states closes at 10pm. There were ladies inside who came to the door and still said they were closed. Didn’t even offer to help out or anything. I just needed one item. 🤷🏾‍♀️ False advertisement is all I’m saying.

Well stocked very receptive staff Ill be back for future purchases 😀.

An intellectual place organized, and sanitary !

I love this place. The people are friendly and they have a large variery of products from black owned companies and I am a love supporting black businesses.

Thus store is full of extensive literature on our culture and true history, very peaceful environment, I can stay there for hours, customer service is very helpful and knowledgeable. I wish I could give you 10☆Cant wait for my next visit which will be really soon.Peace & Love

I liked the face soap it helped my acne

I love Shades. I have been coming by for 1, 2, 3, haha probably 16 years! This is a very warm and welcoming place with something for everyone including yoga and meditation on Sunday, open mic night on Saturdays, and lectures. The owner is a very special lady and I feel different, more tranquil, or learn something new every time I stop in.

I have always loved this place..hi Renee and Vonya.

I bought some natural essential oil fragrances and they came on time and smelled wonderful. Will definitely purchase more things from here in the future!

Really cool shop I stopped by on my trip to Long beach. I found African black soap that Ive never been able to find anywhere else (besides online). Amazing customer service

The owner is inviting friendly and loving. The staff are knowledgeable about their products that they provide a unique experience every time I go. You can get real African products.

Nice experience. Love the energy and environment. Owner was very welcoming and knowledgeable about products in store. Will come again and again

Renee is AWESOME! Always so warm & welcoming. This is definitely a place I dont mind spending my money. Support black owned business!

Love this establishment! It is such an important and powerful part of our community.

Wonderful shop. Knowledgeable staff. I always come here for my health and beauty stuff. My wife and kids love their stuff too.

EXCELLENT ATMOSPHERE AND SERVICE!

I love visiting Shades of Afrika, I always leave this store in high spirits. This stores has everything you need from toiletries to books to yoga classes to open mic nights. There is also an all natural beauty salon next door. Shades of Afirka is bringing sexy back and I guarantee youll love yourself even more for visiting the store.

Best shop ever. The owner took time to assist with all questions. Even introduced me to Mz. Tina. Made appointment for haircut. Awesome experience. Will definitely be going back.

Went in there last night. The place sucks. Really does. Lady keeps bragging about her crummy products. They insisted on a donation for me to watch performers. The show was shut down early so I asked for my donation back and she got angry with me. They had 7 people in there just talking about nothing. No show nothing. It was terrible and was treated extremely rudely. Very bad. If you want to have a lousy experience, go to Shades of Afrika. Just the truth.

Wonderfully delightful gracious place, very very loving, compassionate business, the owner Renee is exceptional human being with noting but love in her Heart for all.

THIS PLACE IS EVERYTHING TO ME. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS PLACE. ALL OF MY ESSENTIAL NEEDS IN 1 PLACE. PLEASE IF YOU ARE IN THE LONG BEACH AREA CHECK THIS PLACE OUT.

Very knowledgeable of the products they service. Always clean with oil burning. The staff is friendly and always willing too assist. Store the still is well mananged and products.

Outstanding store. It was truly an experience; art, accessories, hair products, etc.! I purchased It Works deodorant, Colora henna both great products.

Such a great inventory, they have skin care products, hair care, books, decor, art, oils and more! Great for the culture ✊🏾