One of the things people love about NYC is the ability to experience a plethora of different cultures and family-owned businesses. It’s true that gentrification has taken away the true essence of some neighborhoods within the five boroughs, but that doesn’t mean that business owners have to suffer.
Article continues below advertisement
Caeser explained that while the hood has gone through many changes, business owners can still take back control and have their shops remain staples of the community.
Article continues below advertisement
“If you look at the hood now, we don’t own anything,” Caesar told us. “The Chinese stores, the bodegas, nothing. It’s to the point that everybody makes money off of us except us. Nah, it has to be a turnaround. And I feel like that’s one of the biggest changes we have to make as a community. We have to expand not only as African American people but as entrepreneurs.”
Aside from gentrification rearing its ugly head, Ceaser continues to take Black Ink to the next level. Although 113th is no longer in operation, Caeser has decided to make Black Ink Brooklyn the brand's flagship location.
Things continue to look up for the tattoo aficionado and with plans on expanding the Black Ink brand across the country, Ceaser is prepared to make his dreams a reality.
Black Ink Crew airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on VH1.
