Thursday, October 1, 2026
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen visited Soft Sips, a Black-owned small business in Baldwin, on Aug. 19 in recognition of National Black Business Month.
Gillen toured the business and met with owners Domonique Louis-Charles and Shannon Newkirk-Denny to learn about their experience starting Soft Sips and its role in the Baldwin community.
“It was wonderful to visit Soft Sips and see the incredible community and space that Domonique and Shannon have built in Baldwin,” Gillen said. “I’m proud to see more entrepreneurs starting businesses on Long Island, and I’ll continue fighting in Washington to support them and help their businesses thrive.”
Louis-Charles, a Baldwin native, said the business was created to serve as more than a coffee shop.
“As a Baldwin native and small business owner in the community that helped shape me, it means so much to welcome Congresswoman Laura Gillen to Soft Sips,” Louis-Charles said. “I deeply appreciate leaders who recognize the importance of investing in and advocating for small and minority-owned businesses.”
Louis-Charles also thanked Gillen for visiting the business and learning about its history.
“I admire Congresswoman Gillen’s commitment to our local business community, and I’m incredibly grateful that she took the time to visit Soft Sips, learn more about our story, and, of course, enjoy a taste of what we’ve created,” Louis-Charles said. “Soft Sips was built to be more than a coffee shop; it was created to be a space for community, connection and opportunity right here in Baldwin.”
National Black Business Month is observed each August to recognize Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
