Rep. Gillen Visits Local Black-Owned Small Business During National Black Business Month

August 20, 2026 Press Release Image BALDWIN, NY — Yesterday, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) visited and toured Soft Sips, a local Black-owned small business, in recognition of National Black Business Month. Rep. Gillen met with owners Domonique Louis-Charles and Shannon Newkirk-Denny to hear about their journey of starting a business and the important role Soft Sips plays in the Nassau County community. “It was wonderful to visit Soft Sips and see the incredible community and space that Domonique and Shannon have built in Baldwin,” said Rep. Gillen . “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.” “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,” said Domonique Louis-Charles . “I deeply appreciate leaders who recognize the importance of investing in and advocating for small and minority-owned businesses. 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. 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.” This visit follows Rep. Gillen’s visit to two local small businesses , where she discussed the operations of a growing national company, Fresh Fizz, and how she can best support local boutiques like the Frippery in Congress. ### Issues : In the District