BY: CLAIRE KIM
“Not only have white business owners long had easier access to capital, but many Black businesses are more vulnerable now than ever given the impact of the coronavirus. Black communities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, and last week, the Washington Post reported “the number of working African American business owners in the United States plummeted more than 40%…a far steeper drop that other racial groups experienced.”” (Glamour)
So, what can we do?
Well, as members of a consumerist culture, let’s refrain from shopping at larger brand name stores like Target and Wholefoods for a while and explore other retail options, namely black-owned small businesses.
Here is a list of 20 black-owned small businesses that I have collected from various sources online and on social media. (I do not take credit for coming up with these ideas) 🙂
Luxury Brands
1. Anima Iris // “Elevated high fashion brand for the modern woman”
2. Ashya // “Contemporary unisex leather bags and travel accessories for the modern-day explorer”
3. Bruce Glen // “Leather Accessories, Leather Bags by Black Twins”
4. Zaaf // “A collection of luxury handbags and accessories handcrafted in Africa”
5. Tori Soudan // “Timeless sophistication and fearless style, Tori’s designs”
Jewelry Brands
1. Sanky Designs // “Unique handmade jewelry and apparel designed to make you feel daring, fashionable, and most of all SWANKY!”
2. NemiGlow // “Your One-Stop Accessories Shop”
3. Omi Woods // “Omi Woods jewelry are contemporary heirlooms that are ethnically and individually handcrafted with fine metals, gemstones, and conflict free-gold”
4. Oma the Label // “OMA”
5. ByChari // “Simple, Sexy, Timeless Jewelry”
Food Brands
1. BLK & Bold Coffee // “Freshly roasted, fair-trade specialty coffees & loose leaf teas delivered straight to your door!”
2. Partake Foods // “We make super delicious, real and healthy, allergy-friendly foods for your family and ours”
3. Berhan Grains // “Rediscover the Lost Grain!”
4. Trade Street Jam Co. // “Trade Street Jam Co. is not your average jam”
5. Yolélé Foods // “Fonio is a gluten-free African grain that is good for you and the planet”
Skin / Hair Care Brands
1. Organi Grow Hair Co. // “Organic, Natural, Vegan, Cruelty-Free Hair Care and Skin Care”
2. Oui The People // “And if they could, the people stayed home, emerging with beautifully soft skin”
3. Pholk Beauty // “Natural, Vegan, affordable skincare created by Women of Color for Women of Color”
4. Hyper Skin // “Hyper Skin treats hyperpigmentation and enhances glow!”
5. Pattern Beauty // “Haircare for the curliest, coiliest and tightest of textures”
Home Decor Brands
1. The Fond Home // “Curated styles, inspiration for the home”
2. Black Pepper Paperie Co. // “Black Pepper Paperie Co. is a Washington, DC-based mix-media art + design studio and lifestyle brand”
3. Mack Candles Co. // “Welcome to Mack Candles Co. brings you a new aromatherapy experience”
4. The Black Home // “Award-winning designer, Neffi Walker, captures the essence of tradition, culture and style in the modern element of home decor with the Black Home”
5. Reflektion Design // “Create a home that feels connected not decorated”
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Tomorrow, I will be uploading a short blog post on some black-owned fashion/clothing brands! Be on the lookout!
claire kim. 