In addition to donating to social justice organizations and educating yourself through anti-racism resources, shopping Black-owned businesses is one of the most powerful actions you can take to support the Black community. Not only can your money help small businesses grow, but it puts the power directly into the hands of Black creators, employees, and consumers. This can go a long way to redistributing resources and promoting generational wealth—especially since white business owners have always had easier access to capital and more opportunities for growth.
Elevating Black business owners and giving them the funding, recognition, and shelf space they deserve as they embark on entrepreneurship has been an uphill climb—and one that’s increasingly convoluted, with big and small companies latching onto solidarity as a marketing tactic rather than as a catalyst for measurable impact. But despite countless brands’ taking to vague social media activism in response to the racial racking amid the height of the coronavirus pandemic, powerful moves in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests have been made then and through last year. Aurora James of Brother Vellies was one of the first to call on larger corporations to stock 15% of their inventory from Black-owned businesses, and many big-box retailers, including Nordstrom and Sephora, have joined the 15 Percent Pledge since.
Dismantling systemic racism requires real action, and you can help make a tangible difference with your own buying power today—not just for Black History Month, but 365 days a year. Seek out and support Black-owned businesses in your area, and look to our list below for brands you can start supporting now.
Pyer Moss
Founded in 2013 by Kerby Jean-Raymond, Pyer Moss is committed to making fashion a more inclusive and diverse space. According to its website, the label produces collections that combine storytelling, activism, debate, theater, and social commentary to challenge existing social narratives. In 2018, Pyer Moss was named the winner of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.
Victor Glemaud
Since launching his label, Victor Glemaud has infused his collections with an inclusive, cross-generational spirit that can be seen in the inspiration for his designs (from Grace Jones and Diana Ross to Stephen Burrows) to the diversity of the models he casts, to the styling and art direction of his clothes.
Tier NYC
Tier NYC is an art-first creative label based in Brooklyn. The CFDA/Vogue-funded brand is founded by Nigeria Ealey, Esaïe Jean-Simon, and Victor James—none of whom were technically trained in fashion but came from art and graphic design. The result? Streetwear-inspired clothes that tell stories about the Black community and its power on culture.
Phenomenal Woman
From “Thank Black Women” to “Phenomenally Trans” and “Electable,” Phenomenal Woman makes socially conscious shirts, sweaters, and hoodies that give back and make a statement. The lifestyle brand, which takes its name from a Maya Angelou poem, was founded as a way to bring awareness to various social causes by Meena Harris, author of Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea (a great book to talk to your kids about racism).
Brother Vellies
Aurora James launched accessories brand Brother Vellies in 2013 as a way to keep traditional African craftsmanship alive. Using sustainable materials like vegetable-tanned leathers, recycled tires, and hand-carved wood, each shoe or bag is handmade using techniques passed down from generation to generation. Subscribe to the brand’s Something Special initiative for small, made-to-order pieces (think ceramic vases and hand-poured candles) from the Brother Vellies community.
Petit Kouraj
A few years ago fashion stylist Nasrin Jean-Baptiste wanted to create a luxury handbag line full of personality. After a trip to Haiti in 2018, Petit Kouraj (its name is Haitian Creole for “little courage”) was birthed—and now it’s available on her site and at Shopbop. Her bags are ethically produced by female artisans (more on that here) using organic cotton net bags, leather handles, and rayon fringe. Each piece is also a true labor of love: it takes 8 to 12 hours of manual work to complete a single bag.
Sami Miró Vintage
Vintage lovers, this one’s for you. Sami Miró Vintage is an L.A.-based brand that’s “pushing eco-conscious boundaries” with limited-edition clothing made entirely from vintage and recycled fabrics. The label was founded by multi-hyphenate creator and entrepreneur Sami Miró and counts numerous celebs as fans (Normani, Selena Gomez, Drake, Gigi and Bella Hadid, and Jasmine Sanders to name a few).
House of Aama
House of Aama is the brainchild of mother-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka who use fashion as a lens to celebrate and tell stories that explore the traditions and customs of African Americans.
Chelsea Paris
African culture and art deco isn’t a combo you always see, but that’s exactly what Theresa Ebagua has fused together in her shoe brand, Chelsea Paris. The Nigerian-born designer mixes unique materials in a subtle way to honor both her heritage and that aesthetic. The Tux Loafer Boot (pictured) is a good example of that, featuring a metal buckle and patent and nappa leathers.
LemLem
Model turned designer Liya Kebede founded the resort wear label Lem Lem in 2007 as a way to preserve ancient cotton weaving techniques of her native Ethiopia while simultaneously creating jobs for local artisans.
T.A. New York
When Telsha Anderson’s design concept store launched in the middle of the pandemic, it gained a major following almost overnight. (Neither a global health crisis nor national protests could get her to back down from her dream.) Check out T.A. New York’s online store if you’re in the market for under-the-radar but super-cool brands like Maryam Nassir Zadeh, William Okpo, Ottolinger, Peet Dullaert, and Barragán.
Galerie.LA
If you’re in the market for sustainably made wardrobe essentials, look no further than Galerie.LA. Celebrity stylist Dechel Mckillian founded the marketplace as a way “to bring socially conscious fashion to the masses” from emerging brands around the world.
Jade Swim
Jade Swim designs high-quality swimwear through a modern, minimalist lens. The label was created by former editor Brittany Kozerski Freeney, and her ribbed swimsuits and asymmetrical styles make regular appearances on influencer Instagram feeds and editorial shoots alike.
Nude Barre
Nude Barre is a Black-owned, female-founded label flipping the script on “nude lingerie” by offering top-drawer essentials in a range of shades that actually match your skin tone.
The Folklore
The Folklore is a New York City–based multibrand concept store that makes it easier shop emerging designers from Africa and the African diaspora. The company, founded by Amira Rasool, sells exclusive luxury clothing, accessories, and home products from labels like Elle Est… and Third Crown.
Brandon Blackwood
Designer Brandon Blackwood is no stranger to advocacy. He debuted totes emblazoned with “End Systemic Racism” in 2020, and they quickly made an impact—and, not surprisingly, sold out. He’s proven to be a master of both texture and color, adorning classic purse shapes with shearling in a rainbow of hues.
Sika
Sika founder Phyllis Taylor has gained a following by pairing colorful, custom-created West African prints with 1950s-era silhouettes, making for dresses that are equal parts demure and bold. While she dreams up the looks in London, she works with a team of artisans in Ghana to create employment opportunities in and provide economic support to local communities. Pro-tip: They make for great wedding guest dresses for every type of venue and ceremony.
4th Ave Market
4th Ave Market is the largest Black-owned beauty store in the U.S. for people of color, carrying thousands of Black-owned brands of hair, skin, and personal care products. The company also invests in BIPOC businesses and employees to give back to the community it’s built on.
Gilded Body
Gilded Body is a self-care company that believes “body care is a ritual that can be rejuvenating, re-centering, and restorative.” It sells candles and skin-care products that are “as beautiful to the touch as to the eye.”
Thirteen Lune
Thirteen Lune is an online beauty retailer putting Black- and brown-owned beauty brands front and center. The company came onto the scene in December 2020 and has drawn major support from seasoned investors and entrepreneurs like Sean Combs, Naomi Watts, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Thirteen Lune is cofounded by Nyakio Grieco (founder of Nyakio Beauty) and Patrick Herning (cofounder of size-inclusive retailer 11 Honoré).
Klur
Get ready to clear some real estate on your top shelf because Klur is quickly entering cult status—and it’s not just because its products are effective (which they are) or have an appealing minimal aesthetic (which they do). What really makes this brand worthy of your dollars is that it’s all about giving back to the Black community and making sure it has access to quality skin care. Long-term sustainability is also top of mind for Klur founder Lesley Thorton, so she makes sure to work with local farmers and source only natural ingredients that are readily available (think dandelion, aloe vera, and sea kelp).
Camille Rose
After years of making products for her own family, Janell Stephens launched Camille Rose—a line of clean skin and hair care products that you can find at Target, Walmart, CVS, Sally, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.
Range Beauty
You won’t come across any synthetic fragrances, talc, sulfates, or parabens in Range Beauty’s products. Instead you’ll find only better-for-your-skin ingredients like calendula, vitamin E, and argan oil. Alicia Scott made this a priority for her brand after noticing the lack of nontoxic makeup options available to people of color. That, and of course, providing a wide range of shades for different skin tones at an available price point.
Melanin Haircare
Melanin Haircare was founded in 2015 by two sisters, Whitney and Taffeta White. The brand sources natural, safe ingredients to ensure each formula is not only shelf-stable but also kinder on Mother Earth.
Pattern Beauty
Tracee Ellis Ross’s hair-care brand, Pattern Beauty, celebrates and addresses the needs of the curly, coily, and tight-textured hair community. The brand also gives back a portion of proceeds to organizations and programs that empower women and people of color.
Adwoa Beauty
Adwoa Beauty bills itself as a “highly effective, clean, gender-neutral beauty for kinky, curly, and wavy textures.” Its baomint collection, which is stocked at Sephora, is meant to make your scalp happy so your hair can be happy too.
Mented Cosmetics
Creating a business founded by Black women for other women of color, Amanda E. Johnson and K.J. Miller launched Mented Cosmetics in 2017 with the goal of making the beauty landscape more inclusive. With offerings from foundation sticks to nail products and matte lipsticks, the cosmetics company works to provide women of color with more everyday makeup options to choose from.
KNC Beauty
Kristen Noel Crawley founded KNC Beauty after falling in love with lip masks on a trip to Tokyo but realizing that there were no natural lip masks to be found. KNC Beauty is the first brand to launch an all-natural collagen-infused lip mask—which everyone from influencers, supermodels, and celebrities now swears by.
Coloured Raine Cosmetics
Loraine R. Dowdy left a career in finance to pursue her dream of creating a cosmetics line that “encouraged self-expression and diversity, and included shades for people of color.” Seven years later, Coloured Raine Cosmetics has a dedicated following, thanks to its high-quality, pigmented products that b l e n d.
Briogeo
Nancy Twine is the founder and CEO of Briogeo, a best-selling plant-based hair-care brand, available at major retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom, and more. Twine founded the company after becoming fed up with the big-name natural hair-care brands on the market—so she quit her job in finance and started Briogeo in her kitchen.
Black Opal Beauty
Black Opal Beauty was created “to celebrate the nuances of Black skin” and has been pushing for diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry since the ’90s. It focuses on solutions for hyperpigmentation, oil control, and shade matching, and is available at Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, and more.
Ami Colé
A newcomer to the beauty scene, Ami Colé is already making waves for its makeup, which was designed for “melanin-rich skin.” Having started with just a skin tint, highlighter, and lip oil, founder Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye has since expanded to key categories like mascara and concealer, which come in sheer hues and clean formulas for the ultimate no-makeup makeup look.
Eadem
Calling all minimalists: Eadem is known for its singular product, which incidentally keeps selling out. Powered by niacinamide and vitamin C and intended to even out discoloration—which disproportionately affects women of color—the formula made quick work of acne scars for one Glamour writer, too.
Hyper Skin
Designed to clear and brighten skin in a single genius product, Hyper Skin is a brand “motivated by the disappointment of yesterday’s skincare options.” This isn’t Hyper Skin founder Desiree Verdejo’s first foray into beauty, however—she owned the store Vivrant Beauty in Harlem prior to turning to entrepreneurship, and her beauty chops are clear from this cult-fave product.
Topicals
Founded by two Gen-Z women of color, Topicals has a huge fanbase among the younger crowd—and a refreshingly edited selection of beauty products that cater to specific needs. There are four products total in the line: a dark spot corrector, nourishing mask, hydrating mist, and, the latest drop, an ingrown hair toner.
Rose Ingleton, M.D.
When board-certified dermatologist Rose Ingleton, M.D., isn’t treating patients, she’s dreaming up new ideas for her skincare line, which is packed with active ingredients and botanical extracts sourced from her native Jamaica. You can find her namesake line carried in Violet Grey and Sephora—no small feat for a relatively new brand.
Uoma Beauty
You might know Sharon Chuter, the brains behind Uoma Beauty, from her 2020 #PullUpOrShutUp initiative, through which she challenged other beauty brands to share how many Black people were employed at an executive level. It’s since become a nonprofit organization that supports economic opportunities for Black communities, but the products are not to be overlooked, either—they’re richly pigmented and accommodate a huge range of skin tones.
LYS Beauty
A Sephora ~exclusive~, this clean beauty brand intends to take a “skin-first” approach—so the makeup products will not only blur, but actually improve uneven skin texture, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation, too.
Candice Luter
Ever shop West Elm’s “local artists” section? Then you may have seen Candice Luter and her eponymous label among the ranks. She creates custom furniture and unique home accents “using remnant scraps of wood and fabric from her home studio.”
Goodee World
Goodee World is a global marketplace that sells items from minority artisans and “fosters transparent sourcing, upcycling, [and] ethical treatment of its employees.” It was founded in 2017 by twin brothers Byron and Dexter Peart, the designers and creative directors behind accessories brand Want les Essentiels.
Bole Road Textiles
Interior designer Hana Getachew is the founder of Bolé Road Textiles, a home-goods store that sells one-of-a-kind textiles and fabrics (think soft towels, patterned pillow covers, and stitched throws) that are designed in Brooklyn and handwoven in Ethiopia.
Clare
Designer Nicole Gibbons set out to simplify the process of shopping for paint with her direct-to-consumer brand, Clare. Don’t know what colors to choose? Use the interactive Clare Color Genius guide. Feeling noncommittal? Clare’s paint swatches are mess-free. Can’t get to the store? Clare delivers straight to your doorstep.
Lolly Lolly Ceramics
Meet your newest ceramic obsession. Lalese Stamp from Lolly Lolly Ceramics makes everything in her Ohio studio, including these awesome conceptual mugs from her 100 Day Project.
Savoy’s Objects
Prepare to fall in love with Savoy’s Objects and its founder, Reegan Savoy Houston, who expertly curates vintage decor and shares her finds in drops at the beginning of every month on the brand’s website and Instagram—with a matching playlist timed to each release.
Soukie Modern
With Soukie Modern, cofounders Kenya Knight and Taib Lotfi merge their two worlds—Palm Springs and Marrakech—to bring to you rug textiles, designs, and other vintage treasures. The company’s Palm2Palm vision signifies “a pair of trees, two hands pressed together in prayer, or a hand reached out to offer assistance or friendship.”
Bloom & Plume
Bloom & Plume is a celebrated Los Angeles floral design studio that makes museum-worthy installations and arrangements. It’s the brainchild of Maurice Harris, who opened Blume & Plume Coffee, an extension of his celebrated floral studio, in 2019. The shop is community-oriented and designed to “uplift people through aesthetics”—and yes, has really good coffee.
Marché Rue Dix
Marché Rue Dix is a “cultural concept store” that houses vintage clothing, jewelry, home goods, coffees, teas, and spices. P.S.: You can also get a manicure there (with amazing nail art) if you’re ever around Crown Heights or Prospects Heights in Brooklyn, NY.
The Jungalow
What started as a design blog by Justina Blakeney in 2009 has since grown into a burgeoning lifestyle brand and store known as The Jungalow. Whether you’re looking for designs by Blakeney or unique pieces from artisans around the world, it’s a one-stop shop for feel-good art and eclectic home decor. (And for each order, The Jungalow will plant at least two trees.)
Estelle Colored Glass
Founder Stephanie Summerson Hall drew inspiration for her line from her grandmother, Estelle, who collected antique colored glass. The hand-blown pieces are available in an array of dazzling hues, and they’d make for a killer housewarming present or engagement gift.
Rayo & Honey
Brooklyn-based Rayo & Honey hand-cuts, -presses, and -sews “goods with positive intent” like pennants, totes, and pins that make for great gifts or decor. Phrases like “I am rooted but I flow” or “You are magic” are inspired by iconic hip-hop lyrics, Black and Latino pop-culture references, and literature—and go back to the idea of surrounding yourself with “things that speak to our collective past & socially conscious future.”
Black-Owned Lifestyle Brands
Ethel’s Club
Ethel’s Club is a Black-woman-founded “social and wellness club designed to celebrate people of color both online and IRL.” It’s a social-meets-wellness-meets-creative hub for people of color—and until its Brooklyn venue reopens, you sign up for a digital membership to access all kinds of wellness sessions, livestreamed healing classes, and other events. (Shannon Maldonado, from Yowie, which makes an appearance in our list below, codesigned the space.)
The Honey Pot Co.
The Honey Pot Co. is the first plant-based feminine care system, selling all kinds of menstrual-care products like tampons, pads, liners, cups, and sponges that are made with ingredients that are kinder on Mother Earth—and kinder on your body (meaning everything is free from chemicals, toxins, artificial fragrance, or anything synthetic). The products are all developed and tested by women and are gynecologist-approved. You can find The Honey Pot Co. at local grocery stores and at Targets nationwide.
Golde
Passionate about holistic health, Brooklyn’s Trinity Mouzon Wofford launched Golde in 2017 with the intention of making the wellness space more inclusive and accessible—in the last five years, her matcha and turmeric-based lattes have gained national appeal. You can find her powdered tonics at major retailers like Sephora, Free People, Madewell, and Urban Outfitters. Bonus: Wofford runs an amazing blog named The Golden Hour where you can keep up with Golde’s latest or just check out cool recipes.
The Lit. Bar
A.k.a. “the official bookstore of Wakanda and the Bronx.” The Lit. Bar was founded by Noëlle Santos and is currently the only general-interest bookstore to serve the approximately 1.4 million people of the Bronx after the borough’s only Barnes & Noble closed in 2016.
Dope Coffee
Caffeine lovers, come get your fix. Dope Coffee sells whole-bean and ground coffee, as well as coffee-based skin-care products and hip-hop-inspired coffee merch.
Harlem Candle Company
The Harlem Candle Company is a luxury home and fragrance company inspired by the Harlem Renaissance. Founded by travel and lifestyle expert Teri Johnson in 2014, the brand celebrates the legacy of Black icons like Billie Holliday and Langston Hughes with aromatic soy candles that can “transport you through time and place.”
Mahogany Books
Mahogany Books is a Washington, D.C., bookstore specializing in books written “for, by, or about people of the African Diaspora.” Place an online order or check out its blog, Black Books Matter, for staff recommendations, curated book lists, and information on (now virtual) events and conversations with authors.
Yowie
Calling all Philly residents—Yowie is a home and lifestyle boutique founded by Shannon Maldonado. In it you’ll find all kinds of housewares, kitchen goods, and trinkets made by friends of the brand, independent artists, and designers.
Oh Happy Dani
Atlanta illustrator and social media strategist Danielle Coke uses art and colorful doodles to address social inequities and start difficult conversations about faith and racial injustice. You can further these conversations by sharing her work—and crediting it—on social media, as well as by ordering one of her prints, totes, or cards on her website.
58 Black-Owned Businesses to Elevate Your Wardrobe, Home, and Beauty Routine
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