Black lives matter. But saying it isn’t enough! Systematic economic inequality affects black-owned businesses who have to fighter harder and longer to stay in business. So where we spend our money matters too. From clothing, jewelry, and beauty to home decor, lifestyle brands, and vegan restaurants, here are a few black-owned businesses I’m supporting now and in the future. Many more to come so definitely check back!
Clothing
Riot Swim – Monti Landers founded online swimwear brand Riot Swim. I love how each bikini and one piece is minimalistic but so chic and detailed in its own way!
BLK MKT Vintage – Kiyanna Stewart and Jannah Handy founded this Brooklyn-based vintage from their love for everything vintage and the narratives found in black people’s cultural production throughout history. If you’re not in Brooklyn, you can still order from their online shop! On top of vintage clothing, they also sell vintage vinyls, home decor, and other collectibles that represent the richness of black history and lived experience.
Brother Vellies – Brother Vellies is a sustainable accessories brand founded by Aurora James. She uses her background in fashion, art, music, photography, gardening and humanitarianism to create one-of-a-kind handmade shoes and handbags. She founded this brand with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs.
Tier NYC – Nigeria Ealey, Esaïe Jean-Simmon, and Victor James founded this trendy eco-conscious sweatsuit brand. And if you guys follow me on IG or are subscribed to my channel, you know I love my loungewear!
NL the Label – NL the Label was founded by Nichole Lynel. You’ll find the most fun staple pieces with lots of fringe, rhinestones, and distressed denim.
Jewelry
BYCHARI – Chari Cuthbert founded BYCHARI as a way for women to share and create their stories. Each piece of jewelry is handmade and a reflection of Chari’s approach to life and style. I love how effortless, unique, and modern each piece is!
Third Crown – Third Crown was founded by the husband-and-wife team Kristin and Kofi Essel. They combined their love of geometric shapes with details found in surrounding architecture to create gender neutral jewelry. The collections are so chic. And it can all be worn as everyday statement pieces!
Omi Woods – Ashley Alexis McFarlane founded this contemporary jewelry brand. Omi Woods means the “land of wood and water.” And it celebrates her connection to Africa and pays tribute to her Jamaican-Ashanti-Maroon heritage. Each piece of jewelry is individually and ethically handmade with fair-trade African gold and globally sourced conflict-free fine metals.
Home
Lolly Lolly Ceramics – This ceramics shop was founded by ceramicist Lalese Stamps. She makes the coolest mugs with the edgiest designs!
Linoto – Jason Evege founded Linoto. They make the most amazing, 100% linen sheets, napkins, tablecloths, curtains, towels, and so much more!
Jungalow – Jungalow actually started as a design blog by Justina Blakeney. Now it’s a lifestyle brand with super cool jungle-inspired bohemian home decor! Decorating and interior design are two of my biggest passions and I love the creativity and colorfulness of each item – from wallpaper, planters, and art prints to clothing and all kinds of home decor.
The Koop – The Koop has the best candles. And they’re all handmade! I love how The Koop consider candles a subtle luxury that brings a modern vibe into your home. Just go read their scent descriptions – you’ll get it.
Wellness/Lifestyle
The Honey Pot – The Honey Pot is a feminine care brand that sells anything and everything from feminine cleansers and wipes to menstrual pads, cups, and tampons. It was founded by Bea Dixon and all products are clinically-tested, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and gynecologist-approved!
BLK + GRN – BLKC + GRN is a one-stop-shop for all-natural beauty, skincare, haircare, groceries, bath and body products, and so much more. And they’re all made by black creators and health experts!
Golde – Golde was founded by Trinity Mouzon Wofford and Issey Kobori. I love how their mission is to bring good vibes to the wellness industry. They’re a Brooklyn-based brand focused on making superfood-boosted essentials for health and beauty. You can buy their products at Sephora, Urban Outfitters, Goop, and a few local spots!
Beauty
Briogeo – Briogeo is a cruelty-free, gluten-free, and mostly vegan haircare brand founded by Nancy Twine. All products are 90-100% naturally derived! Nancy is also the youngest black woman to launch a line at Sephora. If you’re looking for a deep conditioning hair mask, I love this one!
KNC Beauty – KNC Beauty was founded by Kristen Noel Crawley. And she was the first to create all-natural, collagen-infused lip masks! You might’ve also seen these star-shaped eye masks all over IG. They’re from KNC Beauty!
Mented – Mented is a makeup brand that was founded by KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson. It was created with the idea that every woman should be able to find herself in the world of beauty, no matter her skin tone. They have a great shade range of nude lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes, and so much more. And all lipsticks are vegan, paraben-free, non-toxic, and cruelty-free!
OUI the People – OUI the People is a shaving brand that was founded by Karen Young. She noticed that a lot of modern brands had a lot of the same messaging as shaving ads from the 50s. Basically “you’re not loveable” if you don’t have this or you do have that. So as a beauty brand that informs culture and language, I love how they have a commitment to “watch their language!”
Vegan Restaurants
Spoiled Vegan Cafe – Spoiled Vegan Cafe is the best plant-based breakfast and brunch spot in San Diego! Buffalo chik’n breakfast sandwiches and apple sage sausages wrapped in a waffle and served with maple mustard are just two of the yummy things on their menu!
Jackfruit Cafe – Jackfruit Cafe makes plant-based soul food in LA. It was founded by actress Angela Means (who started the viral saying “Bye, Felicia!”). They’re popular for their jackfruit tacos which are street tacos with savory sauteed jackfruit in a corn tortilla topped with purple cabbage, tomato, cilantro, onion, taco sauce, and vegan sour cream. And there are 5 flavors you can choose from – original, BBQ, Korean BBQ, carnitas, or jerk!
T&T Lifestyle – Another restaurant in LA! T&T Lifestyle makes vegan food with a zesty Ethiopian twist. Like their Ethiopian twist tacos with Ethiopian chili sauce, lentils, mushrooms, potatoes, Ethiopian salad dressing, tangfaye sauce, cilantro, and lemon!
The V Tree – The V Tree is a plant-based soul food experience in Hollywood. The menu is curated by celebrity chef and co-founder of “Vegan in the Hood” Chef Velvet. Her plant-based meals are inspired by classic southern recipes. Their menu changes daily and it’s 100% vegan and gluten-free!
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