Money has the power to be a great equalizer when used strategically. We’ve seen this on a large scale with boycotts where we withhold money but we can also choose to spend our money in places where it will go the distance. This holiday season, consider spending with small Black-owned businesses instead of large corporations that are already positioned to rake in billions. Your purchase can make all the difference in those entrepreneurs surviving this pandemic. Below are 30 Black-owned businesses to shop with this season and beyond! Objectively speaking, I know you’ll find some real treats: companies committed to sustainability and inclusion, plus products you’ll be glad you stumbled upon.
30 Black-Owned Businesses to Support Holidays 2022
Black-Owned Book Stores
Uncle Bobbie’s: Professor and activist Marc Lamont Hill opened this bookstore in his hometown of Philadelphia and it’s a great way to purchase all sorts of books but especially those with an anti-racist lens.Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre: This literary center was founded by public academic Rachel Cargle and is designed to amplify and celebrate marginalized voices.
Black-Owned Art Businesses
Black people and the Black experience is not one only of pain and suffering. For artistic representations of Black joy and love, turn to these artists.
The Trini Gee: The Trini Gee designs are inspired by a desire to infuse melanin in everything the owner does. These mugs, prints, apparel, and more featuring iconic Black cultural references are perfect gifts for Black culture enthusiasts.Artpce:Twenty-six year old visual artist, Halimah Smith, is creating aesthetically pleasing art that celebrates Blackness in all its forms. These original paintings and prints will totally transform a space.
12Hunnit Print, $38, Artpce.com
Black-Owned Wellness and Self-CareBusinesses
Coming out of a pandemic, how we treat our bodies is more top of the line than ever before. Here are products to ensure you are well from the inside, out.
Naked SOL Solutions:Handcrafted by a biologist, Naked SOL Solutions delivers healthy products with earth-conscious product packaging. “More than a self-care line,” all products are natural, gluten-free, hypo-allergenic, and absolutely no animal testing. Basically “100% vegan and 110% honest.”Wellness in Color:Wellness in Color is led by Afro-Latina and Caribbean advocates and healers. Here you can purchase products like incense, essential oils, and balms.
Ancestors Strength, $10, Wellness In Color
The Green Haus Co:Talk about the power of the pivot, this health cafe transformed into an e-commerce business due to COVID-19. Now you can get organic herbal supplements for a homeopathic approach to your health and wellness.
Black-Owned Clothing/Accessories Businesses
The best outfit isn’t complete without the right accessories. The fresh takes of these Black designers is sure to round off any fashionista’s holiday wishlist.
Kendall Miles: Kendall Reynolds, a product of Southside Chicago, is turning heads with her statement footwear. Manufactured in Florence, Italy, these shoes will cost you a pretty penny but they’re worth it!Guilty Intimates: We all love Savage x Fenty, but here’s another Black woman-run lingerie brand to support! Made for the guilt-free woman, Guilty Intimates encourages you to own your sexy.Winston Leather: This Nigerian tannery was providing leather to the top international brands including Louis Vuitton. They’re now making their own leather bags, shoes, and accessories at a fraction of the cost with even more love sewn in.Telfar:This award-winning and critically acclaimed brand is a gender-less fashion label based in Bushwick. The bags have been the talk of the town and can be difficult to snag so sign up for email notifications!
Logo Loafer, $499, Telfar
Black-Owned Home and Decor Businesses
Home is sanctuary. Long after we are released from quarantine, we’ll hopefully always have this appreciation for how our homes feel and look.
Maji Flora: We are all obsessed with preserved flowers at this point, right? Well, check out this affordable luxury florist delivering preserved roses to your doorstep that last up to three years!The Green Things:More than ever, I’m being intentional about purchasing eco-friendly products that won’t hurt Earth after I’m done using them. The Green Things offers just that with their natural soy candles and ceramic mugs.KSM Candles Co.: I have truly been gifting the DIY candle-making sets from KSM Candle all year. You get the beautiful smelling product at the end but with an easy-to-do activity that makes it all the more special. Grace & Saige Essentials: These hand-poured products, including soap, sprays, and candles, are made of natural ingredients and herbal additives. They intentionally focus on smaller batches and production to deliver high-quality products with an attention to detail. Exactly what I want when switching away from major corporations.Lilly Grant Candle Studio: Because you can truly never have enough candle options, here’s another Black-owned candle company based in Chicago. Using 100% soy wax and lead-free wicks, these are candles you can let burn as long as you’d like.
Morning Classic Candle, $16, Lilly Grant
Black-Owned Beauty Businesses
For far too long, beauty has centered around white ideals leaving products that don’t serve the full range of needs we have. These brands are flipping that on its head and serving up inclusive and healthy options.
Jade & Fox Co.: Using food-grade ingredients, this luxury lifestyle brand is revolutionizing the personalized skincare industry. BU Cosmetics by Shay: Glosses, brow sticks, lashes—oh my! Skip over to this beauty brand for stocking stuffers.
CHERRY KISS - Hydrating Gloss, $10, BU Cosmetics by Shay
Willow Naturals: For the curly-haired or acne-prone woman in your life, head to Willow Naturals for handmade skin and hair care products. Jazzs Beauty Bar: This Connecticut-based skincare and haircare line features homemade masks, moisturizers, scrubs, toners, and tinted lip balms. Shea La Soul Skincare: These aren’t your average lip balms and body butters. With yummy flavors like frosted cranberry/peach or spicy wood/grapefruit, this shop is a great way to spice up your beauty gifts.
Black-Owned Apparel Businesses
Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or yourself, these Black designers and e-boutiques are causing waves in the industry for their size-inclusivity, groundbreaking styles, and political statements.
Black Bourgeois:Black Bourgeois is the intersection where fashion and unapologetic Blackness meet. Find graphic tees, hoodies, hats, and more!YABO:YABO is a conscious clothing line that joins fashion, activism, and style for one unforgettable brand. With a mission to work towards inclusivity using fashion looks that inspire and impact lives, they provide custom crochet and sewn clothing for any and every size with frequent give back campaigns. Mirror Image: Mirror Image is an athleisure brand encouraging women to love the woman in the mirror. Their cute yet practical clothing is perfect for an actual workout or lounging around.
Mock-Neck Lounge Set, $39.99, Mirror Image
Hanifa: Hanifa is the brand that broke the internet with its jaw-dropping virtual fashion show with 3-D models. Here you can find bold colors, captivating designs, and an intentional mission connected to the founder’s Congolese roots.Pyer Moss: The now iconic brand led by Kerby Jean-Raymond uses fashion as a way to change social narratives and evoke dialogue. He has done just that and a piece from his collection is definitely the gift that keeps on giving!Level Mi Boutique: This streetwear brand is great for shopping chic basics or night out stunners! From bikers shorts to asymmetrical dresses to blazers, definitely shop here for the feisty woman in your life.The Navee Collection:Eko founded The Navee Collection because she saw a need to see herself in the fashion retail world. Her line of dresses, bodysuits, and accessories will stop you in your tracks. Nicole Zïzi Studio: This innovative brand is eco-conscious and provides gender-free street wear and accessories! From face masks and hats to hoodies and sweats, Nicole Zizi Studio has something for everyone.Kai Collective: Kai Collective is a London-based womenswear brand offering luxury aesthetics at an attainable price point. Something from here is sure to get all the attention wherever you go!
Next, the Anti-Racist starter pack: 40 TV series, documentaries, movies, TED Talks, and books to add to your list.
