Black-owned Businesses to Support + Creators to Follow
In the spirit of amplifying the work and voices of Black people, I rounded up a number of Black-owned businesses to support and Black creators to follow. These are all businesses that offer products I’d buy myself, and the creators have styles similar to mine but with their own point of view. In the past, I definitely gravitated towards the bloggers and creators that looked like me and dressed like me, and I’ll admit that I’m terrible at finding new faces to follow. So, my feed needed to be majorly diversified and it’s past time to fix that.
I plan to feature and shop at Black-owned businesses more going forward. It’s embarrassing to admit that I had no idea most of these businesses existed, but I’m happy that I know about them now and can now spread the word to others!
To find more Black-owned business, there are two Google Docs with hundreds of businesses listed: this one (by Lingua Franca) and this one. There’s also a great app called Black Wallet (available on iOS and Google Play) that is a directory of Black-owned businesses—both local and online!
Please keep in mind that these businesses have been slammed with orders (which is absolutely amazing!), so a lot of products are likely sold out, and if you are lucky enough to purchase something, shipping might take a while due to COVID-19 and due to the fact that many of these are small businesses that don’t have a warehouse of employees rapidly filling the orders.
BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES
APPAREL
“Our mission is to create comfortable, stylish clothing ethically and sustainably as an extension of the wearer’s individuality.”
I’ll take one of each of these sweatshirts, please! But for real, how cozy do these look?! I have my eyes on the Ami sweatshirt in dusty rose once it’s back in stock. It looks like she’s sold out of most of the sweatshirt styles and colors…not surprised considering the times!
MORE APPAREL BRANDS: The Tiny Closet (capsule) / Sarep + Rose (leather bags & accessories)
JEWELRY
Valerie created her business by combining her background in environmental science with her love for alternative jewelry. The result is beautiful, timeless fine jewelry pieces that feature recycled metal and ethical gemstones.
I’ve been following Valerie on Instagram for a couple of years now. I am absolutely obsessed with her jewelry, and I’m planning to get my engagement ring and wedding band from her when the time comes. (I literally have no idea exactly what I want, I just know I want to get them from her!)
In the meantime, I ordered a pair of the XO stud earrings in yellow gold. They’re going to make a perfect addition to my simple jewelry collection!
MORE JEWELRY BRANDS: White/Space (minimal, pearls) / BR Design Co (clay statement earrings)
BEAUTY
Fenty Beauty is the brain child of Rihanna, and her goal was to create beauty products for the skin tones that were traditionally excluded by most beauty brands.
I used the Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer, which is available in 50 different shades! I tried shade 120, which worked well for my skin tone. I found that it didn’t blend into my skin quite as well as I was hoping it would, but I would still buy it again because I haven’t found a concealer that works better for me. The brand is also available at Sephora.
WELLNESS
Honey Pot offers feminine care products that are organic and plant-based! I wear lightweight pantyliners and have yet to join the world of cups (it’s daunting to pick out a cup and hope that it works!), and Honey Pot offers both organic pantyliners and cups in addition to regular pads and tampons.
MORE WELLNESS BRANDS: LUV SCRUB (exfoliator) / Soapy Faith / Papa Rozier Farms (healing, etc.)
HOME
I think every other blogger is freaking out about these gorgeous glasses—and for good reason. LOOK AT THEM! The hand-blown colored glass is made by artisans in Poland, and the brand offers stemless wine glasses, regular wine glasses with stems, champagne coupes, and cake stands.
The glassware is available in sets of six, and in addition to sets of six in one color, there’s also an option to choose your own set of colors. I’d be tempted to get one of each color, they’re just all so gorgeous! This would definitely make an excellent gift for newlyweds or other loved ones that enjoy wine and hosting.
MORE HOME BRANDS: Linoto (linen bed & bath products) / Bolé Road Textiles (pillows, towels, etc.)
GIFTS & MORE
Hustle & Hope offers adorable career-focused greeting cards as well as branded tees and sweatshirts. There is also a blog featuring articles and advice about searching for a job, growing in your career, and entrepreneurship. With each card purchased, there’s a code on the back that can be scanned by your phone and you’ll be directed to a relevant article! How cool is that?!
OTHER GIFTS & MORE BRANDS: Mahogany Books / Aya Paper Co. (cards) / Sensual Candle Co.
BLACK CREATORS
Laura Tully / @lauratully.co
Laura is a personal wardrobe stylist based here in Boise! I started following her blog few years ago because of her amazing style (and hair!). She hasn’t posted to her blog in a couple of years (it’s still there on her site, so check it out for all the outfit inspiration), but you can find her on Instagram.
Toyosi Oyelola / @toyosioyelola
If you’ve been reading here for a few years, you may remember Toyosi from my “two bloggers, one garment” mini series! I’ve been a fan of Toyosi’s since I met her at a blogging conference five years ago. Be sure to check out her blog, where she shares her style, home, life in NYC, and travels!
Aïda / @basicstouch
Based in Paris, Aïda is the queen of simple, effortless, minimal style. She makes mirror selfies look so high fashion! I’ve been following her for a few months now, and I appreciate that she rewears her items. Every outfit she puts together looks so intentional. I wish I had her sense of style!
Ghenet Randall / @ghenetactually
Ghenet is a new-to-me creator, and I’m thrilled to have been introduced to her. She exudes joy! Ghenet is from New York City and now lives in London. She also blogs, and you can find posts about her style, favorite recipes, and whatever else is on her mind, including discussions about race and mental health.
Brenna Anastasia / @brenna_anastasia
LA-based Brenna also has a minimalist personal style and wears lots of basics with a twist! I love how she incorporates textures in her looks. In addition to Instagram, you can also find her at her blog, where she writes about style, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle.
Ratanya Olaves / @ratanyanoel
Ratanya shares her style and life in Chicago as well as tips for other creators! Next week, she is launching her new business focused on design and branding called Noel Made Studio. I was drawn to her because she has a small following like me, and I’m excited to see what her new business is all about.
Simi Gold / @halosofstyle
Simi Gold is a pharmaceutical scientist based in NYC by way of London and Nigeria and shares her style and life on Instagram and on her blog. Her feed is full of absolutely gorgeous editorial-style photos. It was difficult for me to pick one photo for this post! I love finding scientists that also love fashion.
Lola Faith / @lolafaith
Lola Faith works in corporate and has the style to match. If you’re looking for stylish workwear against beautiful city backdrops, look no further! She’s also based in London, and I think following multiple London bloggers is going to drastically increase my desire to travel there, haha.
FIND MORE CREATORS: