My Favorite Products by Black-owned Businesses
Did you know that August is Black Business Month? One of the best ways we (especially white people) can help redistribute wealth is by shopping at and supporting more Black-owned businesses, especially small businesses. I’ve discovered a quite few of my new favorite products and brands by branching out of my brand “comfort zone” and love reading these recommendations from others!
Here are MY personal recommendations for Black-owned products to purchase and businesses to support. I hope you find your next favorite product from this roundup, and please don’t forget to leave your recommendations in the comments!
READ NEXT: Black-owned Businesses to Support and Creators to Follow
Products to Love by Black-owned Brands & Businesses
CLOTHING
Two Days Off Suki Top (seen here and here)
The Suki top is a beautiful 100% linen shell with a curved hem and slightly cropped length. I got mine in clay, a gorgeous dark/rusty orange color. It’s a great summer-to-fall transition piece. There is a similar-style dress with the same name. The fit of the top is true to size to maybe even slightly large? I bought a small and might’ve been able to get away with an XS.
Two Days Off Jordan Dress in Jersey (seen here)
I ordered this dress last year and it immediately became my favorite dress in my closet. I wear it at least once a week during the warmer months. It’s so good! It’s the perfect kaftan-style dress: loose through the body and somehow still slimming. The drape is perfect! I also love the double-V-neck more than I thought I would. I wish this dress was offered in more colors, but then I’d probably buy a lot more lol. I purchased this dress in a small.
Aliya Wanek Ami Sweatshirt (review here | seen here and here)
I own two Ami cropped sweatshirts in dusty rose and olive. I love them so much! I wear them all of the time once it cools down. They’re made from a cotton/hemp blend; it’s not the softest blend ever, but it’s not scratchy at all. I have both in a size small but might opt for a medium next time for more room/length/sleeve length. It’s offered in sizes S to 3X.
Aliya Wanek Tig Sweatshirt (seen here)
The Tig oversized sweatshirt is made from the same cotton/hemp blend as the Ami sweatshirt (and in the same colors) but in an oversized style. It’s offered in three sizes, and I took size 1 which fits up to a medium. I was looking for a comfy oversized sweatshirt and this one is exactly what I wanted. Not to mention, the color (sumac) is GORGEOUS!
ACCESSORIES
Valerie Madison X & O Stud Earrings (seen here)
These stud earrings in 14K yellow gold make a perfect addition to my simple jewelry collection! The backs are really difficult to get on/off, but I suppose you don’t have to worry about them falling out when they’re on, haha. I love that Valerie has a background in environmental science. Even though engagement rings and wedding bands are a big part of her business, there are so many other beautiful everyday jewelry options on her site!
Romy Studio Pebble Drop Clay Earrings (mini size | seen here and here)
For something a little more fun, check out the clay earrings handmade by Romy Studio! These polymer clay earrings are SUPER lightweight. I usually don’t even notice that I’m wearing them! They have an interesting texture that is sort of a weird sensory experience to me (I get an urge to snap them in half lol) so I try not to touch them. They’re a fun statement earring and come in lots of colors and now two sizes!
Lumos Optical Eyeglasses (seen here)
If you find yourself in Boise and in need of prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses, look no further than Lumos Optical! Located downtown, Lumos offers direct-to-consumer eyeglasses at transparent prices. I absolutely adore the light-pink-rimmed cateye glasses I ended up choosing. They’re a little bit different for me (I also have an old pair with black rims that I’ve had forever and am used to), but I’m glad I branched out of my comfort zone.
Z Factory Face Masks (formerly Shon Simon | not pictured | seen here and here)
Way back in 2020, I somehow discovered Shon Simon (can’t remember how) and ordered a bunch of their cloth face masks, mostly in black. They’re made of a 2-layer modal blend, and I know that cloth masks do not protect 100% against COVID, but these ended up being Korri’s favorite face masks (he thought they were too tight at first, but I got a couple that seemed bigger and then he stretched out some others, lol). I like doubling up on these when traveling, though I have not flown since the mask mandate was lifted so idk what I’d do now!
READ NEXT: Gift Guide: Black-owned Businesses
BATH + BODY
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Shampoo, Conditioner, Deep Conditioning Mask, and Hair Oil (seen here and here)
I’ve been using the Don’t Despair, Repair! hair mask in lieu of conditioner at least once a week since fall 2020, and I absolutely love it. My hair drinks it up. I also purchased the Don’t Despair, Repair! value set which also includes the shampoo, conditioner, and hair oil. I also got mini versions of the shampoo and conditioner in a different set, and they are perfect for travel!
Luv Scrub Mesh Body Exfoliator (exact via Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom | seen here)
I’m never going to buy a loofah again thanks to the mesh body exfoliator! I absolutely love this product. It’s made of 100% nylon and stretches up to 50” so you can reach every part of your body—even your back! This exfoliator also lasts for up to 18 months, making it a much more environmentally-friendly alternative to loofahs. (I think I’ve had mine for longer than that to be honest! It’s still going strong and doesn’t have a weird funk or odor.)
Shea Moisture Coconut Oil Body Wash
I really love the scent and the feel of this body wash that I purchase from Target! I lather it into my Luv Scrub and it makes the whole exfoliator feel almost silky? It feels super nice on the skin and doesn’t dry my skin out. And, as I mentioned, the scent is heavenly! Every time I use it, I feel like I should be on vacation in the tropics. (Shop all Shea Moisture products at Target.)
Woo Me Nail Growth Serum (currently sold out)
This product got amazing reviews, so I ordered it to try for myself! I don’t think I’ve used it often enough to really tell, and I’ve used it more on my toes than on my fingers, but my nails don’t feel any weaker than they did before so that’s a good sign. Unfortunately, it looks like all of their products are sold out/possibly not being produced at all anymore? Their socials haven’t been active in over a year…
FOOD + KITCHEN
Golde Cacao Turmeric Latte Blend
Apparently turmeric offers a lot of health benefits (haven’t looked into them fully), and this latte blend looked intriguing so I decided to try it. I went with the cacao turmeric flavor because I knew I’d like at least like the cacao. The turmeric taste does take some getting used to and is definitely not my favorite flavor but I liked it enough to repurchase.
Golde Superwhisk
With my most recent cacao turmeric latte blend order, I also bought the superwhisk, a travel-friendly frother that uses USB power to recharge. I haven’t used it yet but I’m excited to, especially because the latte blend is a little difficult to mix in completely! It’s a lot larger than I was expecting it to be.
Golde Super-Ades Dietary Supplements: Pineapple Debloat, Watermelon Glow, and Blueberry Calm (kit with all 3 flavors) (not pictured)
I forgot that I had these until I was putting together this post! I honestly am bad at taking these regularly (there are only 8 supplements in each box, and the boxes are spendy) but so far I don’t mind the taste. I can’t tell if they’re helping out with the areas they say they do because I’ve not been good at taking them regularly, and I don’t have more than one box at a time.
Partake Vegan Cookies: Crunchy Chocolate Chip, Soft Baked Pumpkin Spice, Soft Baked Chocolate Peppermint (seasonal)
If you have a gluten sensitivity or an allergy, these are the cookies for you! They’re completely free of nine of the top allergens (nut, egg, wheat, dairy, soy, fish, shellfish, mustard, sesame, sulfite) as well as gluten and GMOs. I’m not vegan, and I don’t have any sensitivities or allergies, and I find these cookies to be super yummy! You would have no idea they’re vegan. Love how they release seasonal flavors, too. I’m tempted to try Ginger Snap next.
READ NEXT: 8 Black-owned Brands to Shop at Target
I hope this list inspires you to do a little treat yourself shopping for yourself and/or helps you get a head start on gifts for loved ones. Please let me know in the comments your favorite products by Black-owned businesses! I’d love to support more.