It’s Black History Month, so it’s a perfect time to put the spotlight on some of my favorite Black-owned businesses.
Last summer the world came together during the panini pandemic to protest racial injustice, police brutality and the overall over-policing of black bodies. There was a call to action to support the black community more than ever before. In my lifetime, I’ve never seen such a mass effort to dismantle systemic racism. Additionally, people amplified Black voices no matter the size of their platform and across different mediums. Others showed solidarity by simply supporting Black businesses. However, it gradually felt like business as usual.
Time to change that.
I’m focusing on the beauty and lifestyle space because that’s what I personally purchase the most. However, there are plenty of black-owned businesses that deserve your attention that aren’t included in this list.
Rooting for Everybody Black: Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
Beauty
PAT McGRATH LABS // @patmcgrathreal– Auntie Pat, rather Dame Pat. Yes, Queen Elizabeth made Pat McGrath the first makeup artist ever to receive a damehood. And her products are luxury, hunty. Luxury.
Beauty Bakerie // @beautybakeriemakeup – Founder Cashmere Nicole became extremely health conscious and research-driven about the products we put in and on our bodies after battling with breast cancer. Besides the amazingly cute packaging, and cruelty-free products I loved that this this brand is so vocal about injustices. From disparities within the beauty space to Black Lives Matter, The Dream Act, and human trafficking – Beauty Bakerie is actively pushing forward toward change.
Mented Cosmetics // @mentedcosmetics – Mented popped up on my IG feed after I mentioned nude lipstick in front of my Alexa. (You know it’s listening to you, right?) It all worked out because I love my Mented products.
Juvia’s Place //@juviasplace – I might own every eyeshadow palette from Juvia’s Place and I’m not ashamed.
Fenty Beauty // @fentybeauty — and no list would be complete without Bad Girl RiRi. The line focuses on a wide range of traditionally hard-to-match skin tones, creating formulas that work for all skin types, and pinpointing universal shades.
Skincare
Fenty Skin // @fentyskin – Do I need to explain myself?
NolaSkinEssentials // @nolaskinessentials – affordable, hand-crafted, plant-based products. I have loved every product I’ve tried and appreciate
Unsun // @unsuncosmestics – Look sunscreen is important year-round and yes, even if you’re just going out for a 5 min run to walk the dog or grab coffee counts. Also, this sunscreen has clean ingredients so it’s safe for little ones too.
COCOTIQUE // @cocotique — This monthly beauty subscription box for women of color includes the latest hair, skincare, body and beauty products each month.
Hair
Mielle Organics // @mielleorganics – Mielle has hair products for all types and I love that Mielle’s founder is passionate about inspiring women in business and entrepreneurship.
Melanin HairCare // @melaninhaircare – It took me forever to get my hands on these products and now I can never be without them. OG YouTuber and my manespiration Whitney White took her time to develop these natural and toxic-free products.
Also, I just read that Ulta has pledged to double the number of Black-owned brands in their stores this year. Ulta is also dedicating over four million dollars to provide marketing support to Black-owned businesses on shelves to increase brand awareness and growth. Take note, brands who posted their black square and did nothing else.
Lifestyle
BLK + GRN // @blkandgrn – This marketplace features high-quality, toxic-free brands that share in their mission of health, wellness and community cultivation.
Natural Annie’s Essentials // @naturalesanniesentials – Look Annie’s soy crafted candles are amazing!! She also has some fun quote candles that would make great gifts.
House Dogge // @housedogge – Well Oprah loves this brand so that should be enough. However, a percentage of sales each purchase are donated to nonprofit organizations that are rescuing and healing health challenged, homeless, unwanted, neglected, and/or abused dogs so that they may find their caring forever home. Handclaps all around!!
I’m also looking for new favorites so feel free leave your own Black-owned businesses in the comments below.
P.S. If you’re one of the “what about supporting all businesses” people….
via GIPHY
Kindly navigate away from my page. This post is not about everyone. I said what I said.
