Black Owned — Brands and Products We Believe in
Let's get real: We shouldn't wait 'til Black History Month to support Black-owned brands and businesses — just like how we want to buy local beyond Small Business Saturday. They're year-round shopping habits our wallets — and the economy — can get behind.
That said, if we're going to take this month to recognize important American history (especially given the past year), a little shopping — and some brand education — along the way can't hurt. So, yes, read the works of Maya Angelou, take notes from Madam C. J. Walker's ceiling-breaking success, and learn about the Black-owned products you need now...and probably forever.
In a virtual world, receiving a printed birthday, holiday, or congratulations via snail mail is as thoughtful as it comes. Don't worry about the environmental impact — Aya Paper Co. produces sustainable stationery with 100% recycled paper. Founder and creative director SaVonne Anderson melds her artistic talent with universal sentiments and climate change in mind.
SHOP: Aya Paper Co. Abstract Illustration Card Set, $15, available at Kohl's
You may recognize Pattern as the haircare brand brought to you by Tracee Ellis Ross. And while her beauty game is consistently strong, we're more in love with the fact that this collection doesn't try to tame or control hair. Instead, it's made for different, diverse curl patterns. It actually embraces what your mama gave you.
SHOP: Pattern Hydration Shampoo, $38, available at Ulta
The sale price alone should pique your interest in these designer shoes. What really drives it home is knowing that these Italian-made woven leather flats featuring chic ankle wraps can be worn all year, with dresses or jeans, to work and beyond. Oh, and should someone ask, you can casually drop that they're Aurora James' Brother Vellies — you know, the fashion-elite beloved brand that's all about showcasing traditional African design techniques and fabrication.
SHOP: Brother Vellies Olivia Chain Wrap Woven Flats, Was $615, Now $184.50, available at Shopbop
The Honey Pot, a feminine-hygiene brand, founded by Bea Dixon in 2014, touts 100% natural ingredients and uses the benefits of herbs to clean, protect, and balance women's, well, honey pots. "I created the formula for an effective, clean feminine wash," says Dixon in a mission statement. Bonus tip: This may be an FSA/HSA-friendly buy. And, no, The Honey Pot and Honey are not affiliated — but brownie points for the name.
SHOP: The Honey Pot Everyday Herbal Pantiliners, $8.99, available at Walmart
This brand needs no introduction. Should you want to channel your inner international pop star, Rihanna's Fenty Beauty portable shadow palette featuring both matte and shimmer orangey pigments may help.
SHOP: Fenty Beauty Snap Shadows Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette, $25, available at Sephora
Summer called — it wants you to buy this fierce bikini set. Brought to life by Nigerian designer Andrea Iyamah — known for her colorful prints and African-inspired looks, this swimsuit manages to be equally retro and modern while embracing culture. No wonder celebs love sporting the designer's pieces on vacation and beyond.
SHOP: Andrea Iyamah Luna Bikini Set, $180, available at Farfetch
While most of us would throw our hands up in defeat after we couldn't find a store-bought item that suited our needs, Nancy Twine decided to start a haircare brand that would take formulas back to the basics. Using her grandmother's homemade beauty recipes, this boss extracted ingredients that simply cleans, hydrates, and protects.
SHOP: Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind™ Kale + Apple Replenishing Superfood Conditioner, Was $28, available at Ulta
SHOP: MORE MUST-TRY PRODUCTS FROM BLACK-OWNED BRANDS
If National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman moved you at the Inauguration, the next step is to take a deep dive into her children's book. Or better yet, gift the title to your favorite pint-size bud.
SHOP: Change Sings: A Children's Anthem by Amanda Gorman, Loren Long (Illustrator), Was $18.99; Now $16.99, available at Barnes & Noble
Created by designer and best-selling author Justina Blakeney, this handcrafted ceramic plant pot embodies the artist's signature bohemian aesthetic and creates a vibe for any room. In fact, one of our staffers gifted this to her mom, and Mom gave it a five-star review.
SHOP: Emuna Kaya Face Pot by Justina Blakeney, $79, available at Jungalow
You may have fallen in love with sisters Deborah “Little” and Mary “Shorty” Jones on Netflix's Queer Eye, but their sauces will keep you obsessed. You don't have to travel to Kansas City to get a taste of Jones BAR-B-Q either (it's on our travel bucket list though) — order their coconut and pineapple concoction for a Covid-friendly alternative to traveling.
SHOP: Jones BAR-B-Q Coconut & Pineapple Barbecue Sauce, $13.95, available at Walmart
To glow inside and out, think of superfoods, like chlorella and spirulina as ingredients you can not only eat but apply to your face and detoxify skin. Brooklyn-based Golde, and its founder and CEO Trinity Mouzon Wofford, apply this thought to all of their 100% natural, vegan-friendly products. Wofford and her partner launched in 2017 with a single product in a one-bedroom apartment — now they have a range of SKUs that span multiple best-seller lists.
SHOP: Clean Greens Face Mask, $34, available at Golde
Once Renaldo Webb decoded the type of ingredients in mass market pet foods, he was determined to give our furry friends, like his dog, Cooper, so much more. Enter PetPlate, the canine-food subscription service with a mission to help pups live happier, healthier, and longer. Expect human-grade, high-quality foods made with ingredients you'd find on our kitchen counters.
SHOP: Barkin' Beef Entree, check site for pricing, available at PetPlate
In these chilly months, in the midst of a pandemic, knitwear and leisurewear are a must. No one knows this style combo better than Haitian-American designer Victor Glemaud. Don't think the Prince of Comfort only makes pieces made for the couch either — his chic, classic looks work just as well during a Zoom meeting as they will post-Covid.
SHOP: Victor Glemaud Stripe Merino Wool Midi Skirt, Was $595; Now $237.99, available at Saks Fifth Avenue