We’ve posted black screens on Instagram for blackout Tuesday. We’ve watched documentaries and listened to podcasts. We’ve donated to the NAACP and attended our local Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality. Now what? The fight against racism doesn’t end here, but it’s hard to know how we can continue to show our support in our daily lives. One way to continue the movement in small yet meaningful acts is showing support for black-owned businesses. Ditch the fast-fashion brands and shift your focus to apparel and beauty brands that make a difference in ending racism. Check out these 30 black (and mostly female!) owned brands that will make you wonder why you ever shopped fast-fashion.
Created in 2017 by Brooklynite, Trinity Mouzon Wofford, a 20-something entrepreneur with a passion for making wellness more accessible and inclusive, Golde is the perfect destination for all your superfood and skincare needs. Their goal is to make “products that look good, taste good, and help you feel like your best self.” Shop face masks, latte blends, recycled tote bags, and DIY matcha kits, all on one website!
Gracemade is a faith-driven clothing brand aimed at redefining what modesty means. As Gracemade sees it, “modesty is not a form of restriction or constraint; it’s an invitation to explore our hearts’ intentions and discover where we find our worth.” Each Gracemade piece is ethically and sustainably designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, and with each piece you purchase, Gracemade donates a portion to a charity of your choice. Support black women in redefining self-worth, receive a beautiful product, and support your most valued cause.
UnSun was founded in 2016 by Katonya Breaux after years of frustration as a result of the lack of sunscreen products for women of color. Her goal in creating UnSun Cosmetics was to provide clean options that “were kind to the person using it as well as the environment it’s being used in.” Pick up some mineral tinted sunscreen or everyday body lotion– your skin will thank you.
This Canadian black-owned bath and body studio makes the most nourishing and hydrating soaps I have yet to find. All hand-made and sustainably sourced, these soaps are a necessity for your shower skincare routine. Also, 15% of all purchases this month will be donated to The Bail Project and the Black Legal Action Centre. Nourish your skin and support a good cause.
Serendipitous Project was founded in 2019 by Sydney Ziems with the goal of providing an affordable and sustainable alternative for fast-fashion and trendy jewelry. From their handmade earrings to their vintage hair scarves, each product is ethically and sustainably sourced. Check it out and spice up your wardrobe with some retro accessories.
Yam is a one-of-a-kind online jewelry boutique based in Astoria, New York. Made in honor of her mother, founder and jeweler, Morgan Thomas, crafts beautiful handmade jewelry from upcycled materials. These gold and pearl accents will bring not only elegance to your look, but a sense of retro glam and a new nostalgia.
Efiya Asabi, founder of IYOBA, grew up in San Francisco, tending to her grandmother’s garden and chickens, fostering a love for creating things with her hands. IYOBA is an environmentally-conscious beauty and wellness brand working towards zero waste. Visit their website and pick up some bath bombs, candles, and oils for your next self-care night!
Founded in 2013, the goal of Brother Vellies is to keep traditional African design practices and techniques alive while creating and sustaining artisanal jobs. Known for their luxury shoes and bags, Brother Vellies has become a popular shop for those who love high-end fashion, but also love small-business practices and sustaining the beauty of one’s culture.
Made famous through Depop, Golden Girly is a Depop and Instagram-based brand selling custom-designed loungewear like you’ve never seen before. Who said sweats can’t be stylish? These vintage-inspired lounge sets let your casual days become your slay days. Sexy, colorful, and unique to you, everyone needs a set from Golden Girly.
This company was created to represent and provide a safe-space for the black community. They aim to reclaim their history and “celebrate black culture through powerful apparel and accessories.” Show your support by purchasing one of their adorable graphic tees or grab a couple prints to add to your wall– you won’t be disappointed!
This unisex/gender-neutral brand was created in 2005 in Queens, New York. Their goal is to promote inclusivity and their attitude reigns true, their slogan being “it’s not for you– it’s for everyone.” This high-end, high-fashion line is exactly what your closet is missing. Join the party! It’s for everyone!
This one may not be new to all of us… Rhianna anyone? Fenty, parent company of Savage Fenty, Fenty Beauty, and of course, the luxury fashion line itself, is everything you need to express your confidence. “Inspired by a community beyond traditional boundaries, Fenty embraces a fundamental freedom: a freedom from convention and rules.” The brand empowers minorities, such as women as well as the black community, to not accept what has been the status quo, but to push the boundaries and defy society’s rules.
Founded in 2013 by Kerby Jean-Raymond, this high-fashion brand incorporates themes of activism, debate, theater, and social commentary into their styles, emphasizing the art that is fashion. Although more expensive, Pyer Moss is iconic and a must-have for any fashion lover.
Founded by self-taught Brooklyn native, Valerie Blaze, Vavvoune aims to provide high-quality leather goods that honor and recognize cultured design. All designs are made in their small house studio in Brooklyn, and the products themselves are ethically made in NYC’s Garment District. They also donate all of their leather scraps and practice sustainably– everything you’d want in a luxury handbag company!
Known for their high-quality, brightly-colored lounge and streetwear, Tier lives out their slogan: “art never dies.” Invest in a hoodie and a pair of sweats; I promise you’ll be living in them.
This online boutique for gorgeous lingerie is dedicated to celebrating black women, black entrepreneurship, and black cultural influence. Their lingerie is affordable and size-inclusive. You must add a set to your collection.
Founded in Los Angeles, Nichole Lynel is branded as denim for the modern woman. Although on the pricier side, these pieces are exactly what your wardrobe needs to add some flare.
Andrea Iyamah was founded by Nigerian fashion designer, Dumebi Iyamah, when she was only 17. The line is inspired by vibrant colors, ethnic culture, and design elements found in nature to create the most stunning resort and beachwear. This splurge is so worth it.
Teni (Tia) Adeola is from Nigeria, London-raised, and now a student in NYC, where she created her brand from her dorm room. Inspired by the Renaissance period, her elegant veils (and now face masks!) are loved by your favorite celebrities, including Kali Uchis, Gigi Hadid, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Lorde and so many more! This is definitely a shop you’ll want to check out.
Nubian Skin was founded by Ade Hassan in an attempt to provide nude bras and skin-tone underwear to people of color. When we see “nude” underwear and bras in stores, they most often represent the color of a light-skinned white woman. But what about people whose skin tones are darker? Nubian Skin aims to provide this inclusivity that other lingerie brands have previously failed to provide.
This unique brand offers clothing made 100% from recycled cotton, and is hand-dyed and ethically produced in Los Angeles. Grab a vintage tee or dyed lounge set– you’ll never find anything quite like this.
Established in 2016 and founded by fashion and travel blogger, Fisayo Longe, Kai Collective aims to combine attainable clothing with luxury aesthetics. Longe spends her time traveling the world sourcing the best fabrics, seeking design inspiration, and meeting ethical manufacturers to collaborate with in order to provide the best quality, most sustainable, and most beautiful product to her customers.
Coco and Breezy is your ultimate designer sunglasses and eyeglasses destination. Founded in 2009 by twin designers, their designs were, and still are, a major hit, and can be found in any major fashion publication. These frames are one of Vogue’s favorites, and soon they’ll be yours too!
Established in Amsterdam in 2012 by three childhood friends, Daily Paper is inspired by traditional African culture and contemporary designs. Although their pieces are on the more expensive side, you can’t put a price on art, and these clothes are one of the greatest works.
Founded by Loraine R. Dowdy, a Brooklynite with a connection to her Carribean heritage, Coloured Raine is a small, all black run company producing makeup and beauty products you will love. Affordable and gorgeous, you’ll find yourself placing every palette on your wishlist!
Kaike is a plant-based skincare company, born from the idea that less is more, Kaike creates minimal and multi-purpose products to nourish your skin. These high-quality cosmetics are something you’ll want to buy again and again.
Branded as “vegan skincare for millennials,” their products are handmade, clean, cruelty-free, and 100% vegan. Not only are their products amazing, but their minimalist-inspired packaging will make your vanity look polished and sophisticated.
Mented is a cosmetics brand dedicated to the nude lip, although they carry many more products, and making “nude” more inclusive for women of darker skin tones. And as if the company couldn’t get any better, all of their lipsticks are vegan, paraben-free, non-toxic, and cruelty-free!
Created by Aba Gyepi-Garbrah, aromatherapist with a passion for healing through the senses, her apothecary is the best spot to fulfill your self-care needs. Grab a toner and some oils for your skincare routine or a relaxing night in.
Vacay anyone? A Riot Swim suit is a must have for your next getaway. With so many suits to choose from in a variety of colors and cuts, you’ll be sure to find one (or many) you absolutely love.
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