55 Black-Owned Businesses to Support Ahead of Black History Month
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
It's almost February, which means that it’s time to reflect on Black History Month. The origins of Black History Month date back to 1976, after scholar Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in 1926. It was a way to shine a light on the contributions Black Americans have added to the country and society as a whole. During this time, we suggest that you use your spending power to help spread equity within the Black community by supporting Black-owned businesses.
Not only have Black-owned businesses historically had a harder time accessing loans and capital, but they’ve also been disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to one survey, the number of working African American business owners fell more than 40 percent amid the coronavirus pandemic—a much steeper drop than other racial groups experienced. In response, both individuals and brands have worked tirelessly to help elevate Black-owned businesses and give them the funding, recognition, and shelf space they deserve. For example, in 2020 Brother Vellies founder Aurora James launched the 15 Percent Pledge, a nonprofit that was one of the first to call on large retailers to stock 15 percent of their inventory from Black-owned businesses. Since then, places like Sephora, Nordstrom, Madewell, Macy's, J.Crew, Crate and Barrel, Bloomingdale’s, and West Elm have all gotten on board. With just one purchase, you can take these efforts a step further—and play a part in helping to create lasting change.
Here, we’ve rounded up a selection of 55 Black-owned businesses online that the team here at Oprah Daily recommends—including in the beauty, food and drink, fashion, and home decor categories. These thoughtfully curated selections are nothing short of stunning, so you'll want have your wallet ready. Supporting them is something you can do all year long. If you have other favorites, tell us about them in the comments below.
Food
Partake Foods
Disappointed by the lack of snack options that were both safe and healthy for her daughter with multiple food allergies, Denise Woodard got down to business and launched her own allergen-free cookie company, Partake Foods, in 2016. Woodard, who left her job as a director of national sales at Coca-Cola to run the company full-time, started selling the vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free treats from her car. Now her cookies can be found in more than 1,500 stores nationwide and online, including Target. Partake’s new pancake and waffle mix is equally delicious. The mix is free from the top nine allergens, comes in plain and confetti (why not add colorful sprinkles to your morning?), and just needs water for pancakes or water and oil for waffles.
Whipped Urban Dessert Lab
Oat milk is the new almond milk. Whipped Urban Dessert Lab makes ice cream from the popular nondairy delight, and its plant-based, vegan and, of course, dairy-free soft-serve has become a big hit. The company was founded by sisters Courtney Blagrove and Zan B.R., and it all started at a market in Brooklyn. They eventually opened a storefront in downtown Manhattan, where people line up for their signature soft-serve (we know—we’ve waited). Those not in the NYC area can order their oat-milk ice cream truffle assortment online, which includes flavors like mint chocolate cookie, double chocolate cookie, and peanut butter cookie.
Creamalicious
What do you get when you combine fresh-baked pastries with rich homemade ice cream? Spoonfuls of pure bliss. Chef Liz Rogers celebrates her Southern roots with her uniquely delicious concoctions. “We craft our desserts by harnessing the familiar experience that Southern comfort foods bring and blend it with a culinary artistry that feeds our spirit…there’s a dream in every scoop,” she explains on the brand’s site. Even the names—Porch Light Peach Cobbler, Aunt Poonie’s Caramel Pound Cake, Thick as Thieves Pecan Pie and Slap Yo’ Momma Banana Pudding—make you want to dig in.
Iylia Wines
Layla-Joy Williams is a woman of many talents. She has her luxury footwear brand, Iylia, and a wine brand with the same name. Iylia Wines are produced in the Valencia region of Spain, known for its variety of grapes and their ability to create an assortment of wines with intense body and high alcohol content. A selection of white, red and rosé is ready to be savored.
Maya’s Cookies
Maya’s Cookies is the brainchild of vegan lover of sweets Maya Madsen. She spent years crafting the cookie recipes, and each flavor is personal, a reflection of her travels and memories. For instance, the Everything Cookie with chocolate chips, pretzels, oatmeal, pecans and butterscotch chips is a celebration of Madsen’s love of food while the Caramel Pecan Cookie harkens back to a trip she took to the eater's paradise of New Orleans to scout colleges with her son.
Iya Foods
Founded by Toyin Kolawole in 2015, Iya Foods crafts African-inspired dishes that are easy to consume and enjoy through their usage of African superfoods. The brand also sells gluten-free options for those who have dietary restrictions.
Joe'y
Founded by two college friends, Amanda Fields and Brendan Smith, Joe'y is a coffee alternative that harnesses the power of mushrooms, adaptogens and superfoods to give all the benefits of coffee (energy included!) without the caffeine and jitters. Based in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, Joe’y also offers a froth machine that'll add more pizazz to your morning cup of joe'y.
Les Chocoleries Askanya
Les Chocolateries Askanya is Haiti’s first premier bean-to-bar chocolate company. Askanya offers chocolate bars in different cacao variations for a fun multipack. The brand also sells lime chocolate and orange chocolate for those who are more adventurous.
Southern Culture Foods
Southern Culture Foods, founded by Marcus, Erica and Mama, focuses on bringing you Southern classics with a twist. The brand offers baking mixes, cajun bacon rub and more—even sweet potato pancake and waffle mix.
Kahawa 1893
Through her grandfather's legacy, Kahawa 1893 founder Margaret Nyamumbo created the Kenyan-derived and San Francisco-based brand after she studied abroad in the United States. The result is a line of coffees that offers a range of flavors and beverage shades. The Kenyan is a light-medium roast whole bean coffee that is flavor-rich, with hints of caramel, chocolate, sugar, berries and bright citrus, and was farmed by women farmers.
Fashion and Accessories
The Journey Collection
Journey Carter is a woman of many talents. And she’s only 18. The entrepreneur, designer, actress (she was in Ava DuVernay and Colin Kaepernick’s Colin in Black & White and CBS’s All Rise), and college student started The Journey Collection (check out its new site!) with unique hair accessories and has expanded into streetwear—hoodies, T-shirts and hats with her hand-sketched artwork.
Kind Socks
It only makes sense that a brand with a name like Kind Socks would be all about good vibes. These socks are kind to your feet, thanks to their construction and softness. They’re also kind to the planet, manufactured ethically from organic cotton with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. And since founder Stephen Steele has infused his love of color into the playful prints, they’re even kind on the eyes.
Springbreak Watches
Designed with the feel-good fervor of spring break, these watches were meant to give you a boost all year round. The brand was created by cofounders Kwame Molden and Maurice Davis, childhood friends (and classmates from preschool to college, both attending the same HBCU) from Fayetteville, North Carolina. Each watch, often a vibrant pop of color, is named after a school, community or event in their hometown.
Royal Jelly Harlem
Mother-daughter duo Teta and Maya Gorgoni were inspired by the stunning printed fabrics they would see on their travels to South and West Africa. They brought their love for the striking textiles to Royal Jelly Harlem, born in 2011. Many of the fabrics for their fashion line come from Africa, and they also employ African-born tailors here in the U.S., specifically NYC, where their goods are made. There’s something to suit every style, from flowy dresses and fitted tunics for women to shirts and shorts for men.
Khiry
Khiry founder Jameel Mohammed started crafting his baubles while studying political science at the University of Pennsylvania. He already had experience in the business after interning at Nicole Miller and Narciso Rodriguez in high school. Today, his line of sculptural, striking jewelry (earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces) is meant to celebrate the beauty and culture of the African diaspora in a luxe and modern way.
Awet
Áwet, son of Goitom Woldegebriel, launched his eponymous brand in 2020 after fleeing his home country of Eritrea and seeking asylum in the United States in 2000. His label designs "livewear" collections and also focuses on employing and supporting garment workers hardest hit by the pandemic. The brand sells hoodies, collar shirts and joggers that all have comfort in mind.
Ubuntu Life
It all started when Zane Wilemon took a flight to meet Jeremiah Kuria in Kenya. The two formed a powerful friendship, which led to them co-founding Ubuntu Life. The brand creates shoes, bags and jewelry to provide sustainable and meaningful employment for artisans in Kenya.
Brandon Blackwood
Brandon Blackwood is a fashion sensation whose handbags have graced the arms of celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Normani. From box bags, like the one featured here, to shoulder bags and crossbody bags, this brand literally offers any type of handbag you can think of.
Busayo
Founded by Busayo Olupona, Busayo specializes in selling garments that use Adire, a traditional Yoruba textile dyeing technique, in modern ways. The brand features darling dresses and separates that will add a colorful pick-me-up to your wardrobe.
Brother Vellies
Toronto-native and New York City-transplant, Creative Director and Founder Aurora James designed Brother Vellies as a way of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs. The brand is known for their chic shoe styles and handbags.
Home Decor
Clean Design Home x Martex
Did you know that we spend one-third of our lives sleeping? With that much time snoozing, it only seems right to make our environment as comfy and health-conscious as possible. Clean Design Home was founded by Robin Wilson, an authority in hypoallergenic and eco-friendly design. She partnered with Martex for these fluffy towels made from U.S. grown supima cotton that’s worked in a specific way that doesn’t create as much allergy-inducing lint.
Mo’s Crib
Mo’s Crib makes baskets you can feel good about. All the brand’s goods (from planters to decorative baskets) are handmade sustainably in South Africa employing local artisans. The brand is the brainchild of two sisters, Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, who are passionate about sustainability. Case in point: this basket is made from PVC pipes that have been refashioned into a sculptural planter.
Hoam Candle Company
During the pandemic, Hoam founder Derek DeAndre developed a penchant for candles. “My only escape became suiting up and going to the grocery store to grab the essentials and my not-so-guilty pleasure, candles,” he says on his site. Soon it became clear that DeAndre should put his spin on a candle company of his own. DeAndre wants to help people create a place of peace in their home with carefully curated unique scents, from sweet to fresh to earthy.
Clare Paint
Founder Nicole Gibbons knows a thing or two about color. She’s an interior designer and sought-after expert who wanted to improve the paint shopping experience with the launch of Clare in 2018. Some of the ways Clare makes things easy-breezy include curated colors, mess-free swatches, and interactive guides. Plus, Clare paints are free of toxic solvents and made to ensure an even application that really lasts.
54Kibo
Nana Quagraine founded 54Kibo with the intent of making luxury African decor more accessible. The brand sells furnishings for the home, office, and other lifestyle spaces in the form of rugs, chairs, and chandeliers. The items sold by 54Kibo come from the about 50 or so product designers who studied at design schools in various parts of Africa, as well.
Effie's Paper
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift that packs a bold message, look no further, Effie’s Paper has you covered. The brand, founded by Kalyn Johnson Chandler, was inspired by Chandler’s maternal grandmother, who thought that women should be able to write amazing thank-you notes. The brand carries a range of planners, notebooks and travel mugs that will help you spread your Black Girl Magic.
Marabou Design
Marabou Design is owned and operated by Brandy Brown. The entrepreneur started the business almost 20 years ago with a focus on creating a new narrative around Black art and the conversations around these pieces.
Caribbean Craft
Based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Caribbean Craft was created to address Haiti's high unemployment through artisan training, design assistance, and by opening new export markets for their creations. Founded in 1990 by Magalie Noel Dresse, Caribbean Craft is currently available on the brand’s website.
Hortiki Plants
If you're looking for a gift that will help green thumbs flourish, check out this Kitchen Herb Garden Kit from Hortiki Plant. The Etsy shop sells curated plant sets that will get beginners acquainted with gardening or introduce advanced gardeners to fun new plant options.
Ceramic Meltdown
Ceramicist Kyle Lee has developed his own style and point of view over the c0urse of his 15-year career with his brand Ceramic Meltdown. He tends to incorporate traditional shapes shapes with an abstract design and glaze application. During the start of the pandemic, Lee created his signature dot pattern featured in his collaboration with West Elm. Lee's vases and mugs are creative yet neutral enough to go well with any living area.
Beauty
Dosa
Grandma knows best. That’s why sisters Rita, Charlotte and Bunny took the advice from their second great-grandma Dosa McGee (everybody deserves happy skin!) to create a line of waterless skincare products and name it after her. Since the products are H2O-free, that means there is less of a need to include chemical preservatives and fillers in the formulas. With skin-nourishing body butters, body washes, bath salts and scrubs in a variety of delightful scents, there are sure to be smiles all around.
Oui the People
Here’s a brand that is making its mission to redefine the beauty space. For founder Karen Young, words like flawless, anti-aging and perfecting are out, and creating thoughtfully made products that are also effective and made to make you feel good in your skin is in. The brand's offering includes razors designed for sensitive skin, milky shave gels, body serums and bath soaks.
Heathmade
Ready to have your mind blown? Heath, the founder of this company, is just 10 years old. His passion for the healing power of plants and herbs started when he was 4, when he would sell his handcrafted alcohol-free hand sanitizer at a school fair. Now with Heathmade, he has a bunch of goodies to offer the world, from lotion bars to healing balms, that are free of parabens, phthalates and artificial colors and full of skin-loving essential oils and butters.
Marie Hunter
You know it’s going to be good when a professional makeup artist creates her own line. KéNisha Ruff searched high and low for five years to find the best labs and factories to create her cleanly formulated, high-quality products. Make room on your vanity for Marie Hunter long-wear lipsticks (plus, lipstick cases!), perfectly pigmented blushes, nourishing skincare, yummy candles and more.
Karité
The three women behind Karité, Naana Boakye, Abena Slowe and Akua Okunseinde, each brings diverse talents to the table. Boakye is a dermatologist, Slowe is a lawyer and Okunseinde has a background in sales and marketing. What they all share in common: knowing of the power of shea butter. They grew up using the beloved skin saver in its unrefined form and wanted to create their own comparable version free of chemicals and synthetic ingredients. There’s lip balm, body cream and hand cream that all have hydrating shea butter sustainably sourced from Ghana.
LivSo
Developed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham, LivSo is an expertly crafted skincare and haircare brand whose product range includes scalp lotions, shampoos and conditioners. Formulated from natural ingredients, like coconut oil, German chamomile flower, shea butter and aloe vera, their scalp moisturizing lotion has a lightweight feel that will leave your hair feeling non-greasy, fresh and healthy. Dr. Graham developed her brand after realizing that scalp irritation is a gateway to hair loss. She saw the embarrassment and emotional distress that this ailment causes, so she made LivSo to help people live healthily, confidently and beautifully.
Brown Girl Jane
Founded by Malaika Jones, Brown Girl Jane is a plant-based wellness and beauty brand whose product range includes skincare, candles, fragrances and more. The entirety of Brown Girl Jane’s collection is ethically sourced, cruelty-free and vegan.
Hunny Bunny Boutique
Hunny Bunny Boutique, started by 12-year-old Nya and 7-year-old Zuri, creates handmade products that are designed for all families. There are a ton of body bar options to choose from, including ones with some delicious scents, like chocolate and vanilla and cherry almond swirl.
Mayvenn
Founded by Diishan Imira, Mayvenn seeks to offer top-quality products and a top-notch online purchasing experience. Mayvenn offers virgin Indian straight hair that comes in multiple colors and lengths that'll suit all your weave needs.
Ecoslay
Since 2015, Adria Marshall has created products for her haircare line Ecoslay. The brand was created with the idea of using ingredients that are good for you and also respect the environment. From curl defining gel to moisturizing cleansers and lush conditioners, Ecoslay has something for every hair texture and type.
Furniture
Sabai is making buying furniture a feel-good experience. The company uses materials that are all sustainable, and there’s no sacrificing style. Everything is crafted in a family-owned factory in North Carolina, and shoppers can customize their furniture as well. Pick free fabric swatches first, then order your piece (sectionals, love seats, ottomans and more) that will be made to order.
Jungalow
Justina Blakeney believes that it’s the living energies that make a house a home. That means the people, the plants and the pets. Justina wants the pieces she offers to encourage her customers to bring some creative energy into their spaces and add a jolt of mood-boosting color while they’re at it. Jungalow offers everything from bedding to planters to prints to help spread Justina’s “jungalicious” vibes. Even better? At least two trees are planted with every order.
Edloe Finch
Darryl Sharpton is a former NFL star who, after playing football for five seasons, decided to pursue his passion: furniture. He joined forces with his wife, Jessica, who has a background designing custom homes, to create their furniture company Edloe Finch. Together, they’ve made it a mission to “bring soulful, stylish furniture to customers at a really great price,” says Sharpton.
YHD x Mikel Welch
Mikel Welch may have a thriving interior design company in New York and outfit the homes of celebrities today, but as a kid in Southfield, Michigan, he had to use Legos to create furniture for imaginary houses. That was surely a sign of his destiny. Most recently, he’s created modern statement-making pieces with Yosemite Home Décor (YHD) that’ll bring sophistication to any space.
Albany Park
Darryl and Jessica Sharpton founded Albany Park in 2017, after the couple had a difficult time finding a couch. Thus, Albany Park was born. It seeks to help eliminate the fatigue and stress for sofa shoppers. The brand offers sectionals, loveseats, armchairs and ottomans that are available to shop on its website.
Don't Sleep Interiors
For a statement piece that will prompt conversation, grab any pillow from woman-owned Don't Sleep Interiors on Etsy. The brand sells decorative pillows, mugs, and art that reference historical Black American figures across literature, politics and activism.
Bookstores
Semicolon Bookstore
Based in Chicago, Black woman-owned bookstore and gallery space, Semicolon Bookstore and Gallery is committed to nurturing the connection between literature, art and the pursuit of knowledge.
The Lit. Bar
The Lit. Bar opened its doors on April 27, 2019 (National Indie Bookstore Day) and is currently the only brick & mortar bookstore serving the 1.5 million people of the Boogie Down Bronx. The venue encourages curious readers and welcomes literary and community gatherings—while the wine bar connects the great pastimes of social sipping and introverted reading. The store offers a selection of general interest books, gift items and events.
Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books
Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books is a coffee shop and bookstore located in the heart of the Germantown section of Philadelphia. Founded by Marc Lamont Hill in 2017, Uncle Bobbie's was created to provide underserved communities with access to books and a space where everyone feels valued. Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books also serves high quality coffee, food products and other items like apparel and children's games.
Eyeseeme African American Children's Bookstore
The mission of Eyeseeme African American Children's Bookstore is to be a resource to parents, teachers and schools in providing the very best children’s books on the market that promote positive images and stories about African American culture and history.
Parenting
Pink Picasso
For the parents who are raising the next Michelangelo, Pink Picasso sells paint kits that will keep them busy all day. The brand, started by Ashley and Brittany Silfies, has a mission of nurturing hobbies and creating memories. Pink Picasso's paint by numbers kids were even featured in Oprah's Favorite Things.
Natemia
After the birth of their second daughter, Diana and her husband co-founded of Natemia. Their goal was to help make buying natural baby products easier for parents. That's why the Natemia team tests out products before they offer them on the site. Natemia sells hooded towels, ponchos, washcloths and bathing sets for your little bundle of joy.
Darlyng and Co.
Darlyng and Co. is an online marketplace that takes the guesswork out of picking right products for your baby. It's a Black-owned site that offers everything from essentials like clothing and blankets to other necessities like toothpaste and bottles.
King + Lola
Let's admit it. We all love when a kid is dressed to the nines. That's why King + Lola offers cute clothing that you'll love and your kids will too. The brand sells t-shirts, denim and accessories that will mesh well with their already growing wardrobes. King + Lola is also a charitable brand that gives back a portion of their proceeds to organizations and non-profits regularly.
Design Dua
Founded by Coretta Owusu, Design Dua seeks to create opportunities for rural artisans through community empowerment, education and awareness. Design Dua sells handmade bassinets to showcases the true beauty of African design. It acts as a nifty storage option when your little ones aren't so little anymore.
If you need a book recommendation, discover the new release Lift Every Voice: A Celebration of Black Lives, which features a foreword by Oprah. The collection presents interviews with the oldest generation of Black Americans about their lives, their experiences, and the wisdom that can carry all of us to a better future. Shop it at your local Black-owned bookstore or online at Bookshop.
Lift Every Voice: A Celebration of Black Lives
bookshop.org
$37.20
bookshop.orgYou Might Also Like
