Buying from Black-owned businesses and brands is one of the many ways you can be an active ally. Your support can make a huge difference, especially when you continuously choose to buy Black for all of your everyday necessities like beauty products, clothes, food, and more.
Today I wanted to share some amazing brands and businesses that I hope you get the chance to learn about and support. Because of my job, I get to work with a few of the below brands who are all founded by amazing, driven and passionate entrepreneurs. As I was doing my own research, I came across some additional exciting and empowering businesses that I know you’ll all immediately fall in love with!
Here are a few more resources that have LOTS more brands to discover and support; read here & here!
BEAUTY
BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY – BREAD was founded and developed by Maeva Heim, a pioneer in the curl hair space, who created a hair care line that empowers women to embrace their natural curls. Her story is so unique and genuine, you can learn more about her here!
Your hair is all you. Whether it’s curly or coily. Braids or bangs. Top knot or twisted, tied up or let loose. Afro, bun, low pony. Box braid or bantu. Cornrows or #QuarantineCurls. BREAD makes haircare basics for not-so-basic hair, however you choose to wear it. Whether you’re looking to transition away from relaxer, or you’ve already been doing your own thing for a minute, we want you to spend less time on wash-day and more time on anything else. Do more. Do less. Do whatever. Do you. Get it?
I don’t necessarily have curly hair but I’m a huge fan of the Hair Oil Everyday Gloss! It smells to die for and the formula is enriched with native Australian ingredients for hydration, nourishment and shine. It truly can be used on all hair types!
ADWOA BEAUTY – Adwoa Beauty was founded and developed by Julian Addo. Adwoa, a name designated for females originating from the akan day naming system, means born on a Monday and is the traditional name of founder, Julian. Adwoa Beauty is a modern, clean and gender-neutral beauty brand that caters to multicultural hair textures.
Buying hair products is a choice, not a command. We’ve created a highly effective collection of products with ingredients that are concentrated, working with nature and science to bring you results.
The blend of mints and butters in Julian’s formulas are out of this world! A truly sensorial experience in the shower which results in ultra hydrated and defined hair.
BRIOGEO – You’ve probably heard about Briogeo if you’ve been shopping at Sephora for a while. Inspired by the family tradition of making natural beauty products from scratch in her kitchen and the belief that beauty shouldn’t be compromised by harsh or harmful ingredients, founder Nancy Twine launched Briogeo. Listen to more about her story & why she created Briogeo here and here!
The name is derived by Brio meaning “full of life” and Geo representing “earth and nature”. Combining the best nature has to offer to revive hair to its most balanced state, these high-performing formulas are free of SLS, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and silicones. Instead, they are infused with the finest blends of natural plant and fruit extracts, oils, and antioxidants.
I love so many of Briogeo’s products but a few of my favorites is the Don’t Despair Repair Mask, Avocado Kiwi Mask and Scalp Revival Shampoo!
PAT MCGRATH LABS – Mother Pat. Icon and true visionary in the beauty industry known for her visionary looks has blessed us all with the most gorgeous and lust-worthy makeup line.
“This is the golden age of makeup. PAT McGRATH LABS is my Golden Revolution. The entire planet is just as cosmetics obsessed as I’ve always been. Makeup is a movement. Makeup is mesmerizing. Makeup is major. Mantra-esque, three words have repeated over and over in my mind ever since I was young. Obsession. Inspiration. Addiction. Those words became my guiding principles, my manifesto as I brought this brand to life . I wanted to capture, in a quartet of exquisite palettes, 50 legendary lipsticks, a divine dozen eyeliners and five fetish-worthy lip pencils, The Power of Transformation, The Power of Beauty; The Power of Makeup.” – Pat McGrath
From her lip glosses to her eyeshadows, everything she’s launched is incredible from the formulations to the pigmentation and lasting power. Obsessed with her Lust Lip Glosses, Mothership Bronze Seduction Palette and Dark Star Volumizing Mascara.
FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA – Another icon in the beauty industry; Fenty! Rihanna created Fenty Beauty “so that women everywhere would be included,” focusing on a wide range of traditionally hard-to-match skin tones, developing formulas that work for all skin types, and pinpointing universal shades.
Her vision, above all, is to inspire: “Makeup is there for you to have fun with. It should never feel like pressure. It should never feel like a uniform. Feel free to take chances, and take risks, and dare to do something new or different.”
Her entire range is SO good but my top pick from the brand is by far her Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizers. The formula is truly the best on the market when it comes to lip gloss; comfortable, not sticky, perfectly shiny and comes in the most universal shade range that truly anyone can pull off and look good in.
SHANI DARDEN SKIN CARE – Shani’s skin care line launched at Sephora in 2020 and it offers high performance formulas for truly glowing results.
Shani Darden is one of the top estheticians in Los Angeles, trusted by discerning A-list faces to keep their skin fresh, flawless, and glowing. Shani’s simple yet seriously effective skin care line—starring her cult-favorite Retinol Reform™ serum—features high performance formulas that deliver real results. Once available only through her LA studio, Shani is now sharing her proven formulas and trusted expertise so people everywhere can achieve their best skin.
I’ve only tried one product from the brand so far, her iconic Retinol Reform, and I can honestly say I’ll never go trough my skincare routine without it. I even mentioned it in my 2020 skincare favorites, it’s THAT GOOD. It’s dramatically transformed the look and feel of my skin after just a few weeks of using. It is a more intense level of retinol so if you’re new to trying out, I would gradually work into your routine!
WELLNESS
K’DARA – Top quality CBD products you can trust! K’dara wants to help you unlock the true power. Formulated by a pharmacist and always providing the highest quality, full spectrum, pharmaceutical grade products. Katrina, founder of K’Dara, is a Cardiovascular ICU Nurse who saw firsthand the debilitating effects of chronic pain and sleeplessness. She offers multiple types of CBD, from tinctures and oils to creams and even gummies.
WINE
MCBRIDE SISTERS – I first heard and learned about the McBride Sisters when we had a Red Bag Speaker event at work! Both Robin and Andréa came to the Sephora offices to share their story and chat about their path to being winemakers in a truly white dominated industry and how they worked hard to break barriers daily to get where they are today.
Their vision is simple: “To transform the wine industry into one that is inclusive, approachable, and accessible’.
Their story is one of a kind and their path to entrepreneurship is also extremely empowering and inspiring. On top of that, they make some kick ass wine! They have a couple different collections but my favorite is the Black Girl Magic Riesling and Rose. Definitely worth checking out, especially for the sharp price point they retail at!
THE SIP SOCIETY – The Sip Society is such a cool monthly subscription box. For all you champagne lovers that don’t want to break the bank or you just want to try a wide range of bubbles, this is the box for you! Founded by Erica and Catherine, they wanted to bring the experience of Napa, Reims and Epernay straight to your door without breaking the bank.
We understand that access to these special places are limited but we don’t believe their craftsmanship should be. We take Sippers on a full journey of discovery with champagne and sparkling wines from around the world. We provide an in home tasting experience that is fun and easy. It’s the gift of joy, elegance and style all in one box.
You never have to commit to buying an expensive bottle of wine anymore without trying it! Once you find your favorites, you’ll also be ablate receive full size bottle credits so you can stock up on your new favorites, so cool!
JEWELRY
OMA THE LABEL – I’m so happy I stumbled upon Oma The Label. Created by a New York based fashion stylist, Neumi Anekhe in 2018, she saw a need for more brands to represent people of color and wanted to help diversify the markets. She wanted to be part of the change in imagery and flip the predominant representation that we see in fashion today.
The brand focused on challenging homogenous industry standards, while creating quality and affordable pieces for the everyday woman.
Her pieces are gorgeous and truly timeless which I adore. I meannnnn, the Tennis Collection and the Ameze Hoops?! So beautiful & I need immediately.
STELLA & HAAS – Another beautiful jewelry brand that I found is Stella & Haas. Founded by Jenni in 2019, her mission truly is to offer dope accessories for all. She wants everyone to find beautiful and affordable pieces to help you feel fresh and powerful because jewelry is something that fits everyone, no matter the stage of life.
As a biracial Black woman who was raised in Utah, Jenni knows all too well how necessary representation, diversity, and equality are, especially for youth like her teenaged daughter, so she strives to make Stella & Haas a place where everyone feels welcome and appreciated.
She offers necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and other accessories so truly, something for everyone! I have my eye on the Vivian Plus and the Taylah, such classic piece that can be worn daily.
CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES
NUDE BARRE – Erin Carpenter, a professional dancer turned her frustrations into solutions with her wide range of undergarments for everyone.
Resilient intimates made durable for dance, performance, and everyday wear!
Offering everything from thongs and bralettes to tights and face masks, they come in a wide range of 13 shades, guaranteed for you to find the perfect shade for you. They also have a great quiz that will help you find your perfect shade!
MIE – Obsessed with the dresses by Mie is an understatement. The brand is all about consciously made fashion pieces that are designed to be nature-friendly.
Our focus is on resort wear, made with natural and biodegradable fabrics, that are breathable, elegant and functional, for conscious women and all women with refined taste. All our clothes are locally made by seamstresses and artisans here in Lagos, Nigeria where we are based.
Not only do I love that the dresses are made maxi style that would be flattering on everyone, but they come in gorgeous colors from neutrals to vibrant pops of pink, yellow and red.
SILKED – In our current state of the pandemic, everyone should be wearing masks and of course, want to find something comfortable and hey, why not fashionable!
Silked was founded in Los Angeles, Calif., by Phoenix Gonzalez and Sandra McCurdy. Our company’s innovative beauty sleep products launched Christmas of 2017. Driven by a desire to share a more environmentally responsible, innovative, and travel-friendly pillow sleeve that would offer a convenient and versatile way to boost beauty sleep.
Silked has some beautiful colored silk masks and mask chains which will definitely amp up your look in an effortless way. They also carry silk pillows and eye masks, DREAMY!
HOME/ART
TAL & BERT – Tal & Bert was founded in February 2020 by husband & wife duo, Ray & Val Talbert. Their beautiful art pieces combined their shared love of outdoors, recreational mining, and art. All of their designs are made from hand poured concrete that have also been sculpted by hand in small batches.
Our work is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, finding the beauty in imperfections. We take the cracks and breakages in the concrete and turn them in to designs inspired by minerals we mine.
The Mod Planters and Bougie Parfumees are so gorgeous and the prettiest art pieces for your home or office.
BOOKS
BRAVE + KIND BOOKS – I discovered Brave + Kind Bookshop while I was finding educational material to learn more about allyship last year.
A thoughtfully curated little neighborhood kids bookshop. A unique selection of inclusive, classic, artful stories, story clubs + special gifts.
What’s special about this diverse bookshop is the amount of options they have for all age groups. For early readers, middle grader readers, young adults and adults, there’s definitely a great find for everyone at Brave + Kind. Buy and support small!
