Being an ally to the black community and being actively anti-racist comes in many forms: from protesting and speaking out against injustice, to opening your purse strings and supporting black-owned businesses and non-profits. Since I am 9,500 miles and don’t have the option to join the demonstrations, I’ve chosen instead to make donations to Campaign Zero, the Black Voters Matter Fund, and the Gianna Floyd Fund. In addition, I’ve pulled together this (very) small list of black-owned creators making beautiful clothing, art, home wares, and more. Black business owners face disproportionate financial hurdles which are predicted to worsen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now is the time to step up and support black-owned businesses.
I encourage you to check out these shops, and make a purchase if you have the means (come on, you know all you’ve really been doing in quarantine is online shop anyway).
A small and well-curated selection of handmade vintage and custom pieces.
Artist Kenesha Sneed creates ceramics and illustrations that are candy for the eye. Having grown up on the West Coast, Sneed’s goal was to create functional ceramic pieces that combined her love for illustration with a California aesthetic.
A sustainable and ethical apparel brand that designs everyday wear and special occasion garments “with an urban edge and tasteful aura.”
A women’s wear brand focusing on high end tops and bodysuits, as well as minimalist jewelry.
A fashion brand making handmade clothes and jewelry, and featuring a sophisticated vintage collection.
Influenced by the cultural commonalities of ancient civilizations through their use of materials, architecture, woven textiles and symbols, this artist and textile designer creates home pieces that celebrate texture, and the organic, natural forms found in nature.
A bespoke floral design studio located in Los Angeles. The florist’s unique point of view, sense of humor, craftsmanship and dedication to his community come to life in every bouquet.
Beautiful jewelry brand initially launched in Brooklyn, and now run out of California. Stick with the above link and don’t make the mistake I made of clicking on the first Google search result; otherwise, you’ll end in a deep abyss of Catholic adornments.
A conceptual lifestyle brand created for the “multifaceted woman that embodies a love for travel and style.”
A botanic-based collection of “high-performance” skincare and multi-purpose self-care products.
Handmade ceramics brand based in Columbus, OH. One review says “they make the dreamiest mugs I’ve ever seen.”
A lifestyle ceramics brand that draws inspiration from the artist’s Sudanese and Somali ancestry while embracing a wider exploration of history, womanhood, and community.
Another Brooklyn name. This one, a lifestyle store (with a coffee shop, if you’re in town!) focusing on emerging womenswear and lifestyle brands.
High quality bed sheets—the sweetest luxury of life!
Handcrafted shoes and handbags from South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya & Morocco. Founded with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices, and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs.
Housewares, kitchen goods, zines, and trinkets bursting with color and spunk that I definitely don’t require, but absolutely need.
A sustainable textile designer based in Cape Town founded by an artist with a Masters in Design for Textile Futures.
Simply put…a beautiful vintage collection.
The Ghanaian and Jamaican owners put their love of arts, music and life into their concept of wearable art. Each piece is hand-printed and hand-painted.
A unisex collection of hats for those “seeking to boldly create their own style.”
A sassy swimwear and beachwear brand based in Los Angeles, California.
Beautiful and luxurious lingerie and loungewear owned and designed by my former college roommate and close friend!
An organic home and body goods shop with an aim to “better the lives of all involved, from skin to soul.” A recommendation from my Teta Tanya (thank you!).
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list. If there are other brands you’d like to see added, please leave a comment below. Let’s continue to do what we can to build a movement that brings all of us to the front.
xx,
Sam
