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Complied by Christine St. Vil, Lamar Tyler, Martine Foreman and Nina Hemphill Reeder
The power of the black consumer dollar is expected to reach $1.4 trillion dollars by the end of 2020. We already represent the largest minority group of consumers, but are we using our power to our advantage?
For years, our community activists have been imploring us to wield our financial power to create the change we want to see in our communities. So let’s band together to support black-owed businesses. Instead of freely contributing to companies who don’t value our dollar and don’t respect our issues, let’s make a dedicated effort to invest and circulate our money into black-owed business. Maybe one day our financial power will be the go-to tool to utilize whenever we desire change.
50+ Black-Owned Businesses to Support Today
[/tps_header]Bevel
We first learned about Bevel and the Creator/Founder, Tristan Walker through Facebook. The headline read, “Black-Owned Shaving Company “Bevel” Turns Down 1.5 Billion Dollar Buyout Offer From Industry Leader Gillette.” Bevel offers a subscription service (starting at $29.95) and is a five-part shaving system that boosts smoother, irritation-free skin.
Brown Estate Winery
A bottle of wine goes a long way as a gift for any wine lover. A family-owned winery that’s been in Napa Valley for more than 30 years, Brown Estate offers wines that make a perfect gift for guys and ladies alike. This is a great way to surprise the wine lover in your life and enjoy a romantic dinner at home together.
Eden Body Works
Founded in 2004 by then-13-year-old Jasmine Lawrence, EDEN BodyWorks is still made with the same natural ingredients the founder used from the start. With no petroleum, mineral oils or sodium sulfates, EDEN BodyWorks’ product lines strengthen and repair all hair textures – whether relaxed, natural, or somewhere in between.
Effie’s Paper
This is perfect for the woman who loves the traditional nature of letter writing and stationery. Effie’s paper offers gorgeous stationery sets, as well as other items that ignite a joyful response. Founded by lifestyle guru, Kalyn Johnson Chandler, Effie’s paper makes me smile every time.
Koils by Nature
Koils by Nature was founded by Pamela Jenkins, a native of Beaufort, SC. Her goal is to provide her customers with exceptional, high quality, all natural hair and skin care products at an affordable price. Koils by Nature also offers a beard kit that includes cleanser and shaving foam, moisturizer and beard butter.
Maya India Natural
MayaIndia products are dessert-inspired bath and body treats that look and smell good enough to eat. They like to call them their Handmade Dessert for Your Skin. Maya India (named after their two daughters) takes great care to create authentic replications of your favorite dessert items. But although their products are made primarily with natural ingredients, please refrain from eating them (they really do look good enough to eat)!
Dapper Black Box
This black-owned family business is a subscription box for the conscious gentleman. They make supporting the black economy simple and rewarding by assembling the latest fashion accessories from black-owned business and delivering them to you at an extremely low cost every month.
Sistah Buttah
This moisture blend was created by Atlanta-based natural hair blogger Stacey Taylor a.k.a. The Sistah Chick. It’s an all natural, handmade Shea Butter blend that is light, smells wonderful and contains ingredients to give your hair, skin and scalp what it needs to stay healthy, shiny and hydrated!
The Bloom Beautifully Box
The Bloom Beautifully Box, founded by self-care coach Tara Pringle Jefferson, will help you make self-care a priority without giving it a second thought. With items sourced from small businesses around the country, each self-care box will nurture your mind, body and spirit in the ways that matter most. And with the subscription, she will also get access to monthly power calls with self-care experts.
Gentleman’s Choice Kollection
Update your sock drawer and get hand-crafted swagger with this black-owned company. They have multiple packages available to fit your style needs, including various custom sock kollections.
WeMontage was founded by James Oliver, Jr. The right atmosphere can make you feel loved, happy, inspired and productive. Offering removable photo wallpaper, and now other creative lifestyle items, you will find the perfect montage to say, “I love you.” Look for a few cute pictures of you with your boo and visit WeMontage today.
Mo’s Bows
The Power of Broke by Daymond John featured Mo’s Bows. This young man started his bowtie business at the age of 9 when he couldn’t find any fun, cool bowties. So what would any normal kid at his age do? Well, Mo decided to start making his own using fabric he found from his grandma’s scraps.
Marriage Tees
Yes, men want to share their love for their wives – just not in a cheesy way. And Marriage Tees allows them to do just that. “My Wife’s Husband is Awesome” and “My Husband’s Wife is Awesome” are favorites. AND FULL DISCLOSURE: Marriage Tees are owned and operated by BMWK founders Ronnie and Lamar Tyler.
Natty Naturals
This company started by a husband and wife duo has created an extensive line of products to include an entire healthy hair regimen of natural goodies. Products free of mineral oil, petroleum, phthalates, parabens, propylene glycol and other harsh ingredients. Products that can be used on diverse hair types of all ethnicities and all ages as many of our customers are.
Solo Noir
We first learned of this brand through Purchase Black on Periscope. These products offer “cutting-edge technologies that unify organic and all-natural ingredients.” They are on a mission to provide gentlemen with a simple grooming system.
Glassy Brown Cookies
Who doesn’t love a good tasting cookie? With more than eight flavors to choose from, you’re bound to find the one that’s right for you. They also offer cookie tins and holiday cookie specials to make your shopping a little easier. AND THEY SHIP!
Naturalicious
Led by founder Gwen Jimmere, this easy-to-use, 4-step system was recently named one of the top 6 black-owned beauty brands by Black Enterprise Magazine. The all-natural, all in-one, complete hair care system was designed to take you from wash to style in one hour or less. No more blocking out your entire day to wash, condition, deep condition, moisturize and style your hair.
Benson Watch
This black-owned watch company created by Marcel Benson, blends fashion, function and style with these three-in-one watches (that are also unisex). But they sell out quickly.
Tsu Rag
This unique product is a stringless do-rag, which was designed around a plan to counter every issue with the traditional rag. The TsuRag uses a unique front-to-back, back-to-front support system. The front-to-back support replaces the string that is infamous for causing headaches, line impressions and dark marks in the forehead.
The Silver Room
Based in Chicago, The Silver Room offers jewelry for men and women. They even offer a few vinyl options for the music lover in your life, which I think is pretty darn cool. If you are looking for something that is simple, yet unique, this may be where you’ll find it.
Urban Intimates
Founded by Psyche Terry, Urban Intimates was made with the curvy woman in mind and offers a lingerie line that women can wear with pride and boldness. We all know that a lingerie gift is really not just for one person. Visit Urban Intimates to see if they offer anything that will make your honey (and you) smile.
Jay Gray Brand
Today’s men have more essential items—wallet, cell phone, tablet, laptop, etc. So when his briefcase looks archaic and his gym bag looks foul (and you’ve refused to carry any more of his items in your purse), then the best option to keep all his items together is with a multi-purpose bag of his own. These handcrafted genuine leather bags from Jay Gray Brand are both stylish and make great companions for a day at the office or a weekend getaway.
Candid Art Accessories
Founded by designer Candice Cox, CanDid Art offers pieces that are as beautiful as they are bold. With several options to choose from, these chic designs definitely make a powerful statement.
Gabby Bows
FINALLY! A girls’ hair barrette that won’t disappear! The double-face, double-snap barrette by was invented by a 7 year old and her mom. These barrettes are the truth!
Products True
There’s not much to say here other than, did you know a black owned laundry detergent company even existed? Well they do! And the best part? This detergent is probably a lot cheaper than the one you’re currently using AND it doesn’t have any harmful ingredients.
Ujamaa Box
This monthly subscription box brings you accessible, affordable and carefully curated products from black-owned companies. It encourages the economic exchange among entrepreneurs and businesses within the black community. Ujamaa Box allows you to support several black-owned businesses with one single (or monthly) purchase.
ChariT’s Inspirational Creations
Chari Twitty Hawkins is the CEO and founder of ChariT’s Inspirational Creations, which produces unique handmade and hand-stamped inspirational faith-based Christian jewelry, key chains, printables, and more!
Silky Wraps
These stylish and cute satin bonnets come in various sizes to accommodate any hair length—and even children. Now you can protect your hair and sleep pretty in the process.
Naturally Me And You
Whether you’re looking for eczema cream, dish washing detergent, disinfectant spray, carpet cleaner or even wood cleaner – this site has you covered. Founder, Rita Pardo has an expansive knowledge when it comes to natural products. So, if you’re looking for something for your home, chances are, you’ll find it here.
Constant Covering
A beautiful head wrap makes any day a “good hair day.” And to make it even better? A head wrap that is already pre-tied. From founder Shawn Clarke, that’s exactly what Constant Covering offers – uniquely designed, stylish and classy head wraps that come ready to wear.
House of Moruka
These stylish, handcrafted handbags are made by Julian Gravesande. She decided to mix her love of fashion and handbags to create this one-of-a-kind brand. Shop for beautifully crafted clutches, totes and jewelry.
Jamari’s Jewels
This is a one-of-a-kind customized Swarovski product business, which specializes in custom cell phone and tablet cases. These jeweled creations are handmade by Jamari Jaffe.
Curl Collection
Curl Collection is a hair and beauty brand designed to make embracing your natural hair a fun, sexy and confidence-boosting experience. All of their products smell like rich dark chocolate and will arouse your senses making you fall in LUST…ahem, we mean LOVE!!
African Ancestry
Founded in 2003 by Dr. Rick Kittles and Gina Paige, African Ancestry is the world leader in tracing maternal and paternal lineages of African descent. With a database of more than 30,000 indigenous African samples, the genealogy company can trace ancestry to specific countries and specific African tribes.
Liquid Courage Cosmetics
Liquid Courage takes pride in serving the everyday woman. This cosmetics line focuses on lip sticks and lip lacquers.
FlameKeepers Hat Club
Popular among celebrities and New York sartorialists, this Harlem-based hat store is turning heads around the world. If you’re not in NYC, no worries. Owner Marc Williamson plans on opening an e-commerce site soon.
From paper towels, to bathroom tissue, Kleenex, napkins and even trash bags (plus so much more), you can get it all right here from this Baltimore-based company from CEO Kamose Muhammad.
BAABS Beauty
B.A.A.B.S. products are a hypoallergenic and cruelty-free professional grade cosmetic line. Their products are designed to give great color and long-lasting staying power by providing highly-pigmented makeup made from high-quality ingredients.
CoCo’Pie Clothing
Coco’Pie Clothing has the perfect tees to celebrate #BlackGirlMagic for little brown girls, aiming to promote self-esteem and the power of self-recognition.
Jewels of Jordan
Gabrielle Jordan began creating jewelry at the age of 7 after watching an instructional video on YouTube. She originally sold her designs to friends and family, but after launching her business, she expanded her platform to sell at local seminars and workshops. In June of 2011, she launched her online store due to high demand, and she has become a highly sought-after guest inside and outside the DC metropolitan area.
Veggie Cakes
Vegan gourmet desserts are redefined by founder Andrea Smith. Based in New York City, these gourmet vegan desserts include flavors, such as Sweet Potato, Tahiti Sweetie and Caramel Chris. Note: they only deliver to the New York City area.
Kidz Mic
Hailing from a musical family, in which family members have performed as musicians, DJs and backup singers for acts such as Kirk Franklin, the Isley Brothers and George Clinton’s Parliament Funkadelic, this young brother and sister duo were bound to have their music roots too. At age 8, Lil Jazz and her 6-year-old brother Sonic helped to found Kidz Mic, which provides wholesome music with a positive message for kids.
Inspirado
Founder Alex Miller set out to make inspirational wall art, shower curtains, prints and mugs, which incorporate beautiful design with powerful words. We all know words are powerful. And you probably have similar products around your house. Now, you can shop Inspirado and know you’re supporting not only a small business, but a black-owned business.
Cake Buzz
Sean Allen, also known as the Cake Bartender® insists you should “Have Your Cake and Drink It Too!” He will amaze you with more than 500 flavors of wine and liqueur cakes. Wet your palate with a drunkin’ peach cobbler or a tipsy sweet potato pie made with vanilla schnapps. And yes, they do ship!
Timeless Treasures
This is faith-based company from founder Shenine Wiggs, which specializes in apparel, mugs, beaded and handmade/hand-stamped jewelry for the whole family. They also make custom girl headbands and floral crowns.
The Privélege
From owners Kingsley Duah and Mario Rijfkogel, this men’s apparel company makes high-end custom suits, sport coats, ready-to-wear shirts and high-fashion accessories. Their simple customized garment process makes it easy for men to submit their measurements and received their perfectly-tailored product within two to four weeks.
The Dyna Smiles
The demand for trendy and chic products that reflect people of color is steadily growing in the market place. However, finding such likeable and relateable designs still pose a challenge for today’s multi-cultural consumer. To answer the call, Daveia Odoi of DNT Dynamite Design, LLC (a New Jersey- based graphic design studio) created The DynaSmiles by DNT, which sells a refreshingly collection of paper goods, everyday accessories, apparel, cell phone cases (like the image below) and much more.
Capital City Co
Owners Charles and Arsha Jones took one of D.C.’s best kept secrets nationwide— Mambo sauce. Now customers can enjoy the sweet and tangy flavor of the popular regional sauce with Capital City Co, which ships orders to nearly anywhere in the world.
Luma Diamond Consultants
Gemologist Jean Luma and his team of consultants, designers and bench jewelers create custom fine jewelry. Though based in the Wilmington, Del. (just outside Philadelphia), clients can shop for pieces online with the full comfort that Luma stands behind his quality and craftsmanship.
Jin+Ja
Touting the power of ginger, owner Reuben Canada introduced Jin+Ja to the world as a multi-purpose, therapeutic elixir. But as it not only helps with hangovers, fatigue, sore muscles, metabolism and more, it also tastes great. And it’s now been featured on shows, such as The Doctors and NBC News.
[tps_footer]BMWK, let’s add to the list. Name your favorite black-owned businesses and products?[/tps_footer]