With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s easy to get lost in chocolates and flowers. And while my husband and I don’t go “all out” for one day of love when we celebrate it all year long, I do like getting him something nice. And since so much focus is generally on the women, I decided to pull together these 11 black owned businesses you can shop for your man this Valentine’s Day (or really, any special occasion for that matter).
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. While they are currently sold out of December boxes, you can sign up now to get their January box.
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.
Mo’s Bows:
I first learned about Mo’s Bows through reading The Power of Broke by Daymond John, in which he was featured. 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 favorite is the “My Wife’s Husband is Awesome” and “My Husband’s Wife is Awesome” tees. Hubby and I get a lot of compliments when we wear them.
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: A Shampoo and African Black Soap Bar, ADeep Conditioner, An ACV Mist, a leave in Conditioner, a Butter and a Styling Cream.
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. Be sure to check out the after shave.
Bevel:
I first learned about Bevel and the Creator/Founder, Tristan Walker through my Facebook newsfeed. The headline read, “Black Owned Shaving Company “Bevel” Turns Down 1.5 Billion Dollar Buyout Offer From Industry Leader Gillette”.
I immediately clicked around, read the story then made a dash to his website which is impeccable. Let’s just say, this is the first Christmas purchase for hubby. Bevel offers a monthly membership (currently at $19.95) and is a five-part shaving system that boosts smoother, irritation-free skin.
Solo Noir:
I 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.
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. Benson Watch is also one of the featured products on PurchaseBlack.com which is the only place you can currently get these watches, as they work on new designs that will be released in the new year (click here for my full review and photos). And their motto hits home: “Time should be spent doing what you love, our timepieces are simply conduits to drive that message to the masses.”
Tsu Rag:
This unique product is a stringless durag which was designed around a plan to counter every issue with the traditional durag. 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.
Mobile Grip Gear:
Hey fellas, no more worrying about what to do with, or where to put your smartphone when you’re working out. Mobile Grip Gear has got you covered. Take 30% off plus free shipping when you order in time for the holidays.
Sleep is for Suckers:
These t-shirt line was created for the entrepreneur or anyone that has lost sleep doing what they love. Founded in 2010 by David Shands, this brand has grown exponentially and is now known all over the world. If your man gets his hustle and grind on, he’ll love the messages these tees bring.
BMWK, how are you spoiling your man this Valentine’s Day?