Black Owned Brands We Love (And Think You Will Too)
We're celebrating Black History Month by reading and watching documentaries and films about this vast and important topic, but we also want to do all we can to make an impact on the present and future, rather than just focus on the past.
One simple and actionable thing we can all do is allocate some of our spending power towards Black-owned businesses by buying things that we actually need and want.
Here are just a select few of the brands our team loves...
GOLDE
Superfood Health & Beauty
In the words of co-founder Trinity: "At the heart of it, we believe that being well should feel good. That means products that look good, taste good, and help you feel like your best self. I co-founded Golde with my partner Issey Kobori in 2017 with the mission of bringing good vibes to the wellness industry. We're an independent, Brooklyn-born brand centered in making superfood-boosted essentials for health and beauty. Our products are always natural, easy, and (most importantly) fun."
BROTHER VELLIES
Shoes & Accessories
Brother Vellies was founded in 2013 with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices, and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs. Now handmade artisanally across the globe, Brother Vellies creates luxury accessories that celebrate cultural histories and timeless design.
Toronto-native and New York City-transplant, Creative Director and Founder Aurora James amassed an impressive resume of fashion industry experience prior to starting Brother Vellies. Her background in fashion, journalism, art, music, photography, and horticulture joins a forever-passion for artisanship, design, and humanitarianism to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces that will remain in your wardrobe forever.
Their stunning creations are definitely on the pricier side, but you can get in on the artisanal action with the "Something Special" monthly subscription and receive a surprise sustainably and ethically made comfort, designed with love to be enjoyed inside your home.
CHECK OUT SOMETHING SPECIAL HERE >
Aurora also happens to be the powerhouse behind the Fifteen Percent Pledge.
BENEATH YOUR MASK
Skincare & Haircare
In the words of founder Dana: "Beneath Your Mask was created as a skin, body, and hair rejuvenation line designed to restore, repair, and reverse the toxic effects of environmental hazards, health challenges, stress, and the damage done from countless other unforgiving aspects of our lifestyles. Along with sharing inspiration from my own personal healing journey, I also wanted to share the luxurious products I began crafting to nourish, revitalize, and transform my skin and hair. Many would be surprised at how toxic the products we’re accustomed to using everyday can be. Our skin is our largest organ and we need to feed it with the best. On a quest to find the absolute best products that didn’t compromise on ANY level, Beneath Your Mask was created."
oui the people
Bodycare
"With OUI the People came a mission: The reConstitution of Beauty is our commitment to 'watch our language.' No brand is just a brand. Clearly. Brands inform culture and language, as beauty has done for decades. We believe beauty shouldn’t come at the expense of our psyche. Rather than pursuing flawlessness, we aim to build efficacious products, designed thoughtfully, that help you feel great in the skin you’re already in."
Ivy's TEA CO.
"We believe the holistic health beverage industry should reflect all cultures, all people. Not just those who are blond or do yoga. The current tea market is boring, stiff and whitewashed. We're bringing Hip-Hop culture to herbal tea, making it relatable and fun to drink, too. Plus our tea is actually good for you. No cap."
homebody
"At Homebody we want you to feel at home in your body and enjoy life the way it was intended to be. So we will always create products to help you thrive and reveal a happier, healthier - you.
We believe in wellness that brings about joy, big results and a way of making that moment of self-care special. Each bathing experience we formulate is carefully handcrafted (small batch + made from scratch) and perfected with zero compromises, short-cuts or toxins -leaving only amazing results."
SHOP | FOLLOW
Goodnight darling Co.
Beauty + Wellness + Herbal Apothecary
Goodnight Darling Co. is self-described "Lifestyle Brand Dedicated To Teaching Women 👩🏾👩🏻👩🏼 How To Sleep Well" - now this is a cause we can all get behind.
The brand's founder has suffered from insomnia and depression and her research led her to develop and share her regimen.
"Sleep is not a luxury and that is why we're here. We're here to help you get some sleep."
Don't forget to also check out local Black-owned businesses near you - these shops and restaurants need your support now more than ever.
And remember, besides shopping, simply following and engaging on social media and signing up for newsletters is a great (and free) way to show brands and businesses some much needed love.
Happy Black History Month, EVOLVhers - we hope this roundup has inspired you to discover some new faves!
