75+ Black-owned brands to support today and every day

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Let’s be clear: Black-owned businesses are not second-rate alternatives to their white-led counterparts. Rather, these businesses should be held in the same esteem and the concept of “shopping Black” should be second nature.

With this is mind, the list below highlights Black-owned brands that need to be on your radar. From hair care brands like Briogeo and Melanin to clothing brands like Pyer Moss and LaQuan Smith, these are the Black-owned brands to support today and every day.

P.S. Be sure to check out these Black-owned fashion brands.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

4C Only

Founder: Kim and Tim Lewis

About the Brand: 4C Only creates products with the kinkiest and coiliest of textured hair in mind. The Black-owned beauty brand carries four individual products: The Too Clean Shampoo, the Too Thicke Deep Conditioner, the Too Soft Leave-In Conditioner and the Too Slick Styling Cream. The line also lets you snag all of the 12-ounce jars in a bundle for just $70. 

Read more about 4C Only here.

AAKS

Founder: Akosua Afriyie-Kumi

About the Brand: Since launching in 2014, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi’s handbag company AAKS has become a handbag brand to watch. All of AAKS’ pieces are handmade in Ghana and thoughtfully designed. The creations “maintain the spirit and durability of their ancestral counterparts characterized by bright, exuberant colors.” These gorgeous handbags are made of “ecologically harvested” raffia and leather and take about seven days to construct. Each bag is inherently unique and has its own signature tag of authenticity.

Read more about AAKS here.

Adorned by Chi

Founder: Jacque Aye

About the Brand: Awkward Black kids hardly get a voice. However, one brand representing them loud and proud is Adorned by Chi. The “magical girl” brand is where Blerds (Black nerds), E-girls and anime lovers come to see themselves. Where the world of anime and manga are concerned, Adorned by Chi creates a magical universe with Black characters at the helm. Shoppers can follow the stories of Adaze, Gogo, Kelechi, Kairaluchukwu and Emeka in their own digital manga. Plus, Adorned by Chi carries some of the cutest Pro Black merch to embrace your inner weirdo.

Read more about Adorned by Chi here.

Adwoa Beauty

Founder: Julian Addo

About the Brand: Founded by Julian Addo, Adwoa Beauty is a gender-neutral Black-owned beauty brand that creates clean products for multicultural hair textures. Adwoa Beauty meets the “Clean at Sephora” standards, and additionally, all of the brand’s products consistently receive positive reviews.

Andrea Iyamah

Founder: Dumebi Iyamah

About the Brand: Owned by Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah, Andrea Iyamah is one of the most authentic resort brands I’ve ever seen. Filled with retro colors and modern silhouettes, the next time you’re in the market for swimwear or a chic beachside ensemble, consider this Black-owned fashion brand known for its eccentric designs.

Ayesha Curry Home

Founder: Ayesha Curry

About the Brand: Obviously Ayesha Curry is a big name in the food industry. But while you may know about her popular show and her recipes, you cannot miss her incredible cookware. It’s sold at stores like Bed Bath & BeyondMacy’s and more. Most of the pieces from this Black-owned home brand come in stylish colors like twilight teal, sienna red and brown sugar that will definitely stand out on your stove.

B Fyne

Founder: Buki Ade

About the Brand: Buki Ade has created a collection of anything-but-basic swimwear. The Nigerian-American designer and entrepreneur dreamt up B Fyne after she realized that the fashion industry was lacking unique swimwear with an emphasis on culture. Her designs have been featured on the cover of Vogue, Glamour and Sports Illustrated.

Be Rooted

Founder: Jasmin Foster

About the Brand: In 2021, Be Rooted became the first Black-owned stationery brand to be sold at Target. The brand’s founder, Jasmin Foster, makes it her mission to reset the stationery market and provide much-needed representation with designs highlighting Black women and phrases. Be Rooted’s journal designs feature a range of Black skin tones, protective hair styles and more elements related to the Black experience.

Read more about Be Rooted here.

Bephies Beauty Supply

Founder: Beth Birkett Gibbs

About the Brand: If you’re on the search for a new Black-owned brand to add to your roster, Bephies Beauty Supply is a brand you need to know. The was founded in 2020 out of a “desire to involve [the] community in the tangible elements of [Black] culture by highlighting unique brands founded by WOC artists and entrepreneurs who are redefining beauty and fashion as vivid, powerful and individual,” according to the site. Today, you’ll find everything from hair products and hand sanitizer to T-shirts and face masks on Bephies’ website.

Read more about Bephies Beauty Supply here.

Bevel

Founder: Tristan Walker

About the Brand: Bevel, a brand under African-American entrepreneur Tristan Walker’s health and beauty company Walker & Company Brands, stemmed from Walker’s frustration of not finding a razor that worked well with his unique skin and hair texture as a man with textured hair. “Shaving irritation and razor bumps [are] issues some 80% of Black men and women have globally,” he said in an interview with CNN. “If you have curly hair, this is an issue that you’re likely to face.”

Walker founded Walker & Company Brands in 2013, focusing on selling personal care products for Black and brown people. “[My] company really started out of my frustrations of not having products that I could use,” he said. From then, the brand only continued to grow, with the company releasing more products that are mainstays in many people of color’s routines.

Read more about Bevel here.

Black Girl Sunscreen

Founder: Shontay Lundy

About the Brand: If you’re of a deeper complexion, then you know caste-free sunscreens are a fairly recent advancement. Black Girl Sunscreen is just one of the pioneering Black-owned beauty brands working to deliver sun protection — without a white or purple caste — one bottle at a time. The brand carries a three-fluid ounce bottle that features a broad spectrum SPF 30 packed with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba and avocado. 

Read more about Black Girl Sunscreen here.

BLK/OPL

Founders: Desiree Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry-McKissack

About the Brand: BLK/OPL remains a veteran in the beauty game. Having been around for 25 years, the brand has amassed a loyal following of consumers that swear by its products. Currently available in more than 30 countries worldwide, BLK/OPL was founded by Jamaica native Carol Mouyiaris and her Greek husband, but officially became entirely Black-owned in 2019 when bought by businesswomen Desiree Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry-McKissack.

The skincare and beauty brand’s first product, the Advanced Dual Complex Fade Gel, first launched in 1994. Currently, its finishing powder remains one of the staples in many Black women’s makeup routines for its soft color payoff that complements the pigments in deeper skin tones.

BLK & Bold

Founders: Rod Johnson and Pernell Cezar

About the Brand: BLK & Bold is a nationally-sold Black-owned coffee brand on a mission to give back. When you purchase BLK & Bold products, five percent of all profits go to various youth organizations like Code Fever in Miami, City Growers in New York City and Comp-U-Dopt in Houston. Ultimately, every product purchased helps a young person develop their future.

Read more about BLK & Bold here.

Bolden Skincare

Founders: Chinelo Chidozie and Ndidi Obidoa

About the Brand: Marketed as “skincare for Black and brown girls,” Bolden Skincare was founded by two Black women, Chinelo Chidozie and Ndidi Obidoa. In the Bolden mission statement, the women say it exists “to embolden women like us to confidently embrace their natural beauty.” Each product is “expertly-crafted, responsibly-sourced and tailor-made” to fit the experiences of women of color. Bolden currently has a full range of skincare products including a cleanser, toner, mask, SPF-included moisturizer and treatment to fully cover any skincare routine in its entirety.

Brandon Blackwood

Founder: Brandon Blackwood

About the Brand: The Brooklyn-native designer, who launched his namesake label with a four piece collection back in 2015, has quickly grown a contemporary leather goods brand, including everything from handbags, trunks, backpacks and wallets. The Jamaican-Chinese designer only uses ethically sourced materials, and works with craftsmen in Asia, Europe and the US.

Read more about Brandon Blackwood here.

BREAD

Founder: Maeva Heim

About the Brand: Born out of Australia, there’s no question that BREAD founder Maeva Heim is changing the game. The Black-owned beauty brand creates products that specifically for textured and curly hair. The brand recognizes that all curls don’t look the same and therefore stays away from phrases like “anti-frizz.” Best-sellers from the brand include their Everyday Hair Gloss, which won an Allure Best of Beauty Award, and their new Macadamia Oil.

Read more about BREAD here.

Briogeo

Founder: Nancy Twine

About the Brand: Nancy Twine started Briogeo in her New York City apartment in 2013. Inspired by her grandmother’s beauty recipes, Twine partnered with a team of natural chemists to bring her “clean” creations to the masses. Today, Briogeo has grown into a comprehensive haircare brand that includes eight different product lines and legions of loyal fans. Briogeo’s products are available at both Sephora and Ulta; shoppers can also purchase the products at the brand’s website, briogeohair.com.

Read more about Briogeo here.

Brother Vellies

Founder: Aurora James

About the Brand: Sustainability is at the forefront of Brother Vellies, with products made with vegetable-tanned leathers, recycled tires and floral dyed feathers. Founded in 2013 with the goal of preserving traditional African design practices, this line of shoes and leather handbags quickly became one of the most coveted brands amongst fashion “it” girls and celebrities. Even Beyoncé and Zendaya are loyal fans of this Black-owned fashion brand.

Read more about Brother Vellies here.

Buttah

Founder: Dorion Renaud

About the Brand: Buttah was founded in 2018 by former “College Hill” reality star, actor, TV host and model Dorion Renaud. As outlined on the brand’s website, Renaud created the line after tirelessly searching for skincare products that addressed the specific needs of highly melanated skin. The lightbulb moment came when he discovered the “transformational properties” of Buttah’s star ingredient: raw, organic, natural shea butter. Renaud explains he created Buttah Skincare for “everyone who is searching for products that work.”

Read more about Buttah Skincare here.

Ceylon

Founder: Patrick Boateng II 

About the Brand: Started in 2017, Ceylon was developed and founded by Patrick Boateng II to fill this void in the market. The flagship collection of Ceylon products includes a three-piece skincare set that seeks to make skincare both accessible and simple for everyday use. The set includes products covering three of the main steps in any skincare routine (cleanser, toner and moisturizer), they are also sold separately.

Read more about Ceylon here.

Chloe & Chad

Founder: Aisha Besson

About the Brand: According to their site, “Chloe and Chad is an organic and natural lifestyle company creating safe and uncommon artisanal handmade goods for the whole family.” There are all-natural and organic ingredients in the brand’s skincare line. Another plus is the brand uses only premium essential oils in their skincare, never fragrance oils.

Read more about Chloe & Chad here.

Christopher John Rogers

Founder: Christopher John Rogers

About the Brand: Don’t @ me, but Christopher John Rogers is by far the most important and exciting designer to come out of New York Fashion Week in recent seasons. The 26-year-old Louisiana-born designer won the 2019 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and has since dressed everyone from Rihanna to Tracee Ellis Ross and more. Rogers’ refreshing approach to the runway comes in the form of rich fabrics and fearless, bold colors. You can shop his collection exclusively online at Net-A-Porter.

Clare

Founder: Nicole Gibbons

About the Brand: Nicole Gibbons’ goal when she started Clare, a Black-owned home brand? Simplify paint shopping. Not only does Clare offer more than 50 gorgeous paint colors, but its Color Genius tool will help you decide on the perfect color for your space just after a few questions. Once you receive your color suggestions, you can then buy Clare’s easy-to-use, peel-and-stick color swatches at only $2 each so you can test out several different shades in your home.

Read more about Clare here.

Cocotique

Founder: Dana Hill

About the Brand: Cocotique is a Black-owned subscription box that, for $25 a month, will send you a curated assortment of different beauty products, from hair care and makeup to essential everyday items. The brand highlights both established BIPOC brands as well as new and emerging brands.

Read more about Cocotique here.

Cookie Society

Founders: Marissa and Jeff Allen

About the Brand: It takes a lot of work to find the perfect cookie recipe, but Cookie Society has put in the work to create a load of them. Luckily, the Black-owned gourmet bake shop — located in Frisco, Texas — delivers it cookies nationwide so you can try them for yourself. If you want to try The Cookie Society, the bake shop has a couple options for shipping: a Classic Sampler, The Dozen and a pack of the month’s favorite flavors.

Read more about Cookie Society here.

Denniston House

Founder: Joilyn Jackson

About the Brand: Calling all vintage lovers! Founder of Denniston House, Joilyn Jackson, curates vintage home essentials, including kitchenware. Everything is one-of-a-kind, so if you see something you like, you’ll have to shop fast. (Heads up, items sell incredibly quick.)

Effortless Composition

Founder: Brittiny Terry

About the Brand: Effortless Composition offers elevated home decor — including kitchenware — created by artisans. Founder and chief interior stylist Brittiny writes on the site that “the goods you bring into your home are going to bring you joy, spark a conversation, inspire a bit of creativity, stir up a bit of obsession- and you didn’t even have to leave the house.”

Egunsi Foods

Founder: ‘Yemisi Awosan

About the Brand: New York City-based Egunsi Foods (pronounced a-goo-see) makes ready-to-heat soups, sauces and starters. Each item is inspired by Awosan’s Nigerian heritage and the recipes she grew up eating. You can eat the soups on the go, hot or cold, and use the sauces to make a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Read more about Egunsi Foods here.

Elexiay

Founder: Elyon Adede

About the Brand: This stunning resort-wear brand focuses on sustainably Nigerian craftsmanship using locally sourced yarn. With advanced crochet designs at the forefront, Elexiay’s stunning pieces are all handmade by female sartorially advanced crocheters.

Estelle Colored Glass

Founder: Stephanie Summerson Hall

About the Brand: This gem-toned glassware is best described as “jewels for your table.” It’s the passion project of Stephanie Summerson Hall who was inspired by her weekly antique adventures in South Carolina with her grandmother Estelle in the summer. The current Estelle Colored Glass collection includes an assortment of blush pink, lavender, rose, green, royal blue and more colored cake stands, stemmed wine glasses, coupe champagne glasses, stemless wine glasses and more.

Read more about Estelle Colored Glass here.

Fe Noel

Founder: Felisha Noel

About the Brand: Based in Brooklyn, Felisha Noel has quickly become one of my biggest fashion inspirations. The influence of her Caribbean heritage can easily be seen throughout her collection of vibrant and cool designs. If you’re looking to elevate your wardrobe basics, I suggest checking out Fe Essentials. From an updated take on the classic white button-down to everyday trousers, Fe Noel has you covered.

Fear of God

Founder: Jerry Lorenzo

About the Brand: Jerry Lorenzo built his pioneering streetwear label on the idea of providing people “solutions to their closet.” Lorenzo’s Fear Of God, which he launched from the ground up, is one of the originators of high-end streetwear, making its mark before it became mainstream. The brand has gone on to do major capsule collections with Nike and has developed a fanbase of loyal customers.

FINI

Founder: Dami Adepoju

About the Brand: Black-owned fashion brand FINI is unlike most sneaker brands that you’ll come across. If you take the kicks at face value, the designs are cool as is. However, what makes the brand unique is that you can destruct and reconstruct the sneakers with Fini’s shoe attachments. Depending on the shoe, the brand includes one to three separate shoe attachments to transform your kick into high tops, low tops and mid-tops with the choice of zippers or laces. Options range from the simpler Bold Desert, which features a zipper attachment, to the more elaborate Fini Classic White “Snow”, which comes with three attachments to change the height and style of the shoe itself.

Read more about FINI here.

Forvr Mood

Founder: Jackie Aina

About the Brand: As YouTube royalty and a pioneer in the online beauty space, Jackie Aina almost broke the internet with the August 2020 launch of her lifestyle brand Forvr Mood. While the makeup guru became famous for her skills in the beauty space, her true fans knew that her love for candles and luxury lifestyle products runs deep. So it was no surprise when she unveiled her candle and silk sleep accessories collection.

“Black-woman owned, self-care brand for the regular-degular girl. Bougie, but make it approachable,” is how the brand describes itself on the website — and it couldn’t be articulated better.

Read more about Forvr Mood here.

Golde

Founder: Trinity Mouzon Wofford

About the Brand: While some supplements will cost you a pretty penny, Golde products are affordable, and most importantly, effective. Brooklyn-based wellness company Golde sells turmeric-based products that “look good, taste good, and help you feel like your best self,” according to its website.

Read more about Golde here.

Goodee

Founders: Byron and Dexter Peart 

About the Brand: Goodee works with artisans to sell products that make a positive social or environmental impact. Co-founders and twin brothers, Byron and Dexter Peart, work as creative directors to curate items that “bring together the values of good design, good people and good purpose.” It’s no surprise then that Goodee’s kitchenware is top-notch.

Harlem Candle Co.

Founder: Teri Johnson

About the Brand: If you like candles that look as good as they smell, check out the Harlem Candle Co., a Black-owned brand founded by Teri Johnson. One of the brand’s most popular picks is the Josephine candle which features notes of Moroccan Rose and Indian Jasmine.

Henry

Founder: Patrick Henry

About the Brand: Available in a variety of colors and patterns, Henry’s pleated non-woven face masks feature three-ply construction and are both washable and reusable. According to several In The Know editors, Henry’s face masks are comfortable, stylish and durable.

Read more about Henry here.

Hey Humans

Founder: Jada Pinkett-Smith

About the Brand: Co-founded by Jada Pinkett-Smith, Hey Humans is a line of sustainably-made bath and both care products designed to change how we use — and reuse — our day-to-day products. Every product is made from aluminum and paper, so they’re all endlessly recyclable. Not to mention, the formulas are gender-free and made clean in the United States without the use of sulfates, parabens, phthalates or silicones. Plus, the products are available exclusively at Target and nothing costs more than $6.

Read more about Hey Humans here.

Ivy Park

Founder: Beyoncé Knowles

About the Brand: When Beyoncé initially launched her athleisure collection Ivy Park in 2016, she shared the company with Topshop and Topman owner Philip Green. After the businessman was accused of sexual misconduct and racial abuse toward staff members in 2018, the famously pro-Black superstar bought out Green’s 50 percent share of the company, making her the sole owner of the brand.

After teasing the then-forthcoming venture in a 2019 Elle Canada interview, Queen Bey re-launched the brand in collaboration with Adidas in January 2020. If the “Formation” singer had any doubts about the venture, they were quickly put to rest. The capsule collection sold out in minutes during its pre-sale launch, and worldwide, during its physical launch the next day. Authorized resellers still have a few pieces from the collection for sale, with Goat as one of the most reputable.

Jade Swim

Founder: Brittany Freeney

About the Brand: This Black-owned fashion brand brings together Freeney’s minimalist style and thoughtful design elements to create gorgeous swimwear that you can wear to any warm-weather destination. According to the brand, Jade Swim’s pieces are “carefully crafted from luxe fabric with shape retention technology to smooth and sculpt the body.”

Read more about Jade Swim here.

K-Apostrophe

Founder: K’era Morgan 

About the Brand: K’era Morgan is a Los Angeles based mixed media artist and the creative power behind the art and textile brand K-Apostrophe. In addition to her gorgeous paintings, K-Apostrophe sells beautiful textiles including pillows and tapestries. According to the website, “K’era collaborates with one of the few remaining American mills to transform her multi-media pieces into colorful woven throw blankets, pillows and tapestries made of 100% hand-dyed cotton for home interiors.”

Read more about K-Apostrophe here.

Karibe

Founder: Vernon Williams

About the Brand: Karibe is a New Jersey-based Black-owned cookware brand that makes especially great cast iron pans. Use a pan to make any of the brand’s delicious recommended recipes. Its products ship free, too.

Kenneth Ize

Founder: Kenneth Ize

About the Brand: The Lagos-born fashion designer, who made his debut at Paris Fashion Week in February of 2020, has become synonymous for his signature handwoven stripes and checks. Crafting interwoven fabric into fringe that utilizes the heritage art of the Yoruba origin, Kenneth Ize is a name-to-know.

Klur

Founder: Lesley Thornton

About the Brand: Trained esthetician Lesley Thornton launched Klur with a commitment to beauty products that were clean, ethical and inclusive. All of Klur’s products have multiple benefits, so you can achieve your best skin ever while also keeping your skincare routine simple and minimal.

LaQuan Smith

Founder: LaQuan Smith

About the Brand: LaQuan Smith, a luxury fashion designer hailing from Queens, New York, founded his eponymous clothing brand in 2008 after being rejected from both the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design. After interning at the New York magazine BlackBook in 2007, he spread his name in fashion circles by pretending to be a BlackBook editor at events. Determined to fulfill his destiny as a luxury fashion designer, he kept hitting the pavement and eventually made his New York Fashion Week debut in 2010.

Since then, the likes of Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna and Serena Williams have all worn his pieces. Bringing his sexy and glamorous designs to the everyday consumer, he launched a collaboration with ASOS in 2018, dubbing it “the perfect opportunity just to expand.”

Liberté

Founder: Amber Tolliver

About the Brand: When Amber Tolliver set out to create Liberté, a premium lingerie brand, inclusivity was top-of-mind. The supermodel-turned-business-women, who self-funded the brand’s February 2019 launch, created her debut collection with 24 bra sizes ranging from 32C-38H. The New York-based brand, produced by artisans from all over the globe, uses high-quality fabrics like Italian lace and antimicrobial, moisture-wicking micro-jersey.

Read more about Liberté here.

Lolly Lolly Ceramics

Founder: Lalese Stamps

About the Brand: All of Lolly Lolly Ceramics are handmade by Lalese Stamps and her team in in Columbus, Ohio. If you can get your hands on one of its pieces, consider yourself very lucky. Demand is high and the team is small, but it lists all of its restock dates on Instagram and announces them through email alerts. If there’s a piece you really like, the best way to find out about its restock is by email.

Love, Vera

Founder: Vera Moore

About the Brand: Love, Vera is a woman-owned, Black-owned lingerie brand known for its shade diversity that specifically caters to browner and darker skin tones. The line is now available at Nordstrom, and the selection there includes styles that are available up to a size 4X.

Read more about Love, Vera here.

Lys Beauty

Founder: Tisha Thompson

About the Brand: Committed to creating universally-flattering clean beauty products, former makeup artist and marketer Tisha Thompson launched Lys Beauty. The line includes high-performance foundation and cream blushes that regularly sell out because they’re so popular. In 2021, Sephora announced that Lys would be the first Black-owned clean beauty brand to be sold in their stores and on their website.

Read more Lys Beauty here.

McMullen

Founder: Sherri McMullen

About the Brand: This luxury inclusive concept shop, founded by Sherri McMullen in 2007, houses some of the best labels in fashion included Jacquémus, Khaite, Christopher John Rogers and more. Women’s Wear Daily named McCullen  one of the top boutiques in the country.

Melanin Haircare

Founders: Whitney and Taffeta White

About the Brand: Longtime natural hair YouTuber Whitney White (adoringly known as Naptural85 on YouTube) answered her subscribers’ prayers in 2015 when she partnered with her sister Taffeta White to launch their own brand Melanin Haircare. Boasting the tagline “simple natural hair care,” Melanin strives to make products that are high in nutrients and accessible for all.

“I wanted to share my love for natural, homemade and safe hair care products on a larger scale, so that everyone, regardless of time or budget, could benefit from real, nutrient-rich products for healthy, thriving hair and scalp,” Whitney shared on the brand’s website.

Mented Cosmetics

Founders: KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson

About the Brand: Mented Cosmetics is another brand formulated to meet the unmet beauty needs of Black and brown women. Founded by Black women KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, Mented — a play on the word pigmented — was born when both women, while relaxing “over a glass of pinot,” asked themselves why it was so difficult for them to find the perfect nude lipstick that complemented their complexions.

“We believe every woman should be able to find herself in the world of beauty, no matter her skin tone,” the women explained in the brand’s mission statement. “We know you’ll love being put first — because when it comes to beauty, no one deserves to be an afterthought.” All of Mented Cosmetics’ lipsticks are vegan, paraben-free, non-toxic and cruelty-free. The brand also offers a wide range of eyeshadow palettes, lip glosses and lip pencils.

Mi Cocina

Founder: Ulrich Conrad Simpson

About the Brand: Mi Cocina makes denim housewares, and was listed as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2020. Lead designer and founder, Ulrich Conrad Simpson (Ubi), previously worked for Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Diane Von Furstenberg and Ralph Lauren, according to the Mi Cocina website. So it’s no surprise that his aprons, pot holders, napkins, table runners and more will add style to any kitchen.

Mutt’s Sauce

Founder: Charlynda Scales

About the Brand: After following her grandfather’s footsteps in service, veteran Charlynda Scales updated a secret family recipe to create a booming business, Mutt’s Sauce. The Black-owned food brand currently sells the Original Mutt’s Sauce, plus Ghost Pepper and Sweet & Spicy varieties. There’s even a gluten-free version of the OG Mutt’s sauce!

Read more about Mutt’s Sauce here.

Nyakio

Founder: Nyakio Grieco

About the Brand: Inspired by her childhood trips to Africa, Nyakio Grieco founded Nyakio to pay homage to the beauty secrets and traditions passed down from generation to generation. Each Nyakio beauty product is made with Fair Trade Shea Butter and other globally sourced ingredients that are both clean and effective.

Oui The People

Founder: Karen Young

About the Brand: Founded by Karen Young, Oui the People crafts high-end razors to address overlooked skin concerns, such as ingrown hairs, razor burn and dry skin. Young teamed up with engineers in Germany to produce the brand’s signature Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor. Not only is it gorgeous-looking, but its single blade design can help give you a cleaner shave with less irritation.

Read more about Oui The People here.

Page Eleven

Founder: Elisha McGhee

About the Brand: Page Eleven is a paper goods company owned by Dallas-based businesswoman Elisha McGhee. From notepads designed for productivity in all areas of your life (think everything from wellness to education), any of the Black-owned stationery brand’s products are sure to be a welcome addition to your desk. Page Eleven is so dedicated to helping people reach their goals that the company also offers one-on-one ‘Intent Sessions’ to help you get there.

Read more about Page Eleven here.

Partake

Founder: Denise Woodard

About the Brand: Black-owned food brand Partake started when founder Denise Woodard’s daughter was diagnosed with several food allergies as an infant. Partake Foods was born out of Woodward’s need to make a healthy snack for her child that didn’t trigger her allergies. As a result, the entire cookie line is free of eggs, peanuts, dairy, soy, tree nuts, artificial flavors, preservatives and GMOs.

Despite its lack of common cookie ingredients, Partake’s different flavors and batters are delicious. The cookie brand has both crunchy cookies, including flavors like Ginger Snap and Chocolate Chip, as well as soft cookies like Triple Chocolate and Cookie Butter.

Read more about Partake here.

Pattern

Founder: Tracee Ellis Ross

About the Brand: Tracee Ellis Ross has an iconic mane, so it made sense when the actress launched her own line of hair products. In 2019, the “Black-ish” star launched Pattern. While speaking of the business venture, the Golden Globe award winner said Pattern was 10 years in the making, explaining she created the line to solve “unmet beauty needs that have not been addressed.”

“Moving my attention to an area that people don’t know of me and that was new for me, as a CEO and founder — everything from packaging and the creative vision and all that kind of stuff to the formulas — I feel a little weepy about that part,” she said. Pattern is currently sold in Ulta Beauty stores.

Read more about Pattern here.

Pyer Moss

Founders: Kerby Jean-Raymond

About the Brand: Haitian-American fashion designer Kerby Jean-Raymond is the genius behind the luxury womenswear and menswear label Pyer Moss. The brand gained major notoriety during its Spring 2016 Menswear Collection at New York Fashion Week, with its show highlighting police brutality, the Black Lives Matter movement and street art.

Since then, Jean-Raymond has become a notable force in couture fashion, with celebrities like Gabrielle Union, Lena WaitheOdell Beckham Jr. and former First Lady Michelle Obama wearing his designs.

Roam Loud

Founder: Toyin Omisore

About the Brand: Not all athleisure brands think about diverse body types and skin tones when creating their products. And that’s why Toyin Omisore stepped up and created Roam Loud. Her collection of premium activewear stands out amongst so many others because “brown skin is at the forefront and not an afterthought.” What does that mean in real life? Roam Loud’s styles fit and flatter many different body types; athleisure designed to complement brown skin.

Read more about Roam Loud here.

Romeo Hunte

Founder: Romeo Hunte

About the Brand: Specializing in intricate details and strong outerwear, Romeo Hunte has become a permanent fixture at New York Fashion Week. The definitive lifestyle brand was founded in 2014 by the Fashion Institute of Technology graduate and has transformed the New York fashion scene for the better.

Shani Darden

Founder: Shani Darden

About the Brand: When it came time to create her skin care line, esthetician Shani Darden was focused on one thing: results. Given that, it should come as no surprise that Darden’s products are frequent sell-outs. Her Retinol Reform® serum has a cult following, and her highly-anticipated Eye Renewal Cream already has a waitlist.

Sienna Naturals

Founders: Hannah Diop and Issa Rae

About the Brand: Inspired to create high-quality, natural products that hydrate and nourish textured hair, Hannah Diop started Sienna Naturals with actress, director and all-around creative Issa Rae. The brand’s line includes everything from scalp treatments to shampoos and conditioners, all made with clean ingredients.

Read more about Sienna Naturals here.

Soko

Founders: Gwendolyn Floyd, Catherine Mahugu, and Ella Peinovich

About the Brand: Soko is a women-led, people-first ethical jewelry brand that connects Kenyan artisans with global markets. According to their site, Soko uses “mobile technology to connect marginalized Kenyan artisans directly to the global marketplace,” focusing on technology that “enables the human workforce.” Essentially, the brand is building a virtual factory that connects artisans with others in their network. As a result, artisans working with Soko earn nearly five times more than an average artisan workshop.

Read more about Soko here.

Sol Cacao

Founders: Dominic, Nicholas and Daniel Maloney

About the Brand: Sol Cacao is a Black-owned company in the Bronx that delivers some of the finest chocolate bars in New York City, thanks to its Caribbean founders. Inspired by the lack of quality chocolate in the States, the brothers wanted to bring to the market “a type of chocolate that elevates taste.” Their chocolate bars contain only two ingredients: cacao beans and raw cane sugar. Additionally, each bar has ingredients from a different country.

Read more about Sol Cacao here.

Stuzo Clothing

Founder: Stoney Michelli

About the Brand: Gender-fluid Black-owned clothing brand, Stuzo, sends a with every single garment it creates. The collection includes tees, sweatshirts, joggers and accessories with phrases like “boi girl,” “Yup, still gay!” and “gender-free” emblazoned on them. “Fashion and the things that you wear is a form of self-expression. It really is what’s within. As we’ve seen over the years, it’s not just male and female. There are so many other aspects of who we are,” Michelli told In The Know. With many people having intersectional identities, Stuzo is a brand encouraging you to rock them all proudly.

Read more about Stuzo Clothing here.

Subrina Heyink Vintage

Founder: Subrina Heyink

About the Brand: This small bridal and designer vintage shop is a hidden gem when it comes to finding unique pieces. From archived Valentino to one-of-a-kind styles, you can follow the brand’s Instagram to shop vintage fashion that is hand-sourced by Subrina herself. Subrina grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, before moving to the U.S. to attend college and eventually become a fashion stylist.

Telfar

Founder: Telfar Clemens

About the Brand: Founded by 35-year-old Telfar Clemens, his eponymous New York-based brand has quickly become one of the most sought after in the accessories space. In 2019, Telfar was nominated for a CFDA Award for the American Accessories Designer of the Year. If you’re in the market for an everyday practical tote that is not only high-quality but chic, we suggest the brand’s iconic Shopper bag.

The 125 Collection

Founders: Valerie Wray and Joy Fennell

About the Brand: Named after the famed street in Harlem, The 125 Collection specializes in delightfully scented candles that feature popular phrases like “Black Girl Magic” and “I Be All In My Feelings.” In addition to being a Black-owned business, The 125 Collection is also a women-founded brand.

The Honey Pot

Founder: Bea Dixon

About the Brand: The Honey Pot was founded by Bea Dixon when she couldn’t find a remedy for her bacterial vaginosis, a fairly common condition according to the CDC. While working at a Whole Foods, Dixon decided to craft her own custom remedy. Now, the Honey Pot carries several different vaginal washes, tampons, pads, wipes, and even its own menstrual cup. The brand’s top-selling product is its sensitive wash. Every single product is plant-derived, fragrance-free and made without any harsh chemicals.

Read more about The Honey Pot here.

Tia Adeola

Founder: Tia Adeola

About the Brand: Tia Adeola made her NYFW debut in February 2020. The Nigerian-born and London-raised designer initially rose to fame after her clothing brand, Slashed by Tia, went viral in the fashion world. Eventually, she rebranded to her full name and has since created forward-thinking designs with elements of sheer sexiness.

Unwrp

Founder: Ashley L. Fouyolle

About the The Brand: Inspired by her love of art, fashion, bold colors and unique patterns, Fouyolle created Unwrp, a Black-owned gift wrapping company that specializes in “elevated gifting,” aka gift wrap that’s almost too pretty to use. The collection includes gorgeous luxury wrapping paper, gift bags, greeting cards, home goods and even a Japanese style of gift wrap called Furoshiki.

Read more about Unwrp here.

Uoma Beauty

Founder: Sharon Chuter

About the Brand: Uoma Beauty was founded by Nigeria-born, Los Angeles and London-based former beauty executive Sharon Chuter. The unique brand name (pronounced “uh-mah”), means “beautiful” in the founder’s native language. Its line of products is “rebellious, innovative and created for all.”

The line, which ranges from complexion products including foundations and concealers to lip and eye products, has received raving reviews from respected and trusted beauty gurus and YouTubers including Jackie Aina, Nyma Tang and NikkieTutorials. Its hero product, the Say What?! Foundation, is available in a whopping 51 shades and continues to be a favorite within the beauty community.

Read more about Uoma Beauty here.

Victor Glemaud

Founder: Victor Glemaud

About the Brand: The Haitian-born designer was a finalist in the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and has built an incredible brand of statement-making leisurewear. His collection of geometric knits and color-blocking styling is worth taking note of.

Wales Bonner

Founder: Grace Wales Bonner

About the Brand: Launched in 2014 by Grace Wales Bonner, the Central Saint Martins-alum is known for her tailored-to-perfection menswear and womenswear brand. Made up of classic wardrobe essentials, you can find Wales Bonner at Net-A-Porter, Ssense and more.

Wrap Life

Founder: Nnenna Stella

About the Brand: Black-owned hair accessories brand Wrap Life makes the most beautiful hair wraps and headbands. The Brooklyn-made head wraps and headbands feature high-quality fabric, with both firm and stretchy options. With a variety of colors and patterns, there is a style for anyone who wants to adorn their crown in style.

Read more about Wrap Life here.

Contributors: Ari Bines, Ellie Conley, Moriba Cummings, Katie Dupere, Jeanine Edwards, Laura Galvan, Jamé Jackson, Julia Webb

If you enjoyed this story, you might like to read about how you can support the #BlackLivesMatter movement and protesters.

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