This post is all about Black-owned businesses and how to help the black community.
I was hesitant about this post and speaking up in general, but I’d rather speak up being imperfect than not doing it at all. This movement comes really late, with a lot of innocent lives being lost for something that doesn’t make any sense to me.
I have never been harassed, discriminated, oppressed or anything similar for the colour of my skin, and even though I’ll never understand what it feels like, I am here to learn, educate myself and help others learn and educate themselves to stop racism, hate and violence towards the black community. We are all in this together, I am now an ally and I will keep working to help anyone in pain.
Before posting this, I shared my thoughts with a friend of mine and I realised how important it is for me to speak up. Like Naz said, it doesn’t matter if you have 2 or 2M followers, influencing people to wake up to the reality of those who are being oppressed, having conversations with the people around you, that’s what we all must do.
The only way to use my privilege is aiding the cause and supporting as much as I can but let’s not forget that Black people have been speaking for a long time on these subjects but have rarely been listened to. It’s the moment to LISTEN TO THEM AND PROTECT THEM.
I have been signing petitions, emailing police departments, educating myself and trying to understand. I wondered what was the best way to keep supporting the Black community in a constant basis and I realised that I never thought about the owners of the brands I promote or recommend. That’s going to be my first step, changing my consumer habits and pivoting to consume more products from black-owned businesses. I know it’s not enough and that’s why I will help as much as possible, but it’s something really small we all can do and I am sure it’ll have positive impact on the owners’ lives.
Black-Owned Hair and Beauty Businesses
Almocado
Almocado offers a range of holistic and natural hair and skin care products. Most of the ingredients they use are inspired by or found in the Caribbean and a percentage of their sales are donated to Alopecia UK.
Antidote Street
Antidote Street is an online platform offering a curated selection of hair and grooming products. They also provide useful tips, advice and product reviews via their blog.
Yako Beauty
This London-based haircare brand delivers a range of products made of natural plants and fruit extracts, nurturing oils, antioxidants and vitamins. None of the products contain parabens, silicone or sulfates and all of them are created with a diverse scope of hair types and textures in mind.
Black Girl Sunscreen
The founder of Black Girl Sunscreen thought it was time to create a natural non-white residue sunscreen brand for women of colour and created this empowering brand. Based in Miami, they use the finest ingredients to help women around the world.
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Danessa Myricks beauty is an artisanal brand developed with the notion that makeup is art and that the world of beauty should be inclusive of every woman. Every formula is designed to be multifunctional in its use, and work on a broad range of skin tones.
Hyper Skin
Desiree Verdejo, founder of Hyper Skin, created the brand after months of struggling with acne while she was pregnant with her first child. After searching high and low, she set out to create her own solution, becoming a must in every woman’s skincare routine.
Black-Owned Art Studios
Kirzart
Artist Kirsty Latoya is a 24-year-old artist from South London who specialises in digital illustration and traditional art in the form of drawing. Her online shop sells a selection of products including tote bags, prints, phone cases and greeting cards. She is currently accepting illustration commissions and is open for collaborations with brands and other artists.
Creative Curls
Creative Curls is a UK based Artist that has always been drawn to anything both colourful and creative. She uses her abilities to bring awareness to the traditions and cultures of predominantly black and ethnic minority groups.
Blak-Owned Fashion Businesses
Aminah Abdul Jillil
Aminah Abdul Jillil is a Luxury Shoe Brand launched in August 2012. Aminah’s shoes are known for a bold yet feminine design aesthetic that has led to Global Distribution in over 50 countries including brand partnerships with premier luxury fashion retailers.
Bolé Road Textiles
Bolé Road Textiles are a Brooklyn based design studio that specialises in vibrant home decor. All of their pieces are handwoven in Ethiopia, they are dedicated to helping their clients create spaces they love while supporting artisans in Ethiopia.
Cherry Blossom Intimates
Cherry Blossom Intimates houses an accredited medical facility within a lingerie boutique atmosphere. They help breast cancer survivors to find the best post-mastectomy bra and breast form.
Cushnie
Cushnie is a luxury women’s ready-to-wear and bridal brand designed by Carly Cushnie. Established in 2008, the label was founded on the desire to serve the modern woman. Artfully crafted with clean, sculptural lines, the collection is precisely tailored to achieve the perfect fit for the female form.
Hope For Flowers
Through hard work, perseverance and creative vision, Tracy Reese has built a reputation in the fashion industry as not only a leading talent, but a champion for diversity and inclusion. Hope for Flowers is designed for women who are inspired by beauty and also desire to use their power as consumers to be agents for positive change in the world.
How to Support The Black Lives Matter movement
Act Blue Bail, Mutual Aid, and Racial Justice Organization Funds
Act Blue Racism and Police Brutality Funds
Black Lives Matter Global Network
The National Police Accountability Project
Educational Reading
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10-sqmyDKIN1FK_RKOd7Anzm4E0jlnUnz
https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/
Petitions
https://www.change.org/p/black-lives-matter-activists-justice-for-tony-mcdade?use_react=false
https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/home
https://www.change.org/p/minneapolis-district-attorney-raise-the-degree
These are some of the black-owned businesses and ways to help I found and wanted to share with you. I know doing this is not enough but as consumers have a huge opportunity to make an impact and make a positive change.
Read, sign petitions, protest, be an active ally. It’s not enough with not being racist, we must be active anti-racists. Supporting black-owned businesses can be one of the ways for you to contribute.
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