To put it simply, if we learn anything from 2021, it’s that it’s time to be more thoughtful about the brands we support.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite black-owned businesses that offer quality items that we use every day. With a wide range of products, from contemporary swimwear to streetwear for dogs, these are the businesses you should be buying now for your daily requirements.
BeautyStat
Skincare brand BeautyStat was founded by cosmetic scientist Ron Robinson and rapidly became an industry favorite for its expertly-made products that do the job.
Universal C Eye Perfector ($65; nordstrom.com) is one example of a product that uses vitamin C to brighten the delicate skin around the eye and CMH repair complex to minimize inflammation.
We adore how light it is and how much firmer our eyes seem as a result of how it reduces puffiness. We’ve also compiled a list of the best Black-owned beauty brands, in case you’re looking for more.
Kahmune
In order to achieve her authentic nude shoes, Jamela Acheampong physically painted a pair of white heels to match her skin color. Everyone’s “nude” isn’t exactly the same shade of tan or beige.
Regardless of skin tone, the company’s goal is to provide footwear styles that complement everyone’s bare feet. There are seven colors to choose from for the Kennedy Flats ($200; shopbop.com), for example.
Bychari
Founded by Chari Cuthbert, Bychari is a fashion-forward jewelry company informed by her own personal style. From Michelle Obama’s “Vote” necklace to Chiara Ferragni, the brand’s handmade pieces have been worn by noteworthy personalities since its inception.
Despite being worn by some of our favorite A-list celebrities, the company still provides affordable yet exquisite pieces like the Sade Hoop ($70; bychari.com) that are likely to become a fixture in our jewelry collection.
Melissa Simone Swim
We’ve seen Melissa Gardner, the designer behind Melissa Simone Swim, all over Instagram, because her swimwear is always on-trend. This one-piece ($180; revolve.com) is particularly stylish, as evidenced above.
Blk & Bold
Founded by Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson, Blk & Bold is a specialty coffee and tea company that gives 5 percent of its profits to organizations that support youth community programs, youth homelessness, and workforce development.
Limu Ethiopia Natural Processed Light Roast Whole Bean ($15.89; target.com) tastes like honey, chocolate, and blueberry. Visit Target to see what more they have to offer!
Ayesha Curry Cookware
Ayesha Curry’s Cookware Collection is a great option if you’re looking for high-quality cookware to replace your old faithful after spending hours in the kitchen during quarantine.
It’s no surprise that the actress and author’s kitchenware (specifically a cast-iron Dutch oven) made it onto Oprah’s Favorite Things list in 2020. We think the Nonstick 9-Piece Cookware Set ($109.99; amazon.com) is a great value for the money, and it can handle a wide range of dishes.
Nude Barre
Erin Carpenter founded Nude Barre because she was fed up with not being able to find underwear that matched her skin tone as a professional dancer. The Footed Convertible Opaque Tights ($18; shopbop.com) are made of a soft, stretchy fabric that’s ideal for moving around in and are now available in the brand’s hosiery collection for adults and children.
Partake
These vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly snacks are likely to be found in the snack section at your local Target. It was started by a mother, Denise Woodard, in an effort to provide tasty, healthful snacks for her daughter, who had severe allergies and couldn’t eat anything else.
Try the brand’s Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies ($6.29; target.com) if you have a sweet craving and want to eat only the best ingredients during your next shopping trip, and check out more of the goods at Target here.
Gilded
By providing products that make taking care of yourself both easy and luxurious, Gilded ensures that you leave feeling refreshed and revitalized. Candles are a great way to set the scene for self-care.
The brand’s Pink Onyx Marble Candle ($88; gildedbody.com) is available in 11 different scents, all of which are as beautiful as the candle itself. Get your hands on one today.
Good Man Brand
An initiative by NFL star Russell Wilson’s Why Not You Foundation, the Good Man Brand aims to provide fashionable and functional athletic wear with a contemporary athletic fit. The Slim Fit Henley ($98; nordstrom.com) is one of the brand’s menswear essentials that can easily transition from winter to spring.
Twelve AM Co.
Twelve AM Co. shoe marketplace by Areial Lomack has a wide variety of shoes, from everyday sandals and heels to those that are only worn once. The So Good Fluffy Slippers ($48; amazon.com), available in three hues, catch our eye since they not only look good, but they also feel good.
Capital City
When it comes to food in the DMV, mambo sauce is certainly a staple. You can get a taste of the region’s most famous condiments by dipping your chicken wings in this sweet and sour sauce.
This sauce is so amazing that it gets a 5-star rating at Target, founded by Arsha Jones and her late husband, Charles Jones, who founded Capital City. ‘Sweet Hot Mambo Sauce’ is $8.59 at Target. Looking for a little extra zing? In addition, we’ve compiled a list of Amazon’s spiciest foods.
SoapSox
SoapSox, a company started by Ray Phillips, sells a variety of goods that make bath time more fun. If you want to keep your youngster occupied while they’re bathing, try one of these fun bath mitts featuring their favorite cartoon characters, like the charming Jackson the Whale ($9.99; target.com).
CultureTags
As a means of bringing people together and celebrating diversity, Eunique Jones Gibson came up with the CultureTags Card Game ($22.98; target.com).
With categories ranging from Black Twitter to song lyric clues, you divide into teams to guess the hashtag or term on the card without uttering it. Because it’s a great game to enjoy with the whole family, it gets rave reviews.
Zelie for She.
As a plus-size fashion label, Elann Zelie’s mission is to celebrate and express the stories of female empowerment, travel, and friendship. A wide range of styles, from velvet robes to bell-bottom jeans, are now available at Nordstrom in sizes XL through 3X.
The Staycation Maxi Dress (from $54.50, originally $109; nordstrom.com) is a must-have for any woman’s closet because of how many different ways it can be worn.
Fresh Pawz
Do dogs have street clothes? Yes, I’d be happy to. This Tie-Dye Adjustable Mesh Dog Harness ($33.49; target.com) is a great way to match your dog’s style to yours.
Inspired by Christopher Cargnoni, the founder of Fresh Pawz, the company wants to produce fashion for dogs that is high-quality and current at the same time. Also, be sure to peruse our list of dog-friendly products recommended by veterinarians.
Telfar
With its signature vegan leather Shopping Bag bags, Telfar Telfar is undoubtedly one of the most well-known names in fashion right now.
The brand’s redefining the definition of luxury. Products from Telfar Clemens’ eponymous label, which celebrates community and individuality, are available for both genders.
This white Converse x Telfar Chuck 70 ($140; telfar.com) is a unique twist on Converse’s classic Chuck 70, which was recently partnered with Telfar for a collection inspired by retro athletic wear.
Powerhandz
Powerhandz was founded by Darnell Jones and Danyel Surrency Jones and supplies athletes, coaches, and fitness aficionados with athletic and rehabilitation gear that increases their performance.
The brand’s Anti-Grip Basketball Weighted Training Gloves ($69.99; target.com) garner five-star reviews from customers who say they improve their strength, handling, and ball control on the court.
Clare
Adding a splash of color to an unfinished space can do wonders for the space’s appearance. Look no further than Clare, a paint company that wants to make your purchasing experience as stress-free as possible.
In addition to high-quality and highly pigmented paint alternatives like Clare, Nicole Gibbons founded the company and provides a wide range of technology, paint swatches, and other resources to help you plan your next project.
Clare’s paints are low-odor, washable, self-priming, and resistant to dirt, filth, and mildew, whether you’re looking for a dazzling white or a vibrant green.
Goodee
If you’re looking to make a difference through a product that is both beautiful and functional, then you’ll want to check out the online marketplace Goodee, which was founded by Byron and Dexter Peart.
The brand ensures that workers in its supply chain are paid a living wage and even donates some proceeds to marginalized communities. The Goodee x Tala Knuckle Table Lamp ($100; nordstrom.com) is part of a series of ethically created home items under $100 curated by Nordstrom with the help of Goodee.
54 Thrones
Christina Funke Tegbe, the founder of 54 Thrones, is dedicated to combining botanicals from Africa’s 54 countries to create beauty products that honor the diversity of African cultures. To soothe and calm the skin, the Egyptian Lavender + Moroccan Mint Beauty Butter (from $24; nordstrom.com) is one of the top-rated items by the brand’s customers.
Scotch Porter
Grooming with Calvin Quallis’ Scotch Porter will leave you feeling more confident, which is what prompted him to design the items in the first place. With the Daily Face Care Bundle ($19.50; originally $23; scotchporter.com), you don’t have to choose between a clean shave and a full beard. Essentials for healthy-looking and healthy-feeling skin are included in the kit, including a face cleanser and lotion.
Andrea Iyamah
There is no better time than the present to begin planning your dream holiday. Take a look at fashion designer Andrea Iyamah’s own label for swimwear and other statement pieces that are influenced by ethnic culture and natural elements, reflecting her own African background.
The Menasa Bikini Top ($105; revolve.com) is one of our favorite pieces from the brand’s creative swim collections, and it comes in a gorgeous pastel lilac shade.
Wrap Life
Wrap Life was developed by Nnenna Stella as a way to express her uniqueness and sense of style. Although she favored wearing head wraps, she had difficulty locating any that were just right for her style, so she made her own.
Goldenrod ($19; amazon.com) is one of eight colors from the brand’s new line of head wraps, bandies, and turbinates inspired by the Pantone SkinTone Guide and designed to go with a wide range of skin tones.
The Fresh Dolls
For today’s youth, honest portrayals of themselves in media such as movies and toys are a subject of great importance.
In order for girls all across the world to be able to recognize their own beauty in the dolls they collect, Dr. Lisa Williams produced The Fresh Dolls through her firm, World of Epi. Dolls like the Mia Fresh Doll ($12.89; amazon.com) have received wonderful reviews for their ability to accurately depict women’s beauty standards.