If you’re considering few purchases to update your wardrobe or makeup kit, put your money towards black-owned businesses. Buying better doesn’t just stop at sustainably sourced organic fabrics or upcycled denim and should also consider the people behind the label. By buying from black-owned brands, you are directly supporting people that are more likely to have faced financial and systematic struggles.
With the retail business being hit hard by the pandemic, it’s clear that many small businesses will not survive, and reports show that black communities are being hit the hardest. A report published by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that 17% of white-owned businesses were lost between February and April 2020, compared to 41% of black-owned businesses. This large disparity is alarming, and we must call upon ourselves to show our support now.
As a newly formed platform, supporting the creative black community is extremely important to us and we will be constantly looking for new ways to inform our readers as well as show our own support. As our first step, we have taken the fifteen percent pledge, a movement launched by Brother Vellies founder, Aurora James, which asks retailers to commit 15% of their shelf space to black-owned brands.
Help black communities reach financial equality and start shopping. Check out 10 of our favorite black-owned brands below, that hold sustainability at their core. To discover more businesses local to you, check out this cool directory from Dobobo
Founder, Aurora James uses sustainable by-product materials and artisanal methods such as vegetable-tanned leathers, soling from recycled tires, hand-carved wood, and floral dyed feathers throughout her gorgeous collection of furry slides, lace-up sandal and more.
Founded in 2016, Sami Miro Vintage is an eco-conscious clothing line specializing in sourcing and reconstructing one-of-a-kind vintage garments from around the world, into sexy and unique styles that prove you can be eco-conscious as well as fashion-forward.
3. Edas
Founder and designer, Sade Mims, curates collections of sustainable accessories and home goods for her NYC-based brand. Her jewelry is all handmade and she uses a pre-order model to avoid over-production and reduce waste.
4. Local European This newer LA-based brand features elevated streetwear and must-have basics like biker shoes, oversized button-ups, and matching sweatsuits. 100% of their collection is made from deadstock in order to reduce textile waste, save energy, and lower their carbon footprint.
5. Jade Swim
Founder, Brittany Kozerski, designs sustainable swimwear using deadstock fabric and ECONYL, regenerated nylon from plastic waste such as fishnets taken out of the ocean.
6. Asata Maisé
Asata Maise’s patchwork bags and bucket hats will give you a dose of happiness this summer. She handmakes each piece herself and sources vintage textiles online or from her local mom-and-pop fabric store.
7. Phlemuns
Founded by James Flemons in 2014, Phlemuns’ unisex collection is designed completely from reconstructed clothing with a focus on denim.
8. Spiced Sugah
Founder, Lauren Pennington uses 100% natural ingredients sourced from organic farmers in LA, New Mexico, and Arizona to create her ridiculously moisturizing body butter and hair and face oils. Absolutely no fillers, chemicals, or parabens, ever.
9. Grn Goods
Grn Goods is an intentional, black-owned, and lady-led wellness-inspired brand dedicated to providing organic, natural skincare essentials. Formulated with natural ingredients that boost the vitality of your well-being rather than working against it.
10. Agrestal Beauty
Emilia Ramos founded Agrestal Beauty in 2017 with a mission to promote self-love and awareness with her all-natural skincare and wellness products made completely by hand.