In addition to raising your voice across social media and sharing information during this time, when the Black community has reached a breaking point and is protesting for true change in various cities throughout the United States, one way you can do your part to help is by supporting Black-owned businesses when you shop.
Below is a shortlist of lifestyle and wellness brands to get you started.
Founder Christen McCluney had relaxation in mind when she created her small-batch candle company in Maryland. Each candle is hand-poured and made from soy, and they only cost $14. With aromas that include “Calming Energy” and “Relax and Release”, McCluney hopes to bring soothing aromatics to anyone in need of some zen.
J.I.V.E. stands for Juicing Is Very Essential, and its the first African-American owned company to be sold in Whole Foods. Founder Tamala Austin is a certified health coach and the author of “Love My Body Again: 21-day Meditation to Create Your Best Body Now.” J.I.V.E. juices are organic and cold-pressed, with flavors Apple Berry Fiber and Sweet Beats. The company also sells smoothies and teas for delivery and retail purchases.
Savoire Faire
Savoir Faire Soul Cafe Eau de Parfum
Artist Chris Classic developed Savoire Faire with everyone in mind, something he calls “exclusive inclusion”. The fragrances are assertive with North African scents that include amber and sandalwood. Though originally geared at men, Classic wants the products to be for everyone. The rich, musky aroma of all of Savoire Faire’s fragrances and lotions would make a great Father’s Day gift.
Founder Sharon Chuter is a Nigerian-born New Yorker who is passionate about inclusivity and diversity. Her collection of hydrating foundations is designed for a broad spectrum of skin tones and includes 51 shades. Uoma also sells lipsticks, eye makeup, and a line entirely devoted to brows. Before founding Uoma, she worked at multiple multinational beauty brands, including Benefit, L'Oréal, and Revelon.
The Honey Pot Company
Founder Bea Dixon suffered from bacterial vaginosis, and set out to create a natural remedy — from there The Honey Pot Company was born. From vaginal washes to pads, The Honey Pot Company offers a complete line of plant-based feminine care products that cleanse, protect, and balance your vagina.
The Lip Bar
Launched in 2012, founder Melissa Butler started out making lipsticks in her own kitchen. Butler created her cruelty-free and vegan products to change the beauty industry’s lack of diversity, inclusion, and use of chemicals. Her goal is to help others realize beauty shouldn’t compromise health.
Melanin Haircare
Melanin Haircare’s product lineup includes a softening leave-in conditioner, twist-elongating style cream, and a pure blend oil. The company, which was created by one of the original YouTube naturalistas Whitney White and her sister Taffeta White, offers simple products with all-natural ingredients to help your hair thrive.
The Wrap Life
The Wrap Life offers a wide array of head wraps, bandies, headbands, and turbanettes. The beautifully bold prints were a must for founder Nnenna Stella who was inspired to create the company after struggling to find authentic African head wraps online.
The Nu Bamboo
The Nu Bamboo earrings created by Jusme Kamil deliver unique hand-braided bamboo hoop earrings. Her earrings come in a variety of cute colors and sizes. Singer Kehlani was spotted repping the jumbo hoops in her “Open (Passionate)” music video.
Buttah Skincare
Created specifically for melanin-rich skin, Buttah Skincare Founder Dorion Renaud created her products so others would not have to suffer through years of confusion like she did on her quest to remedy skin concerns. Her products include a vitamin C serum, whipped body butter, and a cleanser among others.
Black Girl Sunscreen
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
As the brand name clearly states, Black Girl Sunscreen was formulated specifically with Black skin in mind. Shontay Lundy, creator and founder of the company, set out to design a product that would completely absorb and leave no residue. Her products are paraben-free and contain no harmful chemicals.
Mayvenn Hair
While many of the women Diishan Imira grew up around worked as hairstylists, it dawned on him that none of the products they used were Black-owned. This inspired Imira to create Mayvenn Hair, which sells a variety of hair bundles, extensions, and wigs. Buyers are even paired with stylists to get a free install of their purchased units.
Lena Lashes
Luxury eyelash line, Lena Lashes was founded by Marlene Aymone. She brought her passion for beauty to life to offer a wide range of synthetic and mink lashes. Lena Lashes also sells liquid lipsticks and lip glosses.
Nubian Skin
Look no further than Nubian Skin for skin-tone hosiery and lingerie for women of color. What’s considered nude in most stores does not match the skin of women of color. This frustrated founder Ade Hassan who set out to make the term nude more inclusive so all women could have that option.
Legendary Rootz
The mission of Raven Gibson’s company Legendary Rootz is to reclaim history and celebrate Black culture. Her company offers graphic tees with bold statements and Afrocentric home decor. Today, Gibson’s shirts have been all over and worn by major celebrities including Danielle Brooks and singing duo Chloe and Halle.
Glow by Daye
Satin Bonnets, conditioning heat caps, and satin-lined shower caps are all available through Glow by Daye. Founder Ranay Daye is a self-proclaimed ‘lazy natural’ and was inspired to start the company to offer products to help maintain your hairstyle and moisture. Part of Glow by Daye’s mission is to offer high quality, optimally designed products to add to your hair care regimen.
Diamyn’s Crystal Bar
Spiritual Empowerment Coach and Crystal Healer Diamyn Rembert opened her shop to promote wellness and healing through crystals. You can shop for raw crystals and stones or select jewelry pieces to help center your chakra.
Carlett Spike is a New Jersey-based writer and editor. Her work runs the gamut from race issues to health and food. She has been featured in New Jersey Monthly, Sisters from AARP, and Good Company, among other publications. Follow her on Twitter @CarlettSpike.
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