Black-Owned Businesses To Support Right Now

Don’t tell me what your priorities are, the old adage goes — show me your budget and I’ll tell you what your priorities are. Do you want to demonstrate your commitment to social and economic justice? Then patronize Black-owned businesses.

There are more than 3 million Black-owned businesses in America, according to the Small Business Association. Starting a business is difficult, with only 1% of Black business owners obtaining business loans in their first year. Even once they get off the ground, facts show that Black business owners receive less business financing, less often and at higher rates.

You can help bridge the gap by supporting a Black-owned business. No matter what they do or sell, what product they make or what service they provide, each founder, co-founder, owner and CEO has a story to tell and a contribution to make. Contribute by supporting them or any one of the many business owners like them today and every day.

Looking to freshen up the look of your home? The Etsy shop shopcandiceluter offers chic and unique items including accents and furniture that will turn your house into a home. Candice Luter is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and was a 2021 Etsy Design Awards winner. 

Candle lovers will be enchanted by Annie’s soy candles in her Etsy Shop. Take in the scents of ginger, sandalwood, as well as aromas inspired by places like Jamaica, where Annie was born. Annie makes everything in her home studio without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, dyes, fake perfumes or testing on animals. 

If you’re looking for quality body care products, look no further than Alaffia. The online shop sells products for babies and children, haircare and skincare. Started by husband and wife Olowo-n’djo Tchala and Prairie Rose Hyde, Alaffia has a mission to help others. A portion of every sale goes to fund the brand’s foundation, which supports African communities that harvest their ingredients

If you’re looking to purchase some books or coffee, check out Uncle Bobbie’s. The book shop is owned by Marc Lamont Hill and located in Philadelphia, and offers an online shopping experience as well. If you happen to be in Philly, you can check out their live events. Catch some of their past ones on their YouTube channel.

Grace Eleyae, named for the owner of the store, specializes in fashion that protects hair from friction and frizz. The store offers slaps, or satin-lined caps, scrub caps, beanies, baseball hats, headbands and more, all made with Black hair in mind.

Based in Los Angeles, owners Umaar Askia and Sharon Williams-Askia offer wellness products for holistic health. Shop herbs, body care, home goods and more in their online shop or at their store in the Leimert Park neighborhood.

Good vegan desserts are hard to find, but everything is delicious at Maya’s Cookies. Flavors include chocolate chip s’more, marble fudge and snickerdoodle, to name a few. Started by Maya Madsen in 2015, Madsen prides herself not only on yummy cookies, but also on community engagement with youth and underserved communities. 

Peruse luxury jewelry at non-luxury prices at Ten Wilde. Named for Tenisha Wilde, who started the store in 2016, the store specializes in gold-plated, gold-filled and solid gold pieces.

Shop thoughtfully designed pieces at Taylor Jay, named for the brand’s owner. Taylor Jay specializes in elevated basics made for a variety of body types. 

54kibo specializes in luxury African decor with elegant craftsmanship you won’t find very often. Shop everything from lighting fixtures to pillows to elevate your home. 54kibo was started by Nana Qugraine in 2018, who wanted to make African designs more accessible in the United States. 

Photo Disclaimer: Please note photos are for representational purposes only.