Black Owned Businesses to Support
*A guest blog by Victoria Adéníran
Doesn't it feel like whenever you want to do good there are so many obstacles trying to hinder you from doing so? This is what it felt like for me initially, in trying to support more Black-owned businesses. There were a couple of businesses that I was supporting previously, but in general I reserved the idea of supporting more businesses that lined up with my values for when I was more financially fit- out of school, earning a reliable paycheck...because the prices of any type of special/non-mainstream item (Black owned, sustainable, vegan, charity-benefiting...), just seemed astronomical!
Now, there is something you must know about me... I am quite frugal.
Like, I live on the clearance rack.
And the free produce that church gives out.
I only recently graduated from being cheap, to being inexpensive (quality at a lower cost).
So I went on a journey of finding particularly budget friendly (yet quality) Black-owned products, in every category. Because I found that some businesses I wanted to support were just notttt in my price range.
I was able to find a good number of businesses and products that are, so now I'm excited! I thought supporting Black-owned businesses meant I would be broke! But that's the opposite of the point! So, enjoy this list. Most of the stuff here is under $20. This is by no means exhaustive, and I must acknowledge my bias; I originally constructed this list with ME in mind. Therefore, the apparel, skin care, etc. listed will represent my style and the types of products I value and cannot DIY. Skip to the categories relevant to you and read the descriptions for extra pointers!
Skincare
Nandi skincare (nandicare.com)- Handmade, organic and all natural. I really like their Moroccan Black Soap (moisturizing face wash) for just $10/jar. It uses natural materials including African Black soap and olive oil. Initially created for the owner's sons who had sensitive skin/eczema, nandi has a full line of products including body lotion, oil, body wash, spritz, etc.
Black girl sunscreen- works for any skin tone, and is c-l-e-a-r with absolutely no ghostly white cast and no harmful ingredients. $16/bottle. *Sold in Target
Urban hydration- They have a grand selection of products and I think their best deals are their body/hand lotions ($6.99-9.99 for 16.9oz bottles) and their body wash. Sold in target, vitamin shoppe, HEB and more
Make-up/Cosmetics
Iman- I really appreciate that I can find this color inclusive line in mainstream stores and drug stores (CVS, Walgreens, etc). Foundation is $14-16.
BLK OPL- aka Black Opal, can also be found in mainstream stores and drug stores. It is often found next to other brands which market to Black or Brown women but aren't actually Black-owned and haven't historically been honoring to BIPOCs in their companies. Foundation is $9-12.
Koyvoca- especially their highlight and lip products. They have nude lip colors that are actually "nude" for darker skin shades and won't have your lips looking like highlighters! $14 for a stick of lippy.
Juvia- especially their eye and cheek make up, which comes in colors that match various shades. $14 for a pallette.
Hair
Naturall- natural hair line that uses avocados in their products- nutrient rich and great for moisture! $10 for a pack of deep conditioner, $19 for a jar of edge control.
Bronner Bros- has a natural line for various hair types, along with their original products (if you still use hair grease and some of the weightier, older moisture sealants on your hair) $3-5/jar of hair & scalp treatment.
Johnson products Ultra Sheen Conditioner and Hair Dress- another weightier moisture sealant you can find in most stores/beauty supply stores that have a good selection of products for thicker or African American hair. $2-8 per jar.
Strands of Faith- specially formulated for 4c type natural hair (hair that is extremely curly and coily and experiences shrinkage and dryness). They also have shampoo bars, hair accessories, and product sample sizes. 12oz moisurizing cream for $20.
Shea Moisture- extensive product line including specialized products by hair type- they have literally something for everyone. Sold in mainstream department and drug stores. $14-18 for a hair mask jar.
TGIN- lightweight products for all textures of hair, and smells heavenly. Sold in target and beauty supply stores. $10-14 for leave in conditioner.
Taliah Waajid- Their products are moisturizing and have great (non-crunchy) hold. Sold in mainstream stores and beauty supplily stores. $5-8 for curly cream.
Toiletries
Honeypot- full line of feminine care! Also sold in target. Most products between $4.99 and 9.99.
Garners garden- you can find virtually every toiletry and home care item here, all natural products. Their most impressive products to me are their natural charcoal deodorant 3oz for about $9, and natural magnesium deodorant for about $7 (you can also order sample sizes and different strengths). I also appreciate that they sell natural Toothpaste (actually a tooth powder, since "paste" isn't actually natural).
Coral oral- sells toothbrushes, a pack 5 for $6. It is a youth-run and youth-benefiting company.
Camille Rose- They sell a good selection of toiletries, and I particularly appreciate their bar shower soaps, which are natural and just about $3 each. Also sold in Target.
Household
Urban hydration- natural laundry & dish detergent (on sale for $5-6 right now!)
Thetrueproducts.com- natural laundry detergent that is super concentrated so it can last about 101 loads. $15 for a bottle.
Freedom Paper Company- fabric softener, toilet paper, paper towels, trashbags, gloves, you name it! They sell home and office items in bulk and have so much of a selection!
Jlcandles.net 16oz for $10-12. And they're fragrant!
Stormy Nesbit- affordable art, notebooks and prints, mostly $29 and under.
https://www.uzoart.com- beautiful prints for $19.95, plus phone cases, greeting cards, and coloring books.
Apparel
(Search Black-owned thrift and Etsy stores near you)
(Primarily) Women's wear (price avg approx $25):
Ashleyskloset.com
Iveboutique.com
Soignevogueboutique.com
Kiwis 🥝 Boutique
Minaamonroe.com
Atija styles
Brinaz.co- for lingerie, accessories, tops, swimwear
Blackvintagehouse.etsy- vintage wear
Menswear
https://www.depop.com/ephrancevintage/ - men's vintage wear
S-gents.com- men's formal wear and shoes
Maiistyles- kids clothes and accessories
Shoes (pricier but worth it)
Rockdeep- hiking, running, training, golf, and boot Sneakers for as low as $40.
Sole rebels- 100% hand/artisan-crafted custom made shoes (sandals, sneakers, boots, etc) from all sustainable materials. Stylish and unique, these shoes support communities in Ethiopia. Prices range from $90-140, with free shipping.
Keexs.com sneakers as low as $69.
Negash83.com. sneakers as low as $60.
Food & Services
You would be surprised what you find just by googling "Black-owned food near me" or "Black owned 'X' near me." I have a personal list of local places and services including nail salons, auto repair shops, beauty supply stores, pharmacies, laundromats, gyms... You name it! You can take a look at your budget categories, or your spending history, and use those as guides to look for Black-owned businesses.
There are also a few existing databases to help you find Black-owned business to support. Some are