Black-owned businesses: Fenty, Pat McGrath and Brieogeo
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Supporting Black-owned businesses gained popularity in the last year for multiple reasons, but it can be tricky to identify a Black-owned company. Popular brands you might have grown up using like Carol's Daughter and SheaMoisture, for example, are no longer Black-owned after L'Oreal and Unilever bought each, respectively.
SKIP AHEAD Black-owned businesses offering face masks, activewear, home and kitchen, food and beverage, bookshops, fashion and beauty.
I’ve noticed that America uses the term Black business as if it is a handicap.
And Covid-19 isn’t helping anything: More than 40 percent of Black-owned businesses shut down by April of last year, compared with a 17 percent decline among white-owned businesses. And while around 75 percent of Black-owned small businesses saw upticks in the two months after George Floyd's death and subsequent national attention to issues around discrimination and police brutality, sales at many Black-owned businesses soon after plummeted back to their pre-Covid-19 rates, according to a survey by the Black Chamber of Commerce. Even if you shelf the pandemic’s effect on Black-owned businesses, eight out of 10 fail within the first 18 months.
“I’ve been Black my entire life, so the challenges I face due to my race aren’t new. I consider every day that I’m in business as a win,” said Keith Hodges, founder of Mind In Muscle Coaching in Los Angeles. “I’ve noticed that America uses the term Black business as if it is a handicap. We don’t use the term ‘white business owner,’ we say ‘business owner.’ I consider myself the same, and I happen to be Black.”
Angel Lenise, Montre Moore and Phyllicia Phillips launched their business, AMP Beauty LA in 2020. The trio’s online shop exclusively sells products sourced from Black-owned beauty brands. Phillips said that being a Black business owner “holds significant value” as she considers growing the shop “part of building a lasting legacy. It’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly and a change we’re eager to make within the industry.”
Although the amount of Black American business owners is relatively low, plenty of Black-owned companies are counting up wins despite the pandemic, among them Denise Woodard and her healthy snack brand Partake Foods, which you can find at Target and, recently, in Kroger stores nationwide. Partake recently closed its Series A financing round with Rihanna coming in as an investor — a first for the singer outside of her namesake Fenty brand, according to Forbes. Woodard paid forward some of her success with Partake to the Black community, among other things launching the Black Futures in Food & Beverage Fellowship Program, which allows HBCU students an opportunity to participate in an eight-week immersive program focused on the consumer packaged goods food and beverage industries.
While challenging in ways, it’s not necessarily difficult to support Black-owned businesses while shopping online. To that end, we’re highlighting a dozen standout products from Black-owned businesses that caught our eyes, and compiled a list of 200 Black-owned businesses across Shopping reader-favorite categories.
Related: Bestselling author Ta-Nehisi Coates will write a new Superman film for DC Films and Warner Bros.
12 of our favorite Black-owned businesses
With an understanding of Shopping reader interest, we selected standout products across favorite categories, from skin care and face masks to grooming rituals and stylish clothing.
1. Oat Cinnamon’s The Fraise Bouquet (pre-order)
Treat yourself or an indoor plant lover to an Instagram-worthy bouquet arranged by Oat Cinnamon founder Ryan Norville. The brand claims these pink and white dry fern stems will last for years. Currently, the Fraise bouquet is available to pre-order in two sizes: Small and Large. If you prefer other colors like purple and blue, consider the Midnight and Ryan bouquets instead.
Oat Cinnamon The Fraise Bouquet
Oat Cinnamon The Fraise Bouquet $75.00 at OatCinnamon
2. Fenty Skin Skin Fat Water Face Toner
It’s not quite clear how much of Fenty Skin Rihanna owns — Forbes estimates it’s 15 percent (against parent company LVMH’s 50-percent stake) but qualifies that a spokesperson for the brand wouldn’t confirm that number. After Rihanna’s Fenty Skin brand dropped last September, her combination facial toner and serum became the brand’s No. 1 bestseller among Shopping readers. It boasts various ingredients like witch hazel water and Australian lemon myrtle to balance excess oil. Fat Water is also made with cactus flower extract for added hydration, antioxidant-rich green tea and Japanese raisin tree to help detox your skin.
Fenty Fat Water Pore Refining Toner Serum
Fenty Fat Water Pore Refining Toner Serum $28.00 at Fenty Beauty
Fenty Fat Water Pore Refining Toner Serum $28.00 at Sephora
Fenty Fat Water Pore Refining Toner Serum $46.84 at Amazon
3. Henry Face Masks
You can replenish your face mask wardrobe on a monthly basis with stylish face masks from Henry. These three-ply reusable face masks come in packs of four and in various color palettes like Sophisticated, Neutrals and Colorful. For Black History Month, owner Patrick Henry launched a limited edition pack of BHM face masks in collaboration with artists for the Black Artist Pack. Russell Westbrook, Kelly Rowland, Chris Paul and Lebron James have also been spotted wearing Henry face masks.
Henry Mask Black Artists Pack
Henry Mask Black Artists Pack $49.50 at Henry Mask
4. Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Conditioner
Design Essentials is a personal favorite line of hair care products and favored by HaUs of Beauty salon owner Dani Priester, who previously recommended the brand’s Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling line due to its collection of “amazing products” that help retain moisture. “They perfectly hydrate for the natural-haired, and those with any type of real texture,” she said. Design Essentials recommends you leave the conditioner on your hair for three minutes to soak up the hydrating sweet almond oil and avocado butter.
Design Essentials Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner
Design Essentials Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner $12.99 at Ulta
Design Essentials Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner $12.99 at Amazon
Design Essentials Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner $12.99 at Design Essentials
5. Gymwrap
Actress Nicole Ari Parker (“Chicago PD,” “Empire”) launched Gymwrap, a line of stylish-meets-functional hair accessories and face masks. The brand’s signature item is the eponymous Gymwrap, a wide headband made from a triple-layer of EvapoTECH, its proprietary, moisture-wicking fabric. The wraps are available in 25 prints and colors like Lavender, Raspberry Sorbet and Mocha.
Gymwrap Raspberry Sorbet
Gymwrap Raspberry Sorbet $19.95 at Gymwrap
6. Mateo Duality Pearl Drop Earrings
Jamaican-born designer Matthew Harris created his fine jewelry line Mateo in 2009. In the years since, this self-taught designer became a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist in 2017 and expanded his offering with a collection of handbags and candles. The Duality drop earrings combine two of Harris’ signature designs: abstract-shaped freshwater pearls and 14 karat yellow gold. He doesn’t just offer earrings — you can find rings, chain-link charm bracelets, diamond necklaces and trendy anklets, too.
Mateo Duality Pearl Drop Earrings
Mateo Duality Pearl Drop Earrings $575.00 at Mateo
Mateo Duality Pearl Drop Earrings $575.00 at Net-A-Porter
7. Bevel Shave Kit: The Complete Shave System
Bevel created a kit full of their essential products, including a chromium-plated razor with 40 replacement blades. The monthly subscription kit also includes a pre-shave oil, shaving brush and shaving cream enriched with shea butter, vitamin E and aloe vera. The kit also includes a moisturizer to help keep your skin supple and fresh.
Bevel Shave Kit
8. Nia Thomas Kyoto Scarf
Embrace your inner-Lenny Kravitz and rock this over-sized Caramel knitted scarf from sustainable fashion line Nia Thomas. The 100-percent wool scarf is also available in Blonde, a soft beige and Terracotta, a warm burnt orange. And if you’re looking to invest in a new winter coat, Nia Thomas makes a matching open-front coat to keep you cozy as you work from home this winter.
Nia Thomas Kyoto Scarf
Nia Thomas Kyoto Scarf $250.00 at Nia Thomas
9. Salone Monet Sable Slingback
Finding nude shoes is tricky because one person’s ideal nude can be too pale for another. Salone Monet is helping fix this problem with her collection of hand-dyed silk heels and flats. Notably, her brand offers six shades of nude compared to just one shade of beige favored by bigger brands.The open-toe sandals, dubbed the Sable, sports a 4-inch heel and platform for additional support. If you prefer ballet flats, check out the Jojo — for closed toe shoes, opt for the Anita pump instead.
Salone Monet Sable Landry Heels
Salone Monet Sable Landry Heels $295.00 at Salone Monet
10. Ayesha Curry Cookware Set
Cookbook author Ayesha Curry’s kitchenware line is available to shop on Shopping reader-favorite sites like Amazon, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond and Target. Curry’s highly-rated steel set includes 12 cookware essentials: saucepans, skillets, a dutch oven, sauté pan, wooden spoon and paddle. Her namesake brand claims the aluminum and stainless cookware can withstand up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ayesha Curry 12pc Aluminum Cookware Set
Ayesha Curry 12pc Aluminum Cookware Set $119.99 at Target
Ayesha Curry 12pc Aluminum Cookware Set $119.99 at Amazon
Ayesha Curry 12pc Aluminum Cookware Set $119.99 at Walmart
11. EleVen by Venus Williams Shine Cosmic Dress
Tennis fans can rock a faux-wrap dress on and off the court once the weather warms up. The Cosmic dress is made from a polyester and spandex blend jersey. It is also made with a built-in bra liner and is available in two colors: White and Cloudy Indigo.
EleVen Cosmic Dress
EleVen Cosmic Dress $94.40 at EleVen by Venus Williams
12. Jones Bar-BQ Sauce Gift Set
If you’re looking forward to grilling in the spring or need a gift for your favorite foodie, consider ordering this three-piece gift set from Jones BBQ in Kansas City. It features the brand’s made-from-scratch original Sweet and Tangy BBQ and Coconut Pineapple sauces, plus the BBQ rub. Jones recommends adding both the sauces and rub to your savory dishes, including seafood, chicken and ribs.
Jones Bar-B-Q Gift Set
Jones Bar-B-Q Gift Set $24.99 at Jones Bar-B-Q
Related: “We’re abolitionists. So we don’t build prettier prisons or jails,” said Van Buren.
More Black-owned businesses to shop in 2021
Our list of Black-owned products isn’t exhaustive and we’ll keep updating frequently throughout the year. For starters, we’re spotlighting 200 companies across health and wellness, beauty, food and beverage, fashion and more.
Black-owned businesses offering face masks
In need of functional-meets-stylish face masks? Consider supporting these seven Black-owned companies like Tia Adeola Masks, which specializes in handmade ruffle face masks (and clothing) or DEMESTIK’s attention-grabbing masks on Etsy.
Black-owned activewear brands
Looking to upgrade your at-home gym attire, including sports bras and leggings, before you hop on your exercise bike or treadmill? These 15 sportswear companies range from size-inclusive (XS to 3XL) Glamourina to Lapp the Brand, which was founded by Victoria’s Secret Angel Leomie Anderson.
Black-owned home and kitchenware brands
With more time spent indoors this winter, you might feel compelled to try new recipes or grab some new cookware. Or perhaps you’re looking to winterize your home or prep for the still-far-off spring and summer weather. Here are 14 home and kitchen brands to consider supporting, including floral arrangements from Kendrick Kreations to bohemian decor from Instagram-famous Jungalow.
Related: The U.S. has a long record of unethical medical experimentation on Black Americans.
Black-owned food and beverage brands
If you’re looking to whip up savory dishes, prep for the upcoming grilling season or sip on wine from the comfort and safety of your home, look to these 15 Black-owned food and beverage companies.
Black-owned bookshops
Although Amazon dominates the online book landscape in many ways, consider supporting smaller Black-owned retailers like Cafe con Libros in Brooklyn, an indie feminest bookstore or children’s bookshop Eyeseeme in University City, Missouri and Marcus Books in Oakland, California which has been in business for 60 years.
Black-owned fashion brands and retailers
Beyoncé stylist Zerina Akers created Black Owned Everything as an Instagram account and recently debuted its online shop, spotlighting Black designers like Samaria Leah and Lumier. Here are 13 other standout fashion brands, ranging from Christopher John Rogers — Vice President Kamala Harris wore his designs on Inauguration Day — to streetwear brand Renowned LA.
Black-owned footwear brands
Level up your shoe collection with sneakers from KEEXS or Sole Rebels, which employs artisans in Ethiopia to craft made-to-order shoes. If your house slippers are a little too well-loved, swap them out with these fuzzy Twelve AM Co shoes. For those looking to splurge, consider supporting the fashionable creations from Becki Coakley and Aurora James, founder of Brother Vellies and the 15 Percent Pledge.
Black-owned handbags
Flex your personal style with handmade fringe bags from Petite Kouraj, tote leather crossbody and mini bags from Vavvoune or Telfar’s ever popular “Bushwick Birkin,” if the designer’s latest drops don’t sell out first.
Black-owned jewelry and accessories
Elevate your everyday outfits and special occasion looks with unique fine jewelry pieces from White Space and Kirhy. If you’re into more off-beat designs, consider Cameron Tea, who handmakes beaded butterfly-shaped purses and knit hats in Los Angeles. Here are 19 other Black-owned accessories and jewelry labels to check out.
Black-owned makeup brands
Yes, Pat McGrath is a legend in the beauty world, but there are plenty of other Black-owned makeup brands out there worth supporting, too. Cruelty-free cosmetics line Coloured Raine previously teamed up with “Power” to launch a collection timed to the season six premiere and is available at Target, while makeup artists like Camara Aunique, Danessa Myricks and AJ Crimson have all launched their respective namesake beauty lines.
Related: Where to find the best cleansers, styling products and treatments for your natural hair.
Black-owned hair brands
Beyond celebrity lines from Taraji P. Henson, Tracee Ellis Ross and Gabrielle Union, there are plenty of other readily available brands that make products for naturalistas like Kinky-Curly and Uncle Funky’s Daughter.
Black-owned skin care brands
These brands run the gamut from beauty editor-favorite sunscreens for darker skin tones to celebrity esthetician Shani Darden’s signature Retinol Reform. There are also clean beauty companies incorporating natural ingredients like Organic Bath Co. and Rose MD Skincare, founded by Rose Ingleton, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.
