buying black is a no-brainer. i believe it’s imperative that we support our community not just through acts, but also our dollars. take a look below for 20 of my favorite black-owned businesses to support this holiday season.
Stationary and Books
mahogany books: i try to visit mahogany books bi-monthly to pick up a new book by a black author. they have a great website and boutique in washington, dc where you can find fiction and non-fiction books for all ages. your best friend would love the “today i affirm” journal by alex elle.
cloth & paper: i’ve been a big cloth & paper fan for years and absolutely love their monthly subscription box. it’s a great gift for someone getting started with planning or a bullet journal. their minimal yet elevated aesthetic is addictive.
effie’s paper: effie’s is a great shop for the stationary lovers in your life. they have amazing notecards and agenda inserts. my faves are the pretty af boxed stationary set and the undated planner inserts. plus, their catalog of “black girl magic” pieces is epic.
Home Goods
quinn parfums: one of the most beautifully curated candle and scent companies you can find. we’ve partnered on the white toenail reed diffuser which is a great gift this holiday season. the reeds permeate a beautiful blend of sandalwood, vanilla and rose.
mango mansion: i love this brand’s eclectic and cultural home decor pieces. they have everything from bed spreads to bath mats and framed pictures for the art lovers in your life. i’m loving their puzzles which would be great for a coffee table and the marygold green fleece blanket.
blk mkt vintage: get ready to drool. blk mkt vintage is one of the best vintage shops around, and their instagram feed will make you want to jump through your phone’s screen. get one of their vintage posters framed this holiday season for your cool friend.
tactile matter: i’ve been a big fan of kenesha sneed’s work for years. she’s an amazing contemporary artist who spans mediums, including children’s books. her dope prints come in throws and wall art that can even be purchased framed.
nubian hueman: this washington, dc and baltimore boutique is the hub for some of the best items from across the african diaspora. you can find clothing, candles, spices, children’s books and more. my favorites items are the fit for a queen gift set and nurture your soul sweatshirt.
Clothes and Accessories
brandon blackwood: the black luxury movement is here and brandon blackwood is on the frontline. his handbags, totes and wallets have a cult following, especially the super popular end systemic racism bag. i’m wearing the bowen bag in baby blue in this post, and can’t wait to get my hands on the kendrick trunk.
mateo new york: whew chile! mateo new york is the brand you gift bae to let them know the love is real. their 14k gold frame crystal necklaces and rings are super unique. i also love the connected circle ring for the pinky ring lovers in your life.
knature the label: i’m a huge knature the label fan. as a matter of fact, her pieces really cemented my love for chunky gold jewelry with the sade earrings which are currently on sale. she also does great necklaces like the divine feminine necklace which would make a great gift.
free maiden: one of my favorite jewelry brands of all time is free maiden. her handmade brass pieces are statements and can make the most simple outfit pop. if you know someone who loves bold jewelry, then they’ll love the thick philly jawn cuff.
hanifa: the fashionista in your life is probably already obsessed with hanifa’s bold pieces. the brand’s recent drop is epic and for the first time includes shoes. i’m loving the myra knit maxi and super popular miya knit cardigan dress.
oye handbags: oye’s pieces are handmade in ghana and perfect for folks who love heritage items made in africa. my favorite handbags are the koryoo collection.
Makeup and Skincare
the brown-beauty coop: i’m in love with this chic boutique with all natural skincare and makeup brands. each product is carefully vetted by the brown-beauty team and trust me has great results. i’m loving the taila eye balm, perfect for the bougie skincare lover in your life. also, all of the makeup brands have excellent color payoff on deep skin tones.
mented makeup: i’ve been loving mented’s lipsticks and blush. much like the brands at brown-beauty coop, they’re formulated with deeper skin tones in mind with great colors. their lip gloss collections and eyeshadow palettes would make great gifts.
golde: this clean beauty company is famous for their masks that contain great ingredients like matcha and turmeric. they also make dope superfood blends to add to your diet. i’m loving the superfood masks kit and complete beauty and wellness kit for gifts this holiday season.
the lip bar: lip bar makes some of the best matte lipsticks on the planet. the easy beauty bundle would make a great gift to try out some of the brand’s bestsellers.
Wine and Spirits
b. stuyvesant champagne: i’ve been a big fan of this brand since their washington, dc pop up over the summer. their rosé is delicious and would make a great gift this holiday season. i’m loving the gift set that includes both their rosé and reserve champagnes.
mcbride sisters wine: the famous “black girl magic” wines are the brainchild of mcbride sisters wine. their wine list is extensive, and they even have a wine club for the wine lover in your life. their 12 days of cocktails and mcbride sisters can sampler 12 pack would make great gifts!
