Six Black-Owned Businesses Worth Noting
Hey there,
Tonya here.
It’s no secret that I'm passionate about celebrating and emboldening ambitious people who define their own standards, create new rules, and live relentlessly. I love honoring and supporting small business owners - especially minority business owners - as they are some of the most ambitious people that I know. I'm excited to share with you some black-owned businesses that may not have crossed your path.
Would you like to join me in supporting some of my favorite Black-owned businesses? Continue reading this blog post to discover a few of my favorite Black-owned businesses and some hand-picked product recommendations.
Harlem Candle Company (harlemcandlecompany.com)
Looking for your new favorite candle? The Harlem Candle Co. specializes in scented candles inspired by the bustling neighborhood of Harlem in New York City and the pulsating rhythmic patterns of jazz music.
I've added the "Baldwin" candle to my wishlist. This luxurious, limited-edition candle features the quote "Love Brought You Here" by James Baldwin from the novel and film If Beale Street Could Talk. One of the best things about this candle - besides the dreamy and romantic scent - is the fact that the glass container can be reused as an elegant cocktail glass after the wax burns away.
Visit their website to discover an array of soothing scents, like their award-winning “Josephine” Luxury Candle. You can shop directly from their ecommerce site or find the candles at select brick-and-mortar stores in California, Texas, Alabama, New York, Massachusetts, and Quebec. Make sure to check out their instagram @harlemcandlecompany for Harlem Renaissance inspired content.
Edas Handbags (https://edas.store)
A sustainable accessory brand that strives to make women feel beautiful, EDAS delivers thoughtful, everyday statements for the eclectic woman. Head designer Sade Mims creates memorable pieces that are made to be enjoyed alone or paired, giving the wearer a sense of customization and contrast.
I’m absolutely loving the handbags from EDAS, especially the Yshaia handbag. The design for this handbag was inspired by a trip that Sade (one of my favorite vocal artists) took to Mexico, and the silhouette of the bag is made to reflect the beauty and architecture of Tulum.
The smooth and supple cowhide leather shoulder bag with an oversized buckle is the perfect handbag for work and play, and it's available in three colorways: navy, pine, and chocolate.
If you’re looking for a smaller bag, the Yshaia Mini bag in crimson is the perfect transitional piece that can be worn day or night. Visit their website to shop a leather bag for yourself.
McBride Sisters Wine (mcbridesisters.com)
The McBride Sisters founded their wine company in 2005 with the goal to transform the industry, lead by example, and cultivate community, one glass of wine at a time. Unwind with a bottle of Black Girl Magic, a personal ode to the sisters’ culture and story.
The winemaker's California Merlot is inspired by the magic and resilience of black women. Wine novices and aficionados alike will enjoy the wine's black cherry and warm cocoa aromas, in addition to raspberry, plum, and chocolate notes. It’s a wine that truly warms the soul.
I also admire the brand's SHE CAN Fund, which was launched in 2019 and aims to support the sisters' efforts to close the gender and race gap in leadership positions within male-dominated fields - like the wine industry.
Visit the McBride Sisters Wines site to buy a bottle (or two) because Black Girl Magic Merlot is sold online only.
Greer Chicago Stationers (https://greerchicago.com)
Greer is an ecommerce stationery store with a thoughtfully-selected collection of international stationery and office supplies. Chandra Greer founded Greer with the purpose to create a positive place devoted to good feelings, intelligent thought, and the celebration of beauty. The stationery and office supplies brand features an array of designers, large and small, who share the same values - to make the world a more positive, beautiful, and thoughtful place.
There’s something exhilarating about finding the right pen and notebook. A new notebook has the capability to unleash creative potential and original ideas. We have our eyes on the Hanaduri Hanji Dot Grid Notebook Cabinet. Hanji is a traditional Korean paper, made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree and fibers from the sunset hibiscus plant. The extremely durable paper provides a smooth and satisfying writing experience. This must-have notebook comes in 6 colors: blue, brown, green, mint, navy, and red.
If you’re a detail-oriented person, like me, you’re definitely going to want to check out this shop for the absolute best supplies to keep you organized and your creative thoughts flowing. From American-crafted letterpress greeting cards to impeccably designed Japanese notebooks, there is something for everyone and every personality.
Darius Quarles (http://virginiahenrys.com)
Darius Quarles is a contemporary, self-taught artist born and raised in Louisa, Virginia who lives and works in Durham, North Carolina. After working various jobs, he decided to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming an artist, and he started his own art and design business known as Virginia Henry’s in 2006. Darius has participated in hundreds of art shows and festivals and produces more than 200 original art pieces per year. His colorful works of art can be found in private homes and businesses throughout the US.
Take a look at Darius Quarles’ Instagram to view his breathtaking paintings. This is one of my favorites.
Diarrablu (https://diarrablu.com/collections/sustainable)
Diarrablu is one of my favorite fashion and lifestyle brands centered around sustainability, wanderlust, tradition, and algorithms. The sustainable and size-inclusive brand was founded by Diarra Bousso, who was born and raised in Senegal. Diarrablu’s mission is to iterate for sustainability while highlighting the African continent’s rich colors and beautiful, bold patterns through practical and versatile pieces. The designs merge Diarra’s love of math and algorithms with her heritage. The conscious, contemporary lifestyle brand features an array of clothing, accessories, and art pieces handcrafted by local artisan communities in Senegal. If you’re looking for a fashion brand that prioritizes both sustainability and inclusivity, you’ll definitely want to head over to their ecommerce site and shop Diarrablu collections.
Which of these businesses is catching your eye? I'd love to hear about your favorite black-owned businesses as well. Reach out with your suggestions and recommendations.
Much Love to You,
