Shop Black - 15 Businesses to Discover & Support
In an effort to keep the Black Lives Matter movement at the forefront, it's important that we amplify Black voices in every avenue of our lives. While many of us have been signing petitions, donating to charities, or marching in protests, there are other ways to include Black communities in our day to day lives. Following Black content creators and diversifying our social media feeds is certainly a step in the right direction, it’s also important we take stock of our lives offline as well. Who designed the clothes we wear? Who wrote the books we read?
After asking myself these types of questions, I’m disappointed with the lack of Black representation in my own life. Supporting Black-owned businesses is a crucial step in supporting Black people and amplifying their voices. It’s for these reasons that I've put together a list of 15 Black-Owned businesses for you to discover.
Some of these shops you may already know, others might be brand new to you. I encourage you to look through them all even if you don't currently have the funds to support these brands monetarily. You can still follow their social media pages, share links with friends, and maybe bookmark some items for yourself so you can treat yourself later on!
Based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, co-founders Ariel Gough and Edwina Govindsamy developed an empowering line of fragrances that are suitable for those with sensitivities to scents and perfumes.
Unlike traditional perfumes that are mostly alcohol-based, Bailly rollerballs are created with a coconut oil & essential oil base for a long-lasting scent that's also vegan friendly. And with names like Excellence, Brilliance & Resilience, you can really feel the girl-power behind the brand!
My picks: Each of the 3 scents sound delightful in their own unique way; I want them all!
Thankfully you & I can try them all in their Sample Set.
Skincare doesn't need to be over-complicated. Sometimes the simplest ingredients can be the most effective, and the folks at KOA Natural Skincare have taken this notion to heart.
Made in small-batches, the Toronto-based team focuses on the science of skincare by using high quality, natural ingredients. Their dedication to transparency is evident as your scroll through their incredibly useful & educational ingredient glossary.
My picks: A night in with the Golden Brightening Mask & Glow Facial Oil sounds like the perfect pairing for my next self-care session.
We all love an inclusive beauty brand, but Uoma Beauty takes it to the next level. Beyond having an expansive foundation range (51 unique shades, to be exact) the Say What Foundation comes in 6 different formulas each designed with unique skincare benefits.
In addition to having a diverse shade selection, this innovative brand loves to celebrate creativity, uniqueness and rebellion. With their gorgeous collection of bold lipsticks and ultra-pigmented eyeshadow palettes, you can't help but be inspired when you discover the story behind each collection.
My picks: The Black Magic Metallic Lipsticks are some of the most unique shades I've come across, and are totally Insta-worthy (just look at that velvet glitter texture!). I'm personally lusting after the shade 'Savage'.
If you've ever fawned over Barbie's shoe collection, prepare yourself. This Canadian cobbler has designed a line of vegan-friendly heels in a literal rainbow of colours.
If a 4" heel has you stumbling instead of strutting, don't worry; they offer a kitten heel & wedge sneaker as well. Even the littlest fashionistas in your life can step out in style too, as they'll be launching their Mini Mono Low sneaker soon!
My picks: There's something incredibly sexy about a pair of cherry red heels, and the HOH Mono Heel in 'Scarlet' is the perfect example. Pair these with jeans and a tee, and you've got an instantly elevated casual look.
Founder Kaylina Mérizier-Tingué has created an ethical collection of mix & match swim separates all made from recycled materials. Designed right here in Ottawa, this line features flattering cuts and fun colours for all shapes and sizes. Because swimwear is for every body!
Make sure you subscribe to their mailing list so you'll be the first to know when their website relaunches and the new collection drops!
My picks: The Rosé One Piece is the most gorgeous blush pink shade, and has a customizable tie-top that's totally unique and super flattering.
This Canadian activewear line proves that good quality gym attire doesn't have to wear out your wallet.
Each piece is beautifully designed and rigorously tested to ensure comfort & quality, and features a price point that won't make you break into a sweat.
A purchase from Saint Lyon will not only make you look good, it'll make you feel good too. A portion of each sale is donated to a charitable cause of your choice. Now that's some 'fitspo' we can all appreciate!
My picks: We can all appreciate a good pair of leggings, especially one with pockets! Check out the Panthera Leggings, even if you're more 'athleisure' than athletic.
Montreal designer, Hana Nagel has curated a covetable collection of decor pieces. From vintage art deco lamps, to sensuous soft pink ceramics this webstore is what decor dreams are made of. Alongside her selection of vintage wares, she also stocks modern pieces like candles and artwork by various Black and queer makers.
In an effort to support the BLM movement, Hana had been pairing up with fellow vintage sellers & decor accounts to host raffles on Instagram. This not only helped to raise over $14,500.00 in donations, but also allowed for Black voices such as Hana's to be amplified across social media.
My picks: If you can get your hands on a Shell Lamp, I will be incredibly envious!
Rachael-Lea Rickards & Deanna Elizabeth Jade are the Toronto two-some behind Real Talk Candles, which just launched in April 2020 and have seen their scents sell out week after week. Once glance and you'll see why; these babies speak for themselves. They have all the comforting qualities of a candle with the perfect amount of sass!
Made with a vegan blend of soy wax, these candles are hand-poured and made to order; just choose your phrase & desired scent. Don't see a witty one liner that speaks to you? You can always write your own when you order a customized candle.
My picks: Need a moment of calm (or a much-needed giggle)? The Anxiety Candle is a best seller for a reason.
Created & curated by designer Justina Blakeney, Jungalow is a home decor haven for all things vibrant, modern and joyful. In addition to Justina's own line of homegoods, you'll also find limited edition prints from various female artists such as Maggie Stephenson & Roeqiya Fris.
While the colourful collection is certainly enough to put a smile on anyone's face, the ethics they stand for will make you feel good too. Their partnership with Trees for The Future means every purchase ensures at least two trees are planted. Read more about their mission here.
My picks: It's so hard to narrow this down because I truly want it all!! I'm currently swooning over the selection of Hook Pillows like the super cute 'Peace, Love + Plants' cushion.
If you've ever groaned over the primary colour offerings that seems to dominate baby gear, this mompreneur brand will have minimalists jumping for joy! Having just launched this past weekend, Modern Mama Baby Goods proves that function can be fabulous.
This aesthetically pleasing line of feeding essentials is made with 100% food grade silicone, and free from BPA, PVC, & phthalates. They're also stain resistant, dishwasher & microwave safe, so these pretty pastel shades will stay pristine!
My picks: The Suction Bowls not only prevent spills from happening in the high chair, they come with a lid to seal in snacks while you're on the go!
As a former baby-wearing mama, I'm bummed I only just recently discovered this gorgeous line of ring slings. You can bet I'll be adding these to my registry when we're ready for baby #2!
These beautiful slings are designed right here in Canada by fellow mama Kayleigh, and are made from ultra-breathable & luxurious European linen. Each sling purchase provides medication to one mother & baby through their partnership with Plan International Canada.
My picks: The Ontario Ring Sling is the perfect neutral option, with a chic windowpane print that any parent will appreciate.
I encourage you to read up on the history and commitments held by up this West African founded social enterprise; because a quick synopsis of their efforts simply won't do them justice. My standards for fair trade practices and sustainability are that much higher now that I've been introduced to the Alaffia line of goods.
Alaffia's baby & kids lineup is formulated with Ethically fair-traded ingredients like virgin coconut oil and unrefined raw shea butter, so your little ones' skin will stay soft & nourished. They also offer a wide range of skin & hair care products for us grown-ups, too!
My picks: Bubble baths are always a hit in this house. The Coconut Strawberry Bubblebath is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for both the whole family.
Taylor Lindsay-Noel is not just an entrepreneur; she's a conversation starter. Once destined for the Olympic gymnastics team, a spinal cord injury caused her to become paralyzed and wheelchair bound at the age of 14. Her perseverance and dedication has led her down many paths since. She is a poet, a motivational speaker, podcast host, and 'SHE-E-O' of Cup of Té.
This Toronto-based web store is a one-stop shop for luxurious loose leaf teas and essential steeping accessories. From ceremonial organic matcha, to classic black teas like Cha Cha Chai, there is something for all tea lovers to enjoy.
My picks: Taylor recognized that the most important conversations are the ones that break down stigmas and inequalities; and many conversations often start around a boiling kettle. She has committed to donating $1 from every Luxe Starter Kit to The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
Mumgry is a line of plant-based nut butters that were made with Mums in mind - from the soon-to-be, to the fourth trimester and beyond! Though even if you're not a mom, we can all appreciate when something is delicious and nutritious!
Born out of Vancouver, BC, these spreads currently comes in 3 different flavours; Smooth Peanut Butter, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and (wait for it) Pistachio Chocolate Almond Butter. All of them are loaded with protein, calcium, iron, and not a hint of sugar! Now you know why they always say, "Mama knows best"!
My picks: Seriously, name a better duo than peanut butter and chocolate. I'll wait.
Just the thought of Mumgry Chocolate Peanut Butter has me drooling all over my keyboard.
Just the thought of Mumgry Chocolate Peanut Butter has me drooling all over my keyboard.
One of the easiest ways to diversify your life is by trying new cuisines and flavours from other cultures. These Afro-Fusion soups are Lola Adeyemi's way of sharing her community with us all.
After receiving rave reviews from her co-workers at office pot-lucks, Lola was inspired to share her favourite West African flavours with the rest of Canada. It's Souper is the comfort food we all know & love, with the high quality spices & ingredients she grew up with.
My picks: Since my husband is vegetarian, we're always looking for new dishes to try. The Paprika Carrot Soup would be the perfect way to kick things up in our kitchen!
Thank you for helping me to raise the voices and talents of our Black communities.
What are some of your favourite Black-owned businesses?
Please share with me in the comments so that we can all discover more shops to support!