Last year I started sharing my Small Business Features as part a Holiday Shopping series, and I enjoyed it so much that I’ve decided to continue to highlight small businesses in 2021.
Like me, I know many of you are being more conscious and intentional of where you’re spending your hard-earned money, and who you’re spending your money with. Coming off the Black Lives Matter movement, we’re more focused on intentionally allocating portions of our spending to support Black-owned Businesses and Black Business Owners. I hope this list serves as a great starting point!
Black-Owned Beauty Businesses (that work for everyone)!
The Lip Bar: I first discovered this brand when I accidentally walked into their store in Detroit last year. Since then, I’ve transitioned a LOT of my makeup to them, including foundation, concealer (truly magical), and most recently, liquid eye shadow. I’m a big fan of their Bawse and Chocolate Spritzer lip shades and their bronzer-blush duos that are perfect to stick in your purse for a touch-up.
The Lip Bar is a Black-owned, woman-owned beauty brand based out of Detroit, Michigan. You can use my Ambassador code, BOMBAY10 to take 10% off your first order.
I love this brand so much that I’m now an affiliate partner. What this means is that if you use the code above, I receive a small fee for introducing you to the brand. This does not impact the price that you pay in any way.
Liquid Eyeshadow from The Lip Bar - use the code BOMBAY10 to get 10% off your first order!
Marie Hunter: Marie Hunter was founded on the belief that beauty should be simple and not complicated. Their mission is to boldly empower (wo)men like you with the beauty, confidence, and class to feel like the best version of yourself on the inside and outside. They have gorgeous lip colors and skincare and grab a candle while you’re there too!
Lorenne’s Brownskin: Lorenne's Brownskin was created to educate and provide a simple, fun, and natural way to give you healthy glowing skin. All their products are handcrafted with natural ingredients, and are free of parabens, harmful chemicals, toxins, and cruelty-free. Products are handmade in small batches with simple ingredients. If you’re looking for a luxurious body butter or body scrub, this is where you should be.
NailCare with Canishiea: I haven’t had a manicure in over a year. NailCare with Canishiea offers a luxurious line of cuticle oils, cuticle butters, and hand scrubs to keep your cuticles hydrated and your hands soft. She also has a beautiful line of hand-painted press on nails that can only be described as art on your fingertips.
Blk + Grn: Blk + Grn is a beauty marketplace that only includes products by Black-owned, natural beauty brands. If you’re looking to access a number of beauty brands in one place, this is the site for you.
OUI the People: I know a number of women stop shaving their legs in the winter - I am not one of those people.
HOME & GIFTS
By Simply Trudy: Cleveland blogger Trudy Maposa offers a unique line of aprons - perfect for that person who either loves to cook or is learning how to cook! The aprons are made in Zimbabwe by Zimbabwean seamstresses and part of the proceeds go back into the community in Zimbabwe. (Woman-owned, Black-owned)
Jade Purple Brown: One of my favorite artists for her bright, colorful work. I own two prints and they make me happy every time I look at them. And while you’re there, also check out her book of art and inspirational messages called “Words To Live By”
Creative GiftBasket Design: Located in northeast Ohio, owned Marcella Dunbar design business and personal gifts for all occasions and holidays.
ShexThis Designs: Another favorite artist - I own two of her prints too!
Oceanne: Oceanne’s jewelry is very pretty and incredibly popular, and the store has expanded its offering to include a lot more home items and gifts!
228 Grant Street: Luxury candles featuring scents for every occasion and mood. I’ve bought several of these candles!
Fashion
Kiri Chic: Their bold, colorful selection of handcrafted sandals, slippers and accessories derives it's inspiration from West Africa. Kiri, means "something to behold" in the Nigerian Igbo language. They are a small Cleveland company borne out of a desire to share the rich, vibrant colors and prints of Motherland Africa. I own a couple of pairs of their sandals and they are absolutely gorgeous!
Mixd Fashion: Mixd Fashion is here to break the rules of athleisure wear, by making fun and girl power the heart of their brand. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, their high-end garments are custom made from patterns, fittings, to the final product. Fun fact: founder Jada Taylor was a tailor in the critically acclaimed movie Judas & The Black Messiah (Woman-owned, Black-owned, Other Minority-owned)
Dru Christine Fabrics & Design: Dru Christine Fabrics & Design is a fashion design studio located in The Superior Arts District in Cleveland. For over five years, the studio has serviced everyone from local fashion influencers to national celebrities. The workspace also carries the designer's current apparel and accessory collections, an assortment of contemporary and vintage fabrics as well as eccentric, rare sewing notions. (Woman-owned, Black-owned)
Phenomenal: Owned by Meena Harris, Phenomenal creates tees and loungewear that are focused on inclusion and representation, and frequently support specific causes.
Proclaim: Founded on the principles that fashion should represent all women and can be made in a way that does good for people and the planet, Proclaim is expanding the definition of nude, one ethically made bra at a time.
Predominantly Black: Originated in 2015, Predominantly Black is a monochromatic boutique for humans and home. If you’re looking for cozy clothing, check out this shop, and don’t forget to check out their candles while you’re there too!
I plan to continue features like this through the rest of the year and well into 2021. If you're a small business owner fill out this short form to be featured in the future, or share this with a small business owner you know and love!
If you want to support these small businesses in a non-monetary way, please pin the image below to your Pinterest boards - it will help others find this page and these businesses both now and well into the future! Thank you for supporting small businesses!
