2.6 million
That’s the number of Black-owned businesses in this country, according to the latest stats compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2012 — and Black women are leading the launches.
You already know buying Black 365 is an important way to support the community, but did you also know there’s a month specifically dedicated to doing just that? National Black Business Month kicks off its #31Days31Ways campaign every August.
The list below is just a starting point, so hit them up and check out even more products, services, and stores doin’ it for the culture on Official Black Wall Street.
Sesi
Of course, we’ve gotta rep. Initially started in 2009 by Andréa Butler and Shannon Boone, who’ve been friends since high school, Sesi is the teen magazine for Black girls. “Covering the Black girls mainstream,” this title fills that void in the mainstream magazine marketplace and provides all #BlackGirlMagic all the time. You can cop your subscription here — you can also grab your copy at your local Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million store.
B’ellegant Cosmetics
There’s more to makeup than Urban Decay, CoverGirl, Revlon, and the like. If you’re looking for a Black-owned cosmetics co, don’t sleep on B’ellegant Cosmetics. It has everything you need from eyeshadow to highlighters to the best Black girl nude lippies you’ll ever want! It’s legit one of the only brands we feel truly understands “nude” lip colors for all shades of melanin. Their Melted Chocolate liquid lipstick bundle (whether matte or satin) is everything!
KashmirVIII
Kashmir Thompson uses her art background to create pop culture-inspired clothing and accessories that will have everyone trying to cop what you’ve got — think A Different World-printed throw pillows, The Carters-themed clutch, and so much more, all of which are colorful, full of geometric shapes, and definite standout pieces.
Rooted Woman
Self-care comes in many forms, and tbh, one of our faves is the at-home mani/pedi. All of the polishes from this brand are handmade, non-toxic, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals doin’ the most to your nails and the skin around them. What we also love about this pick is that each color is named after moods any girl might experience — victorious, blessed, unwavering, and unconditionally loved are just a few examples. More than polish names, they’re little reminders of appreciation.
Cee Cee’s Closet
Whether you’re short on time or you just want to switch up your look, you can always reach for a ka-yute headwrap. Cee Cee’s Closet has beautiful ones that will have you looking like the queen you are. There are so many bold colors and prints, and they don’t skimp on the length or quality, so you can bet they’ll last you a minute.
Me & the Bees Lemonade
Inspired by a family recipe for flaxseed lemonade passed down from generation to generation, Me & the Bees Lemonade is sweetened with local honey and a portion of the profits go toward organizations that are helping save honey bees.
BLACKLIT
For us, by us, about us. BLACKLIT is a monthly subscription box that features Black authors and Black business owners, only. Whether you want to read something new or learn more about where else you can #BuyBlack, this box will gift you just that. And you can choose a subscription that works best for you — a fiction box, a nonfiction box, a box curated for men, a believers-inspired box, or a mini box.
Main Photo: Laura Marques/Unsplash
