I love spending money with Black Owned business. These days I got out of my way to see if the option is available to me. Seeing these brands finally get the recognition they deserve is truly heartwarming. I hope this is not a trend of the moment but a movement for a lifetime.
Checkout a list of Black Business that are know my debit card intimately and I have thoroughly enjoyed purchasing.
Forvr Mood
Ms. Jackie Aina is a beauty guru sensation. As everyone’s favorite rich auntie she has been a staple in brown girls makeup tutorial rolodex. She is one of the few black you tubers who transcended the platform and became relevant in pop culture. Now, arguably, she deserves even more flowers and notoriety when you compare her career to the of her non black counterparts. However, regardless of that, everything she touches turns to gold.
This brings me to Forvr Mood. When Jackie announced she was launching her own brand, but not makeup, we were left in suspense. She did not disappoint with a bougie candle line that is budget friendly. While her candles retail at $38, I promise you its worth it. The sheer size of the candle, packaging, and potency of scent when you compare to candles in the same price range, overdelivers. Forvr Mood is indeed a whole mood.
Caked Up is my favorite candle thus far. She has a scent for I’m sure every sort of scent lover. You can now shop her line in person in Sephora as well. It debuted recently as the first Black Owned candle company in Sephora. Level up sis, we love to see it.
Cise
I am not ashamed to admit that Cise got me on instagram. The bag came across toy feed when it was reposted my someone I follow. A literal statement piece that screams ‘put your money where your mouth is’. I live! When I first purchased my own, black was the only option. However, now, they offer so many gorgeous color ways. Make a bold statement in any color!
Brandon Blackwood
I was introduced to this designer through the End Systemic Racism bag. It is my first small bag purchase and I love it. My purchase was before the new color ways that are available now. But they are all simply stunning and conversation worthy. Brandon Blackwood also has gorgeous bags ESR that are gorgeous.
Matopeda
Tope King, the designer of Matopeda handiwork is blessed. Her work custom work is impeccable, stunning, breathtaking. Being that I have followed her for so long, I can spot her design without confirming it’s hers. She serves the women who love drama, bling, beading and that true wow factor. Treat yourself to her instagram for constant, “I need somewhere to go to where this.” overload. Her bridal work, no words.
I am an owner of her pieces from her ready to wear collections. Her dresses are beautiful, comfortable and meant to accentuate a woman’s body. While she’s based in Nigeria, no worries, she ships all over the world!
Fancy Success
Long before coming across Fancy Success years ago, I had been looking for stunning fur coats that embodied millennial bougie rich auntie vibes. Fancy Success over delivers with its line of customizable fur coats. I had the privilege of attending one of the pop up shop when they came to New York, the coats were more stunning in person. The owner is sweet, accommodating, and an inspiring boss lady.
The order and customization process was very easy. Customer service was lovely. The final product delivered to expectation!
Telfar
Now if you don’t know, let me inform you how difficult it is to get a Telfar bag. Every launch literally sells out in a couple of minutes. While I managed to get one in my favorite color, purple, I had been vying for one in many of the other beautiful colors. The signature Telfar shopping bag comes in 3 different sizes and launches different colors all the time. It is best to be on the mailing list to learn what is coming next and plan your victories purchase.
Mented
Mented Cosmetics has claimed to have the perfect nude lipstick for brown girls. To be honest, it is true. Their quest to provide nude lipstick for an array of brown hues filled an undeniable gap in the beauty market. We have been used to 100 shades of beige/tan for too long.
Mented followed up with release of other products such as lip liners, bronzers and my favorite foundation stick right now. The foundation stick melts into by skin tone seamlessly. It’s one of my top foundation recommendation right now, perfect for the beginner or pro.
Cup of Te
Oprah put me on! As a tea lover, I was thrilled to see this company on Oprah’s Favorite Things list 2020. This is one of the best quality teas I have ever had. The ingredients are superb. It is definitely the type if company that did not just focus on delivering a great taste, but has also been intentional about make muring it does the body good as well.
Sydney’s Sweets
My favorite dessert is cupcakes. In fact, I am a cupcake snob. When I found out the owner was a fellow Howard University alum it was the perfect recipe to patronize. I was not disappointed. Sydney’s Sweets has gone on to make birthday and Thanksgiving cakes for my family and I. Now they ship delicious cake jars nationwide. My favorites are the Caramel Dream, Red Velvet, and Cookies & Cream.
Ivy’s Tea
Ivy’s Tea is one of my favorite finds ever at a pop up shop. Upon tasting the orange infused honey, Shmoney, I was hooked. The Trap Tea spirit of the brand found in the names of their products such as Blow, and Side Piece is a whole mood.
Pat McGrath
Kimberly New York
