If you’re looking for a way to support the Black community that goes beyond hashtags and Instagram posts, buying from Black-owned businesses is a great place to start.
From beauty products to home furnishings, to clothes and kid’s toys – Black British entrepreneurs are producing stunning products that often go under the radar.
Khalia Ismain if the founder Jamii, a discount card and discovery platform that makes it easy to find and shop at the best of independent black-owned businesses in the UK.
She says it’s now more important than ever to support Black-owned business, both by spending money and spreading awareness. Khalia says supporting Black-owned business is a fantastic way to strenghten local communities.
‘It means more jobs,’ says Khalia. ‘Black-owned businesses are more likely to hire from the community, which counteracts a lot of the issues faced by black people when applying for jobs and at work.
‘They celebrate black culture and serve the community. Many black entrepreneurs are inspired by their own culture and some are created to bring access to services specific to the community’s needs.’
She says that supporting Black business also holds other companies accountable.
‘Many large businesses are vocal in their support of minorities, but don’t follow this up with action,’ she explains. ‘Choosing Black-owned businesses means voting with your pounds – empowering them to deliver the world you want to live in, while holding others to account.’
Here are Khalia’s 12 picks of Black-owned businesses that you should start supporting right now:
Innocent Haircare
High-quality handmade Afro haircare with a focus on sustainability, their products are made from natural, organic ingredients from UK-based suppliers and packaged in recycled glass.
Home Jewels Co
Vegan soy candles, hand poured and highly scented, to fill your home with delightful aromas. Our favourite flavour is Banana Bread!
Y Fit Wear
Purpose-led sportswear brand that specialises in fitness and ath-leisure wear. Launched by founder Mark to tackle the lack of diverse representation in fitness, Y-Fit caters for men and women.
Muffin Sisters
Colourful nursery accessories inspired by African culture, Muffin Sisters was created with the simple aim of maintaining heritage for the next generation.
They want to bring joy, happiness, and inspiration to babies and families by providing them with unique products inspired by Africa.
Uncle John’s Bakery
Well-known all over north London and beyond, the Tottenham-based Ghanaian bakery has earned a reputation for its homemade sweet and savoury treats.
Opening its doors in 1995, Uncle John’s Bakery has grown to become a household name among London’s Afro-Caribbean community and has recently introduced an online ordering system for those of us out of the area.
Mr Blackman’s
Mr Blackman’s is on a mission to make hassle-free, earth-conscious products for men who want to look good. Targeting the lack of products aimed at men with Afro hair, Mr Blackman’s has produced a beard grooming range that’s good for the environment, free from harmful chemicals, and treats every beard equally.
Kitsch Noir
Greetings cards and accessories inspired by Black British culture, Kitsch Noir is a range of quirky, fun and contemporary products championing the voice of the underrepresented.
By Aaron Wallace
Non-toxic hair and skincare for black men, By Aaron Wallace was founded by former barber Aaron to solve many of the challenges faced when it comes to afro hair. The range is enriched with black seed oil and mango butter, and inspires black men to be the best they can be.
Bespoke Binny
Bespoke Binny is a British-based brand creating homeware and gift items made from West African cloth. The range includes pillows, lampshades, aprons, oven gloves, table runners and card holders.
Very Puzzled
A puzzle brand teaching children and young adults about African and Caribbean nations, as well as Black British history.
Kiya Cosmetics
Haircare and skincare products that are packed full of truly natural ingredients, both nourishing and maintaining the health of both hair and skin.
Velviere
The new voice of modern and luxury fashion, their outerwear range is a decided shift away from standard greys and navies, introducing the strong injection of colour that’s been missing from menswear.
Meanwhile, their women’s wear is produced with style and elegance in mind, creating flattering silhouettes and statement looks.
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