Updated 11/9/2024I once read

Currently, a dollar circulates in Asian communities for a month, in Jewish communities approximately 20 days and white communities 17 days. How long does a dollar circulate in the black community? 6 hours! African American buying power is at 1.1 Trillion; and yet only 2 cents of every dollar an African American spends in this country goes to black owned businesses.

Seeing these startling statistics regarding black-owned businesses is why it is crucial to support them. During the holiday season, my friend Toya, founder of Toya from Harlem, and I decided we wanted to do our part in highlighting Black-owned businesses. This list was curated with everyone in mind, and we hope you enjoy it, but more importantly, support them with your dollars.

APPAREL & HANDBAGS

Mess In A Bottle | T-shirt company with MESSages packaged in reusable bottles.

CultureFit | Activewear for women with cultural prints

Nubian Skin | Collection of lingerie and hosiery to provide the essential underwear needs of women of color.

Craving Good Vibes | Lifestyle brand celebrates today's foodie culture through food, foodie-inspired fashion, and good vibes.

Glam-Aholic Lifestyle | Detriot-based brand shipping nationwide offering luxury handbags, luggage, and more.

Iccon | Philly-based offering everything from essentials to unique statement pieces.

True to Us | Online platform celebrating and highlighting Black and Brown womxn in the streetwear and sneaker industry.

BeEyeConic | Harlem-born brand has a unique and colorful take on streetwear.

Eating Fabulously | Chef Chris gives us t-shirts with witty sayings and monogram gear.

Actively Black | Premium athleisure and sports apparel.

BEAUTY, Skincare, & HEALTH

The Lip Bar | Cruelty-free vegan makeup once rejected on Shark Tank has taken her brand nationwide.

Brooklyn Kat | Brooklyn-based, handmade,100% organic body butter and bath essentials.

Alodia Hair Care | Luxury hair care products and services that are naturally, medically, and nutritionally sound.

Hyper Skin | Vegan skincare line

Ruby Love | Leak-proof underwear and swimwear.

Honey Pot | Plant-derived feminine care™

Black Girl Sunscreen | Protect your skin every day with Black Girl Sunscreen. It fights sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. BGS provides sun protection without leaving a white cast and doubles as a moisturizer.

Ami Cole | Inspired in Senegal and born in Harlem, this skin and beauty brand is offer a clean solution.

BOOKSTORES

Eso Won Bookstore | Address: 4327 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008 | Slated to close at the end of 2022.

Peace and Riot | Address: 401-403 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216

The Lit. Bar | Address: 131 Alexander Ave, The Bronx, NY 10454

Reparations Club | Address: 4636 W. Washington Blvd. in Mid-City, Los Angeles, CA

CANDLES

Dabira Aroma | Luxury handmade products that curate body and home products using non-toxic ingredients.

LIT Brooklyn | It is hand-poured in Brooklyn and is known for its signature scents such as Home and 1989.

Harlem Candle Company | Scented candles inspired by the history of Harlem.

Spoken Flames | A multi-sensory candle that includes the crackling of the wooden wick and shimmering wax.

Lindsey Created | Candles inspired by the entrepreneur’s journey.

Marie’s Halo | Small batched candles inside of beautiful vessels and room sprays.

For a complete list of all my favorite Black-owned candles, click here.

CARDS, STATIONERY & PAPER

By Ms James | Offers greeting cards, home decor, stationary, and more.

Unwrp | Eco-friendly wrapping paper, fabric wraps (Furoshiki), greeting cards, and home goods.

Coloring Pins | Nostalgic and culturally relevant accessory and merchandise line.

Aya Paper Co. | Eco-friendly card company offers journals, tote bags, and more.

The Layered Living Planner | Offers a planner that doubles as a calendar and life coach.

COFFEE & TEA

BLK & Bold Specialty Roastery | This company pledges 5% of its proceeds to nonprofit organizations across America that are aligned to pouring into children.

Brooklyn Tea | Offers high-quality loose-leaf tea, friendly service, and expert tea education.

Kiss Cafe Coffee | Jadakiss is in the coffee biz with his family and produces premium coffee.

Chicago French Press | This Chicago-based business offers Keurig grinds, French Press grinds, espresso grinds, and Auto Drip.

Sweet July | This concept store/cafe based in Oakland created by Ayesha Curry thoughtfully curated items from Black-owned brands and their house coffee blend.

ENTERTAINMENT

Black Card Revoked | The perfect game for groups and will be full of laughs.

EXERCISE STUDIOS

Harlem Cycle | Address: 2350 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10030 & 54-62 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027

Harlem Pilates | Address: 60 W 129th St, New York, NY 10027

Spiked Spin | Address: 1171 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11216 & 840 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035

FOOD

Harlem Chocolate Factory | Harlem’s only chocolate factory and ships nationwide.

Blondery | Woman-owned luxury virtual bakery specializing in artisanal blondies.

Hot N’ Saucy | Vegetable-based hot sauce that will add a kick to any dish.

Dash of Dacy | Dacy provides the spice and cookware you need for your next meal.

Drunken Fruit | Fruit aged in a proprietary blend of alcohol.

Capital City Mambo Sauce | The signature sauce of D.C. is now available nationwide.

BOLD Spice Collection | Detroit native, Will Coleman, has created spice blends inspired by his hometown.

For a list of Black-owned bakeries that ship nationwide, click here.

HOME GOODS

Rayo & Honey’s Homemade Canvas Pennants | Canvas pennants, hand-cut totes, and more.

House of Nambili | Sustainable upholstery, furniture, and decor.

Effortless Composition | Elevated home decor

Sister.ly Drinkware | Luxury drinkware that is feminine and fun.

JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES

Jam & Rico | Caribbean-inspired jewelry line providing handmade bold, gold-plated, and unique pieces.

Cee Cee’s Closet | Luxury silk-lined headwraps, colorful African print headwraps, and beautiful bags.

84th Gem | Statement jewelry collection

Upscale Socks | Colorful, vibrant, fun, and meaningful socks for the entire family.

Fanm Djanm | Head wraps and hair accessories made in small batches (ethically + sustainably) in the US

MEN GROOMING

Scotch Porter

Frederick Benjamin

Bevel

NAILS

The Nail Suite by Lisa Logan (Harlem) | Address: 2388 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10030

Millennial Nails (Brooklyn) | Address: 490 Jefferson Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11221

Law Beauty Essentials

SPIRIT, WINE, & COCKTAILS

HH Bespoke | Offering gin, rum, and vodka

Uncle Nearest Whiskey

Theopolis Vineyards | Woman-owned boutique winery founded by former trial lawyer Theodora Lee, known for producing award-winning Petite Sirah in California's Yorkville Highlands.

LS Cream Liqueur | Award-winning cream liqueur inspired by one of the most iconic beverage from Haiti, known as “Cremas”.

Viarae | Issa Rae’s newest business venture allows her to bring her talents to the sparkling wine business