There is so much talent in this world, but so much of it goes unnoticed. The majority of businesses that I know of are not minority-owned. So, in honor of Black History Month, I wanted to share some of my favorite Black-owned small businesses. I have enjoyed shopping and admiring many of these small businesses’ countless amounts of extraordinary creations and I hope you will to!
- The Tiny Tassel – founded in 2015 by Mimi Striplin, this jewelry and accessories brand is inspired by the vibrant and colorful streets of Charleston, South Carolina. Each of the pieces sold are meant to be statement pieces, and are all handmade with a classic twist (my flamingo tassel earrings were designed and handmade by Mimi, herself – she’s super sweet!!!).
- Copper and Brass Paper – started in 2017 by mother Ariel Young who noticed the lack of diversity within the paper goods and stationary sold. Young’s passion passed along from her mother ignited her own passion for the pretty little details, like her stationary and paper goods that include the positive promotion of black people.
- Pipcorn – began when co-founder Jeff Martin was helping his sister move apartments, only to discover a tiny bag of heirloom popcorn kernels that were the best that they had ever had. They eventually tracked down the Indiana farmer who grew it from his family’s heirloom seed stock. Now Jeff and his wife Teresa are proud minority popcorn small-businesses owners who have even appeared on Shark Tank.
- The Chocolate Boutique – it all began with cofounder Kesha’s love for chocolate, growing up in Hershey, Pennsylvania. She, then, with her husband Dozier decided to open their own unique Chocolate Boutique in their current hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.
- Effie’s Paper – was created to curate lifestyle products that would co-exist with the technology existing today. This stationary and lifestyle brand sells the most adorable trendy finds AND offers discounts upon visiting their site.
- Bespoke Binny – founder Natalie started Bespoke Binny to commemorate and remember her Ghanaian descent while living and working in London, England as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. Natalie’s designs take on the vibrant geometric African prints that are super unique to her Ghanaian culture and showcase her talents.
- Salt N Sprinkles – a black-owned and women-owned vegan bakery where all of the baked goods (mostly cookies) are freshly made in a home kitchen. All cookies are made ready to order or for pick up in the Los Angeles, California area, but will soon be made to ship nationwide!
- McBride Sisters Collection – started by the McBride sisters, Robin and Andrea, who grew up living along the vines of Monterey, California and Marlborough, New Zealand. Robin and Andrea call their wines “the fun, fab, and eco-friendly SHE CAN collection,” where their also give some of their proceeds made to the SHE Can Professional Development Fund, to allow for women to break barriers and make their dreams come true.
- Zou Xou – creates the most beautiful and comfortable stand-out flats. These flats are made to be a classic statement piece that can be worn in several scenarios for years to come.
- The Pink Retreat – founded by my Instagram friend and fellow Lilly Pulitzer lover Tosha Williams who proudly calls herself a Mompreneur, The Pink Retreat brings Lilly Pulitzer lovers of all kinds for an annual inspiring and welcoming weekend away in Palm Beach, Florida together. Williams is now a stay-at-home mother who used to be an Art Therapist and uses her strengths in art to allow for beautiful art therapy activities while at The Pink Retreat.
It’s important to remember that Black Lives Matter today and everyday. Several Black-owned businesses go unnoticed and it is time that we recognize them for all the beauty that they bring. Happy browsing and admiring of these amazing small businesses and the works of some great black entrepreneurs!!!
XOXO – Katie <3
