This post was originally published in November 2015, and republished in 2020. Companies listed below may or may not be in operation.
Last year, LoveBrownSugar.com released a list of 25 Black Owned Online Stores to support on Black Friday. Considering sensitive events surrounding social justice last year, we wanted to make sure to emphasize the importance of supporting black entrepreneurs as even a small gesture of change with a large impact, especially during the holiday season. The reason I decided to bring Shop LoveBrownSugar back for another year is the same. It’s important for us to support each other! So for 2015, we’re bringing the original list back and revamping it with the addition of 25 MORE businesses to support this holiday season. So you’ll see the below list split into 2015 and 2014 for distinction.
See below for our 50 Black Owned Businesses for #BlackonBlackFriday (in no particular order):
The 2015 List
I’ve been a fan of this nail lacquer brand for almost 5 years now. I’ve seen the brand from its beginnings and it just keeps getting better each year. With vibrant colors and formulations that are 5-free and vegan, you’re bound to find a color in their collection you’ll fall in love with. Check out our Get Like Me interview with the founder Ginger Johnson and Sara Liz Pickett.
*This brand will be represented at our Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up event on Sunday, December 6th in NYC.
I was first introduced to Earth’s Nectar through DooBop (#11 on our 2014 list below). They’ve quickly grown to be one of my favorite hair and body collections. I swear by their Mint Leaves & Tea Tree Conditioner (I use it as a Cowash because it’s so juicy, fresh-smelling and makes my scalp feel amazing. And my all-time favorite product from the line is the Monoi Hair Milk – it’s like the perfect mix of a creme and pomade.
3. 84 Gem*
Not only is the owner Kimone Young an absolute beauty, but she crafts all of her beautiful statement pieces by hand. These are the perfect compliment to any holiday look.
*This brand will be represented at our Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up event on Sunday, December 6th in NYC.
4. Fanm Djanm
With everything from striking imagery to well-curated prints, this head wrap and accessories brand is on the fast track to becoming a household name. The founder, Paola Mathe, is a lifestyle blogger on a mission to empower women from all walks of life to be bold, beautiful, and powerful.
A collection of beautiful, fair-trade, ankara printed pieces, Asikere Afana is a sensual blend of African-inspired fashion, timeless trends, and curated textiles made in Ghana with 100% cotton. The owner Ashley Alexis McFarlane is a fellow UPENN alum with so much talent and passion, it shows. I was proud to don her pieces this summer.
6. Harlem Soap*
Harlem Soap is an all-natural cold process Goat’s milk bar soap brand based in Harlem, New York and handmade in batches of 180 bars to ensure quality. Owner Jammie Waldron created the brand as a means to remediate his eczema and soon began gifting to friends and family to rave reviews.
*This brand is a finalist in our Shop LoveBrownSugar “People’s Choice” Business Competition
7. Hue Noir
I first discovered Hue Noir at the Cosmoprof Tones of Beauty showcase this past summer. The brand caters to women of color and offers everything from lipstick to gloss, eyes, and face. The owner Paula Hayes was a product development chemist prior to developing the brand and she’s now fulfilling her dream of launching an artisanal makeup company of her own.
8. Smash Shoes
Smash Shoes was created with a passion to provide contemporary, on-trend shoes for women wearing US size 10 to 13. I had the pleasure of rocking Smash Shoes at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood awards this past February, so I can personally vouch for them. They’re awesome and the company’s founder is a young female entrepreneur under 30.
9. TreLuxe
Another brand I discovered at the Cosmoprof Tones of Beauty showcase this past summer, this hair brand aims to inspire confidence, be socially conscious, and contribute responsibly to society. My favorite in the line is their Curl Care Travel Kit. Perfect for naturals who travel like myself.
10. The Mane Choice
This brand of hair vitamins, supplements and hair care products is formulated to nourish and grow beautiful, natural hair. Unnecessary ingredients were replaced with more natural, organic ingredients that studies have revealed to benefit healthy hair growth and retention for all hair types. I heard the owner Courtney Adeleye speak on a panel in October and fell in love with what her whole company represents. They even pay people’s bills on social media!
11. LAMIK Beauty
I’ve never been a big “brow” person. I typically leave mine alone. But when I met the owner of LAMIK Beauty at Cosmoprof this past summer, she convinced me that her brow kit was a must-have. She beat my face to perfection and made me a believer. LAMIK has some incredible cosmetics and an amazing brow kit.
12. Bolden USA*
Bolden is a collection of 100% shea oils that are sourced from ethically-sourced Shea nuts picked and processed by local women’s groups in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The owners of the company, Chinelo and Ndidi, created Bolden to cater to the unique beauty of women.
*This brand will be represented at our Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up event on Sunday, December 6th in NYC.
13. Kinky Curly Yaki
(Photo Credit: @ItsDaynaDane)
KCY offers a collection of high quality, kinky, natural looking textured hair extensions. For those of you ladies who crave a little extra volume in your natural curls, they make different textures that work for your curl type.
14. The Lip Bar
The Lip Bar makes bold and beautiful lip colors in various shades. I’m obsessed with their bold imagery and their natural formulations. Their mission is to allow women of all shades to experience a lip color that is not only bold in its shade, but also healthy in its intake.
15. Chic by Choice*
They make a really unique collection of accessories, especially clutches and handbags. Here I am rocking one in my Cookie-inspired outfit post.
*This brand will be represented at our Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up event on Sunday, December 6th in NYC.
16. HeatFree Hair
What I love about HeatFree Hair is that it’s not just a hair collection, it’s a movement. They offer extensions for naturally curly customers with an emphasis on allowing you to step away from the heat and give your natural hair a break. Their founder Ngozi Opara is a stylist and the owner of a D.C. based natural hair studio.
17. SDOT Beauty
The SDOT Beauty brand is a collection of handmade body products with organic ingredients. Love that they feature unique products like their coffee & sugar body scrub.
*This brand will be represented at our Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up event on Sunday, December 6th in NYC.
18. D’IYANU
D’IYANU (dee-ya-nu) is a ready-to-wear bold print clothing line offering quality, trendy African inspired fashion at affordable prices. With her love for fashion and passion for self expression through unique clothing, Nigerian born Addie Olutola launched the D’IYANU brand at the beginning of 2014. D’IYANU is a fun, bold, chic line centered on inspiring individuals to confidently dress bold and beautifully.
19. Effie’s Paper*
Effie’s Paper :: Stationery&Whatnot is an online stationery company specializing in modern stationery, desk accessories and travel mugs for busy professionals, students, mommies and social butterflies. We make products that make your heart leap!
*This brand is a finalist in our Shop LoveBrownSugar “People’s Choice” Business Competition
20. curlBOX
CurlBOX is a subscription box geared towards naturalistas that allows you to sample hair products from various brands for a low monthly cost. Beyond being one of the first subscription boxes catering to us naturals, what I love is that the owner Myleik Teele shares her personal journey and career tips as an entrepreneur to inspire other people who want to do the same.
21. Nubian Skin
Finally! A brand of lingerie and hosiery specifically geared towards brown girl. No more issues with finding the perfect shade of “nude” underthings. Nubian Skin has us covered (no pun intended).
22. Mae B Online*
Mae B is a lifestyle brand dedicated to creating positive imagery and well made products for women of color. Mae B was founded in 2013, by Bianca Lambert after growing tired of not finding stationery that represented her as a woman of color and devoted fashionista.
*This brand is a finalist in our Shop LoveBrownSugar “People’s Choice” Business Competition
Uncle Funky’s Daughter offers sustainable, chemical-free hair care products for the kinky and curly haired. Their products are paraben, sulfate and overall junk-free.
24. RAW (Recognize A Woman) Handbags*
RAW Handbags are handmade handbags designed for women to; Wear fearlessly, Spread womanhood and Inspire other women to be phenomenal. The concept of RAW is to empower and encourage female unity, empowerment and perseverance through fashion.
*This brand is a finalist in our Shop LoveBrownSugar “People’s Choice” Business Competition
With celebrity fans like Amandla Stenberg and Willow Smith, the #BlackGirlsAreMagic hashtag and corresponding t-shirt line have gone viral because it’s a message we all needed to hear.
The 2014 List
1. Love Cortnie
This girl has a beautiful array of handmade clutches in different colors, textures and sizes. She also happens to be a fellow blogger of color and I love supporting young women going into business for themselves!
2. Louis B Kids
Fellow mommy Simone Gittens (featured in our #LBSLounge chat about Mompreneurs 2 weeks ago!) is the owner and operator of Louis B Kids – a modern children’s boutique. If you have kids of your own, or even nieces and nephews that you have to buy kids clothing & accessories for – this is a great curated one stop shop!
3. Inspirado.co
I mentioned how much I love Inspirado products in my Monday Motivation post here. I have the Inspirational Poster hanging up in a frame above my desk and I absolutely love looking up to it during my midday breaks. Even better? LoveBrownSugar readers get an additional 20% off everything using code: BROWNSUGAR at check out!
*This brand was represented at our 2014 Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up event.
Another mompreneur on my favorites list (and also featured in our #LBSLounge mompreneur chat 2 weeks ago!) is Mia Ray – blogger and owner of hair extensions company Same Girl Different Hair. She offers hair extensions in various textures and lengths for those of us girls who love hair versatility.
One of my faves – Jessie Adore – has created a masterful and luxurious collection of Italian leather handbags. Definitely investment pieces, these babies are manufactured in NYC and crafted with exquisite attention to detail.
6. LLULO*
A brand I’ve been supporting for many years now, LLULO features clothing and accessories with carefully placed ankara prints in unexpected places. From tees to sweatshirts and even crew socks, they have a little something for everyone.
*This brand will be represented at our Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up event on Sunday, December 6th in NYC.
7. Shea Moisture*
Shea Moisture is slowly becoming one of the biggest and most recognized names in natural hair and natural beauty overall. They offer some of my favorite hair and beauty products and now makeup as well! You can buy them at most major retailers as well as online at SheaMoisture.com. (Note: Our 2014 list was compiled prior to Shea Moisture’s 2015 expansion and Bain Capital investment. Despite this, the company is still black-owned and we’re proud to have them on this list of brands to support)
*This brand will be represented at our Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up event on Sunday, December 6th in NYC.
If you’re into wearing turbans on your protective styling days or bad hair days, you should first check out our article on 4 Ways To Wear Turbans In The Winter and THEN you should head over to The Wrap Life to get yourself a fancy one. They also have jewelry. Tres chic.
*This brand was represented at our 2014 Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up event.
Celebrity makeup artist & brown girl Lauren Napier produces a line of makeup removing and cleansing towelettes that are individually wrapped and perfect for the jetsetter. Genius idea + brown girl = I’m all in!
10. Eden BodyWorks*
A cult favorite among naturals, Eden Bodyworks was created and is currently operated by 24 year old Jasmine Lawrence. It’s a product that delivers on its promise to provide natural ingredients that are effective at hair maintenance. I’m a huge fan of their deep conditioners and leave-ins!
*This brand will be represented at our Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up event on Sunday, December 6th in NYC.
11. Doo Bop
Representing a one stop shop women of color looking for all-things-beauty, Doo Bop is legit one of my favorite new online shops. Co-founder Jodie Patterson makes it easy to fall in love with the brand as she’s a pioneer in the beauty industry and all-around dope diva.
*This brand was represented at our 2014 Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up event.
12. Cocotique
If you’re looking for a cool subscription box to get into or to gift this holiday season, Cocotique is a great option. They offer not only hair products but beauty and more! It’s always well-curated and they often give away full sizes! Check out my review HERE.
13. Pardon My Fro
Illustrator Dana Bly is one of my favorite people. When she first reached out to me to ask my permission to draw an illustration of me, I was floored. Since then I’ve developed such a great relationship with her and have supported her talents over and over again! If you haven’t checked out her online shop, you need to. ASAP. Her 12-month illustrated calendar sits right above my desk and I enjoy looking at her artwork every single day.
*This brand will be represented at our Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up event on Sunday, December 6th in NYC.
14. Melanie Marie
This Philadelphia-based jewelry designer makes custom namechains and fab jewelry for fly girls. ‘Nuff said.
15. Junkprints
Offering an eclectic mix of products from printed sweatshirts and pants to accessories, this unique retailer is sure to have something to pique your interest.
16. Brave Chick
I love a positive and inspirational message and Brave Chick is full of them. They have some amazing graphic tees and sweatshirts. Check out my review here.
17. Nakimuli
This is one brand I’ve been a fan of for years. What I love about her designs is that she makes them to fit ALL shapes and sizes!
KBB natural hair products give my curls SO much life. Karen’s deep conditioners and leave-ins are at the top of my natural hair favorites. I love how she started out small and is now being sold nationwide. A great shop to support! Check my review here.
19. TNEMNRODA
Wanna know what TNEMNRODA stands for? It’s “adornment” spelled backwards. Genius right? Everything founder Samantha Smikle creates is fit to be adorned from her custom sunnies to her handmade jewels.
*This brand will be represented at our Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up event on Sunday, December 6th in NYC.
20. Yumnah Najah
Offering really sweet and super unique jewels, one of my favorite rings of all time is a hand painted piece from Yumnah Najah. You have to have at least one of her masterpieces in your collection.
21. Foxy Mango
A great curated selection of all-natural products for hair, skin and body – shopping Foxy Mango is like looking through your style and beauty obsessed bestie’s bathroom cabinet. Check my review here.
Another great natural hair cult fave, Beija Flor Naturals has a great whipped shea butter perfect for twistouts and braidouts. And the yummiest in natural body products.
As an owner of one of these handcrafted ankara print pieces, I can attest to the fact that each piece is well-made and that the owner has a knack for working these fabrics to grace a woman’s body to perfection.
The minute I saw one of her totes come across my timeline on social media, I had to look into Quelly Rue. She offers some of the coolest self-designed totes, tees, sweatshirts and even custom dolls!
25. Wondercurl
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting the owner of Wondercurl on many occasions and what always strikes me about her demeanor is her warm personality and infectious smile. You can’t exude positivity like that and it not show in the products you make. Wondercurl has a great selection of hair maintenance and styling products you’re sure to love.
**Support Black Owned Businesses at SHOP LoveBrownSugar**
For those of you based in NYC, you can show your support in person! Come on out for the 2015 Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up featuring an amazing roster of indie brands owned by entrepreneurs of color. A selection of the black owned businesses you see listed above will be represented at the event. Get to see some of these brands in person before you buy!
What about you? Which brands are you supporting on #BlackonBlackFriday? Leave us a comment and share YOUR personal faves.
More Black Owned Business Guides:
Essence.com has a #BuyBlack guide of 82 Black Owned Businesses: CLICK HERE
InHerShoes Blog has compiled a list of 75 Black Women-Owned Brands: CLICK HERE
I Don’t Do Clubs has a complete list of Gift Guides featuring Black Owned Businesses: CLICK HERE
