Five Black Owned Small Businesses You Need To Support Right Now
There are numerous ways to support the Black Lives Matter Movement. If you don’t have a lot of extra cash right now that is completely okay, you can still make a difference by signing petitions and by using social media to advocate. Donating to the cause is another great way to be involved and donating to (verified) GoFundMe campaigns can also be very impactful. For online shopping fans, like myself, there is another great way to make an impact and that is by buying from black run businesses. A simple google search showcases many businesses selling everything from skin care products, to art and everything in between. Today I want to share five of my favorite black run businesses.
Amyang Fashun is a clothing line run by the Kanu Sisters who have roots in Sierra Leone. They sell authentic West African fashion with textiles sourced directly from Africa. The brand operates between the United States and West Africa. Their catalog boasts bright colors and vibrant patterns. Every article of clothing is specially crafted using measurements sent in from the customer. Check them out at: https://www.amyang.com/
Stuzo Clothing is a women owned Los Angeles based clothing company founded by Stoney Michelli and Uzo Ejikeme. What sets Stuzo apart from other clothing companies is that all their pieces are all gender free. Their mission is to “create a space in the fashion world where all are welcome without judgment.” Stuzo is loved by many celebrities including: Spike Lee, Tiffany Haddish, and Gina Yashere. For the entire month of June enjoy 20% off of all their collection of queer items. Shop online now: https://www.stuzoclothing.com/
The Bohemian Hookup is a metaphysical apothecary and boutique based out of Big Spring, Texas. It has been owned and run by Meaghan Monroe since 2015. Their clothing line includes printed T-shirts with quote designs as well as crocheted hats, tops, and scrunchies. However, it isn’t limited to just clothing, they have a varied catalog with everything from accessories, to bath products. Some of my personal favorites are the wire wrapped pendants, blankets and floral decor. Treat yourself to a one of a kind handmade item or give someone you love a thoughtful gift. Check out their site here: https://thebohemianhookup.myshopify.com/
Creatively Lilly is run by Kendra Lilly in Lewisville, Texas. This shop boasts vibrantly colored paintings of outdoor scenes, including: palm trees, mountains, the ocean, clouds and other breathtaking views. There are numerous different shaped paintings, canvases and even boxes and plant pots with Kendra’s trademark flashy designs. Kendra explains, “The main goal with my business is to bring happiness to as many people as possible. I truly believe everyone on this planet deserves to be happy and to have their voices heard.” Shop now at: https://www.creativelylilly.com/
Customs De Samedi run by 21 year old Stacey Samedi specializes in custom painted shoes. She is also considering adding more variety of items to her custom shop including denim or wall art as time goes on. Right now, their most popular design is white Nike AF1s with blue painted butterflies. My personal favorite is the hummingbird AF1s. Since elementary school Stacey has been an artist, so as her skills continued to grow it seemed like a natural progression to start a business selling the art that she loves. Anyone would be lucky to wear a pair of these amazing kicks, shop here: https://www.customsdesamedi.com/
Report: Rebecca Vanderkooi
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.