
15 Best Black-Owned Businesses To Shop During Black History Month
Shopping a favorite Black-owned business is one of the many ways you can show your support during Black History Month and beyond, whether you’re on the hunt for new wardrobe staples or a simple sweet treat. On average, business owners of color were hit harder during the pandemic, with many industries still working to get back to pre-2020 levels of operation. Despite these odds, so many creative Black-owned businesses survived and thrived, thanks to their superior products and, in many cases, community-driven missions. And with the help of the Forbes Vetted editors, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite of these brands below.
From LØCI’s sustainable sneakers to Taharka Brothers delicious homemade ice cream, we rounded up 15 … [+] of our editors’ favorite Black-owned businesses to shop today—and every day.
Buying Black in your local community is a stellar place to start, but if you’re looking to broaden your horizons and discover what’s beyond, read on. We’ve put together a list of our editors’ personal favorite Black-owned business across all categories including fashion, food, wellness, toys and more. From a bath soak that will help you relax after a full day of Zoom meetings to a cool pair of sneakers made from recycled plastic bottles, we hope you’ll find at least one thing that you love as much as we do.
Best Black-Owned Businesses To Shop Now
Ulta
Homebody Full Spectrum Of Possibilities CBD Bath Bomb Soak
“Sprinkling one of Homebody’s CBD-infused bath soaks into the tub is one of my favorite ways to unwind after a long day. In addition to CBD, the brand’s formulas also include soothing ingredients like magnesium and chamomile for an extra-relaxing effect. My favorite pick—the Full Spectrum of Possibilities Soak— turns your bath water into a pretty kaleidoscope of colors.” —Kara Cuzzone, Deals Editor
“Inspired by the Swedish tradition of allemansrätt—the public’s right to explore and enjoy the outdoors—Bronx-based Allmansright designs ultralight outdoor gear for all. From trail-ready staples like backpacks and stuff sacks to Gorpcore goods that transition seamlessly from the streets to the summits, this tiny label is doing big things. What’s more, 2% of the brand’s profits go to organizations that protect the environment and diversify the outdoors, so every purchase makes an impact.” —Cam Vigliotta, Gear Editor
“Lemlem’s easy, breezy dresses are the one constant in my warm-weather wardrobe. Supermodel Liya Kebede started the resort brand in 2007 after noticing that many of the traditional weavers in her native country of Ethiopia were losing their livelihoods due to a lack of local demand. Since then, Lemlem has partnered with artisans across Africa to preserve the local art of weaving, inspire economic growth and produce beautiful, eco-friendly clothing and accessories that spans swimwear, loungewear and home decor. Even better? 5% of all purchases go toward the Lemlem Foundation, which provides access to healthcare and job opportunities for women artisans in Africa.” —Jennifer Ferrise, Special Projects Editor
“Portrait Coffee is based in Atlanta, where I live, and they’re one of my favorite roasters in town. I love sipping their roasts at one of my favorite local coffee shops, Finca to Filter, or picking up a bag of beans at my corner grocery so I know I’ll have great coffee all week long. I’m partial to their Founders blend. Portrait Coffee also has a mission to boost Black and brown representation and entrepreneurship in specialty coffee, and in Atlanta’s historic West End neighborhood as the area becomes revitalized.” —Anna Perling, Reviews Editor
“Brooklyn-based leather goods company Ashya (pronounced Agh-shya) is run by two extremely chic women, Ashley Cimone and Moya Annence, who have their fingers right on the pulse of what’s next. Founded in 2017, Ashya basically reinvented the luxury belt bag, creating interesting, unisex, travel-friendly shapes in gorgeous colors and textures that can be worn multiple ways (and look absolutely nothing like a fanny pack). The brand’s signature Bolo bags, which include card slots and hidden zippers and can fit your passport, are one of the most accessible price points for owning an Ashya piece. But my favorite style is the structured Slingback Mini, which can be worn as a crossbody or detached from the included belt and carried by the O-ring top handle.” —Cory Baldwin, Executive Director Of Content And Strategy
“Made in small batches in the heart of Baltimore, the ice cream from Taharka Brothers is a cult favorite around the city for good reason: The brand’s bold, inventive, totally delicious flavors—like matcha mochi, key lime pie, “Power Of The People” (coffee ice cream with a donut-glaze swirl) and “Keep Ya Head Up” (blackberry crumble with oat streusel)—are just part of the story. The organization’s majority-Black, worker-owned business model and its social impact-focused mission are the other huge selling point. Who can say no to a truly great product with a truly great connection to community? Now, thanks to nationwide shipping, folks outside of Baltimore can partake in the good stuff too.” —Brinda Ayer, Executive Managing Editor
“Yelitsa Jean-Charles’ line of Healthy Roots Dolls come in a range of diverse skin tones and hair textures that let kids actually wash and style the dolls’ hair. The dolls represent a celebration of Black hair with the aim of empowering young girls of color. The company also sells companion hair-care books. Jean-Charles founded her toy company while still a college student, and now you can find her dolls at Target and Macy’s.” —Rose Gordon Sala, Baby And Kids Gear Editor
“Ghanaian-born Nana Quagraine founded this online home decor retailer in 2018 to bring African design traditions to the global market. They now stock a range of handmade home goods from over 50 different designers representing every corner of the continent. What I find fascinating about their website is that you can shop by category (pillows, furniture, rugs, etc.), but also by region. The cross-category offerings showcase an array of styles, from playful to chic to avant-garde to boho, so whatever your aesthetic, there’s likely something for you. I’m personally waiting for a high-ceilinged apartment to splurge on one of their magnificent chandeliers.” —Luke Fater, Associate Branded Content Editor
“Silver & Riley was founded by Lola Banjo, a world traveler who wanted to create travel staples that are equally beautiful and functional. The brand has a line of designer-worthy handbags as well as duffels, carry-ons and belt bags, all made in Italy from premium full-grain leather. I was fortunate to get my hands on the Convertible Executive Leather Bag, which is roomy enough to stash air travel essentials but portable enough to use as a work or everyday tote. The bag also comes with a long strap that can be detached or re-attached, transforming it from a doctor’s bag to a crossbody to a backpack. While the bag is an investment, its versatility gives you more bang for your buck.” —Karen Tietjen, Updates Editor
MOST POPULAR
“Since 2021, cool vegan sneaker brand LØCI has become a fast favorite of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck—and it’s easy to see why. Not only does the retailer use 20 recycled plastic bottles to handmake every pair of shoes, but they donate 10% of all online profits to protect wildlife and support biodiversity efforts. If you’re on the hunt for a pair of new spring sneakers, look no further than the LØCI Ten, a reinterpreted mid-top design that comes in 13 different colors.” —Jennifer Ferrise, Special Projects Editor
“The owner of Cup of Té, Taylor Lindsay-Noel, has overcome many challenges and continues to break boundaries. After becoming paralyzed in a gymnastics training accident, she didn’t let that hold her back. In 2018, she launched her very own tea shop, Cup of Té, selling her blend of loose teas and teaware. With flavors like Cran-Apple and Noms Berry Delight, I love keeping this delicious loose tea stored in luxurious tins as a set on my countertop.” —Raena Loper, Weekend Updates Editor
“Founded by Trinity Mouzon Wofford, superfoods brand Golde helps brighten your day (and your skin!) with its food-based skincare products and tasty turmeric, matcha and reishi latte blends. For anyone new to making matcha or turmeric lattes at home, I recommend picking up one of the brand’s delightfully packaged kits which come with all the necessary accessories, from matcha whisks to rechargeable frothers, depending on the option you choose. Or opt for a wellness bundle like the “Golden Glow” kit shown here, which includes the original turmeric latte blend as well as a papaya-based face mask—a great intro to what Golde is all about.” —Cory Baldwin, Executive Director Of Content And Strategy
“Husband-wife duo, Guiseppe and Skyler, decided in 2016 to combine a great love for the fertile lands of Calabria and an even greater obsession with time-honored tradition and craftsmanship. EXAU was born from a desire to create fully transparent, premium-quality extra-virgin olive oil in the rich landscape of Southern Italy, and bring it abroad for all to enjoy. With three distinct varietals (grassy Turi, bitter-bold Lina and fruity Avus) all suitable for cooking and finishing, there’s truly something for everyone here; each of them is complex enough to stand out on their own but doesn’t overpower the dish it’s featured in.” —Brinda Ayer, Executive Managing Editor
“Written by Black author and mother Angela Joy and illustrated by award-winning Black artist Ekua Holmes, Black is a Rainbow Color is a beautiful children’s book that follows a young girl as she describes what the word Black means to her. It’s a powerful and colorful celebration of Black culture and history.” —Rose Gordon Sala, Baby And Kids Gear Editor
“Originally from Jamaica, New York-based designer Matthew Harris created the fine jewelry brand Mateo in 2009. Drawing inspiration from modern art, Harris marries simplicity and minimalism in every single piece, offering sleek, high-end designs with precious metals, diamonds and gemstones at an approachable price point for fine jewelry. I love Mateo’s delicate 14-karat gold and diamond initial necklaces for everyday wear and their stunning selection of artsy pearl earrings for special occasions.” —Jennifer Ferrise, Special Projects Editor
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