supporting BLACK OWNED BIZ
Hello ello!
I am so happy to have you here, reading and supporting the ongoing #BlackLivesMatter movement and strengthening your commitment to the Black Community. I have been observing the engagement and participation of brands, people and even my own family and friends in response to some of the collective movements on social media, such as #BlackoutTuesday and all of the various protests and I am so so proud to see so many people standing together in unity - as we should be doing - yesterday, today and always! I am also happy to see so many people educating themselves and listening to others share their stories and reaching out with kind words and ways to support. This is not something that should be or feel foreign and I hope to see them long continue when the hashtag is no longer trending.
In this spirit, today I want to use my blog platform to share details of some of the black businesses that I support, have been inspired by and want everyone to embrace and experience too. It is important now more than ever, that we aren’t just simply responding to the events being covered in mainstream media, but that we’re proactively advocating for our family, our friends, businesses and individuals who have been made to feel/ be disadvantaged because of the colour of their skin…and those who have long stood before us!
I stand with you all…now and always. x
*Update: 14/6/2020* Since the original publishing of this post I’ve had so many wonderful responses to my static post on instagram, publicising the wonderful brands/ businesses included below with a call out for others to tag/ plug their own black businesses or in support of others.
I commit to updating this resource as more of you come forward with your recommendations/ additions and I am so excited to make that first round of updates today which are included from the last brand mention on my original post; Benjart.
OHMYGOLD LDN: BESPOKE FOIL PRINTS
Introducing the GOAT of brands for bespoke, foiled art prints: OhMyGold Ldn. On their website, you’ll find a combination of foiled portraits, typography prints, greetings cards and famous faces.
I was first introduced to Jade (the brains behind the brand) via Facebook a good while ago now and immediately fell in love with her personalised foil prints. One of the things that really stood out to me about OhMyGold is the passion and care that Jade takes to each of her creations and that really shines through in everything she does. I was fortunate enough to have my own customisable print made and its taken up residence on my Zen altar in the living room - which is my happiness sanctuary.
My OhMyGold London print.
Can I also just say that I am OBSESSED with the sound of the foil peeling process and could listen to it all day. JADE, I need you to make an ASMR video of you doing this please - haha (being dead see-ree-as)
Full catalogue of OhMyGold’s products can be found on their website.
Matts BBQ: Events
Throw GOOD VIBES, good people and DOPE music together and you’ll end up at one of the best festivals you’ll ever go to: Matts BBQ. Responsible for the biggest highlight of my 2019 is Matt and his A1 entourage, who found success through bringing people together from all over the UK for a shared love of good music, mouth watering food and the best company! What started as a small gathering of people to celebrate Matt’s birthday in 2006 has evolved into a MASS link-up of people to do nothing other than LIVE THEIR BEST LIVES.
My girls and I went to Matt’s in Ibiza in September and had the time of our lives, and I am looking forward to doing it all over again real soon.
You can keep posted with forthcoming events here.
RumTails UK: Premium Cocktail Specialists
Bringing you Premium Caribbean Cocktails is London based based RumTails UK and I can personally vouch for their FLAVA! How to spot the signs of a good rum punch? Tastes like juice, feels like CARNIVAL! RumTails will always be a good shout for both small and large scale event needs - highly recommend the “Mad Mojito”!
Cruzer Filmes: Photography
West London based photographer and videography brand Cruzer Filmes specialises in capturing all your precious moments, covering events, weddings and more and is also available for private or commercial photoshoots. Further info and booking details here.
Reggae Brunch
If you hadn’t already heard of the Reggae Brunch I’d be surprised. Bringing you a 3-course meal and bottomless rum punches (limited-time on entry) in secret locations across London, Manchester and Birmingham, this Caribbean experience guarantees an early afternoon of PURE VIBES. Expect vibrant colours, DJ’s spinning our fave tunes and even a little on-stage entertainment…get ya whistles out!
I celebrated a friends 30th birthday here earlier in the year and we were so TURNED UP.
Prices starting from £39.50 with dates available from 1st August 2020 (for London).
Family Stay Winning: Fashion
UK Fashion brand ‘Family Stay Winning’ launched in 2019 and was founded by Entrepreneur (and a friend of mine) Alisha, who is now focusing on expanding her line to reach new markets. The brand guarantees quality clothing and accessories at affordable prices and recent additions include some super cool face masks that I also need to get my hands on.
All purchases can be made via the Brands instagram shop here.
SWEET TREATS: SUNDEIS CAKES AND KEAKEA CAKES
Thought I’d give you a double dose of brands you can support to nourish your sugar cravings, because a) cake is life and B they’re both fantastical!
Sundeis cakes are based in Purley and is full of ‘cakespiration’ for your next celebration/ event as well as offering bespoke cakes designed to your spec. How awesome are these…
There’s an extensive price guide on their website here and they are @Sundeis on insta
KEAKEA Cakes
Also offering baked goods & cakes for all occasions is Kea Kea Cakes, a business that evolved from a love for baking and cake decorating. I went to school with the beaut behind the business and I am so so happy and proud to see that a passion has evolved into a brand. Being alive is an occasion right? Ready to place my order for some of these bad boys…
Covering North & East London as well as Hertfordshire and surrounding areas is professional cleaning business ‘Clean with Wiggan’. Services include commercial & residential cleaning, end of tenancy, window cleaning and more.
Sean’s business idea came about after helping his Uncle on the weekends/ school holidays and has followed in his footsteps. Sean is also a member of Checkatrade and so is quality assured and vetted.
Visit the company website at www.cleanwithwiggan.com and Instagram.
Lemons Me: Creative Branding
I came across Lemon’s Me (LM) in a Facebook group dedicated to Empowering the Black Community and was impressed with Davina’s (brand owners) presence, website and portfolio. LM offer various design branding packages dependent on need/ strategy so for anyone starting up and looking to form an identity or perhaps those looking for a rebrand, this sounds right up their street.
WokeBabies UK: Children’s Books & Activity subscription box
Before I even go on to give you some background into WokeBabies UK, I just need to express my excitement and absolute awe for everything this brand is. I am so so sad that I never had access to this wonderful activity subscription when I was a spring chicken, but equally happy that all the kiddies out there will…this is just EVERYTHING.
WokeBabies is a monthly book subscription that brings black children’s books straight to your front door via one of their fun subscription boxes, full of activities and excitement for children between the ages of 0-11 at just £20/ month. The boxes are tailored to your child’s age and is full of fun activities and educational resources as well as some exciting new reads for the little people.
You can find out more about the subscription plans here on the website. There’s ultimate flexibility with the boxes too so you are free to pause and cancel at anytime.
BIANKHA AND FRIENDS
Biankha and friends was created to empower, motivate and inspire young girls of colour to excel in the 21st century. Created by Charlotte Francis, a single mother to her only daughter after noticing a shortage in the availability of ethnic dolls in high street stores, the Biankha doll was designed and created from scratch to encourage young girls to embrace their culture and heritage, whilst succeeding in a modern and ever changing society, through dolls, role play, books, animation and everyday items. The name Biankha derives from the word ‘Ankh’, the Egyptian symbol for life.
You can shop these stunning dolls on the website here.
Benjart: Premium Clothing brand
My last (but not least) brand of this round-up features premium UK Fashion brand Benjart. All collections are released in limited numbers, which adds to the exclusive and select nature of owning a Benjart product. Shop their latest collection here.
B CONDOMS
The only black owned condom company. Established in 2011, this all natural & vegan sexual health business has been triple tested and FDA approved. The brand are based in the US but offer international shipping
TASTING TIPSY: LUXURY ALCOHOLIC AND NON-ALCOHOLIC COCKTAILS
Bringing you luxury cocktail vibes for all your social/ event needs is luxury cocktail Brand Tasting Tipsy. Absolutely love the look of the cocktails on their menu…especially the ‘Flirtatious’ strawberry cocktail.
Orders can be placed via DM on instagram or any of their social channels.
STONES OF KAI: CRYSTALS & GEMSTONES
Up and coming brand Stones of Kai will be launching their brand new crystal & gemstone business and I personally look forward to exploring their collection and getting my hands on some of the gemstone bracelets that they’ve previewed on their instagram. Follow their journey and support this new start up business by signing up to the mailing list on their website.
BERRY M ILLUSTRATIONS
I am very much in awe of Berry M’s graphic designs and illustrations because the moment I entered her instagram page it was like a party of colour. Her vibrant designs and aesthetic were what really drew me to her page and I am so proud to be celebrating her and her designs with you all. Check out some of the amazing works below and on the official website.
SHADELOCKER UK: SUNGLASSES
Fashion brand ShadeLocker are serving super stylish sunglasses at such affordable prices. I’ve already got my eye on the personalised cat eye sunglasses… they’re so me! Visit https://www.shadelocker.co.uk/ to get yours.
PIECESofESSENCE: ORGANIC HAIR & BODY PRODUCTS
Etsy Shop owner Jennifer has a beautiful collection of homemade, organic beauty products that are both kind to our bodies and to the planet. Jennifer prides herself on all products being made with ‘Grace & Love’ via her online shop.
AFRICAN ROYALS UK: CUSTOM HANDMADE FASHION & ACCESSORIES
African Royals specialise in custom, handmade products inspired by Africa. You can visit their instagram store here and place your order via DM if interested in any of their products.
BYBC APPAREL
Black Young Beautiful Clever (BYBC) Apparel are a black owned, pro-black activist brand here in the UK. They offer shipping worldwide and have such a powerful presence on their instagram feed and on their clothing too! I’m a big fan of statement clothing so I was always going to be drawn to their motif tee’s. All of their products are unisex (unless stated otherwise).
LIT MOODZ: CANDLES & WAX MELTS
Lit Moodz are a small family owned business based in London, UK, providing Luxury Candles & Wax Melts at affordable prices. All Luxury Candles & Wax Melts are highly scented, hand poured and lovingly handmade. Fragrances vary from uplifting and fruity to fresh and homely scents.
Their products are 100% vegan and cruelty free and in recyclable packaging and this is something that brand owner, Frankie, prides herself on.
ANNAROMERRA: FASHION
Fashion Brand ‘Anna Romerra’ was established originally in 2013, but re-branded in 2019 to bring you the current name and identity. I had the pleasure of being connected to Owner/ Designer Rolicia Allen, as a result of my ‘Black Businesses’ post on instagram and I am so pleased! Annaromerra boast super stylish and sexy fits for women across the globe, which are not only unique but are exclusive to the brand since they’re both designed and handmade in-house. Some of my favourite fits are below, including one of their designs for kids which is SO DOPE because you can also purchase the matching women’s size via their ‘Mini and Me’ collection. I for one will certainly be keeping up to date with their latest designs, particularly because I like the idea of not bumping into someone at a social with the same outfit as me- Lol!
GOOD DAY PRINTS: ARTWORK
High quality frameless prints designed to inspire, uplift and bring your walls to life. Goodday Prints take custom orders and offer worldwide shipping. Visit their Etsy shop here.
POLISHED & POISED: BEAUTY CARE
London beauty Brand Polished & Poised offer in home & mobile beauty care courtesy of the face behind the business; Harmony Marie. Harmony is a licensed Masseuse specialising in both body & facial massages and is also a Makeup Artist.. You can visit her instagram profile for booking enquiries.
Model: @OfficialKialee
TREASURE TRESS: HAIRCARE SUBSCRIPTION BOX
What began as one black woman’s vision to make product discovery simple for black women and girls with naturally textured hair, Founded by Beauty Entrepreneur Jamelia Donaldson, TreasureTress has evolved from a just online subscription service for women and girls to a leading online and offline safe space for black women led by black women.
TreasureTress is Europe’s first and largest natural hair product discovery box, where sisterhood connects over kinks and curls. As experts in the natural hair and beauty space, TreasureTress takes a bespoke and forward-thinking approach to serving the natural hair community, by building relationships with our communities and your favourite hair and beauty brands, and ships our global tribe the exclusives, inclusive of educational and practical steps for managing and styling your tresses on a monthly basis.
UKIYO LDN: CLOTHING BRAND
Successful fashion label Ukiyo LDN have an array of clothing designs available in their store. Love the fact that the brand supports fashion for both of the sexes.
COLOR BLEND MAKEUP: MAKEUP & BEAUTY
Self labelled as the ‘Essential’ makeup company, Color blend Makeup create vibrant, premium and high performance makeup for darker shades. The London based brand has been featured in Forbes, Glamour and The Guardian and all of their products are available both on their website and instagram.
LOUNJ: WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
