Lately I’ve been trying to be a better consumer. A more ethical consumer. I am a firm believer that you hold a lot of power in where you spend your money. One of the ways in which I’m trying to be better is by buying from local and small businesses-especially Black-owned businesses. I saw such a strong community push to support Black-owned businesses in recent weeks, but I don’t want that to just be a trend. I’m glad to see a lot of these businesses getting new promo and selling out like crazy. But I’m personally striving to incorporate purchasing from Black-owned businesses more frequently, especially since I love so many of these products I just tried out.
Buying from a Black-owned business is the most direct way to support them, there are other ways as well!
- Sign up for their newsletter
- Leave a positive review
- Follow them on social media
- Tell your friends and family
- Give them a shoutout
I also want to add that by specially purchasing from Black-owned businesses is not discrimination against other local businesses. Shopping locally and from small businesses over all is great, but shopping at Black-owned businesses is a direct investment into the Black community that helps close the racial wealth gap.
So here are some of the products I’ve bought in recent weeks from Black-owned businesses:
Harlem Candles:
Now that I’m working from home, I am constantly burning candles in my WFH office space. When I first saw the pricetag for these candles I was a little thrown off, but the travel size is perfect for me. I ordered two candles and the Speak Easy scent is amazing. When this one runs out, I will totally buy the bigger size especially since the glass the regular sized candle comes in is gorgeous and ideal for decorating.
Partake Cookies:
Gluten free and vegan? Sign me up! I have such a sweet tooth and always crave sugar after dinner. These cookies are small but soft, (a little crumbly) and come in so many flavors! These are awesome for anyone with allergies because they are free of the top 8 allergens. Super tasty!
Cushnie at Target:
So the actual line of Cushnie is gorgeous…but way out of my price range. Their garments are absolutely stunning but I just seriously can’t afford them right now. So I am so excited that Target released a much more affordable Cushnie line, which is where I got this gorgeous dress. I love cowl necklines and this halter dress is perfect for summer nights. Check out more of the limited line here!
NaturaLEE by DMD:
These handcrafted products have done wonders for my skin! I first ordered the sample set of black soap, shea butter and sugar scrub, but recently just bought two more bottles of the sugar scrub because it is my favorite! The sun-kissed citrus scent is amazing and such a perfect scent for summer. I can’t recommend it enough. NaturaLEE by DMD is based in Baltimore and the founder is a Salisbury University alumni (go gulls)!
Briogeo:
My hair gets so oily and sweaty in the summer. I’m trying go a few days in between hair washes but that’s so hard to keep up when Maryland is so insanely humid. Before I started using aerosol dry shampoo, my mom taught me to throw some baby powder in my hair to absorb some of the oils. This root powder from Briogeo works the same way, but also smells way better. Briogeo has a ton of hair products, and I’ve heard really good things about the hair mask too.
Golde:
A goal I have myself this summer is to drink more smoothies. I used to be a big smoothie guy, but I’ve definitely fallen off that trend since I learned how to chew food again. In this box is 12 packets of this powder blend of 7 essential superfoods that support skin glow, debloating, and stress balance. I couldn’t decide which flavor to get so I got all three from Sephora.
On the waitlist for:
Here are some stores and shops that I’m eagerly waiting for products to come back in stock, or that I just learned about so I haven’t purchased from them yet.
Pear Nova: For the last year I have gone to get my nails done with the SNS dip at the nail salon near my office. Now that it’s been a few months since I could get my nails done, I really need to get in the habit of doing my own nails again. But I haven’t actually bought new nail polish in years! I love these neutral shades Pear Nova has.
The Wrap Life: How gorgeous are these headwraps? I am on the email alert list for the honey colored bandie and textured hunter bandie. Can’t wait for them to be restocked!
Jane Dottie: I ordered some scrunchies and hairclips from this charming boutique. I love the variety in hair accessories and vintage style clothing. Everything looks so unique and the overall aesthetic is so cool.
Greer Chicago: This are funny, quirky and downright adorable cards! I’m hoping to purchase some of the custom stationary and hologram envelops when they become available again.
BLK+GRN: An all natural marketplace by all Black artisans. They have everything from bath and body products, menstrual care and hair products. I’m personally really interesting in the “Dirt Don’t Hurt” line and the HoneyPot products.
ShopEvren: I literally just stumbled upon this Etsy shop minutes before posting this blog. I am so happy I found this shop! I love these simple and dainty necklaces, especially the Gothic Letter necklace. I have been looking for gold jewelry to amp up my summer wardrobe, and ShopEvren is a dream come true. Everything is also very reasonably priced.
Every day I’m learning about new Black-owned business. If you have recently bought from one that I didn’t mention in this post, comment below! I would love to hear about it.
Thanks for reading! xx