This post was originally published in November 2017, and republished in 2020.
So you guys know I am a huge supporter of black-owned businesses, especially during the holiday season. I started the Shop LoveBrownSugar holiday pop-up series with the intention of supporting these businesses over the past few years. And every year since the tragic events in Ferguson in 2014, I’ve created an annual Black Friday list with some of my favorite minority-owned businesses to support. For 2017, I’ve brought back a few of my steady favorites and I’ve also added a few new brands I’ve discovered over the last year. This is in no way an exhaustive list! There are SO many amazing minority-owned brands to support out there. But on my little slice of the internet, I like to promote the ones I personally love each year. Here they are:
Adwoa Beauty
A new lifestyle brand catering to no-fuss curlies who want effective and easy to use products to complete their natural hair regimen. The founder is Julian Addo – curator of the groundbreaking BellaKinks brand out of Dallas, TX. On top of their beautiful imagery, I love the use of ingredients like baobab oil and peppermint.
beauty by Africa Miranda*
One of my tried & true beauty staples since it launched last holiday season, the beauty by Africa Miranda elixir is awesome as a primer, a light oil moisturizer as well as a makeup remover. I love a good 3-in-1 product and a little goes a long way.
https://beautybyafricamiranda.com/
Black on Black BK*
There are no shortage of t-shirt and sweatshirt brands with a message, but what I really love about Black on Black BK is how unapologetic the statements are. I also have a thing for black and white so I love that the designs stick to these colors. They’ve got really cute sweats, tees and tote bags and items come in kids sizes up to adults.
https://www.blackonblackbk.com/collections
Cee Cee’s Closet*
Headwraps make a really awesome holiday gift. They’re so beautiful and they’re the perfect “bad hair day” fix for your favorite friend. What I love about Cee Cee’s closet is that they not only make amazing wraps but part of the proceeds from each wrap goes back to support artisans who are handcrafting the products in Nigeria.
https://www.ceeceesclosetnyc.com/
CurlBox
The pinnacle of all subscription boxes for naturals, CurlBox is the first and best in the market. The boxes never cease to amaze me. They partner with the best brands on the market and always deliver a premium experience. Also, founder Myleik Teele is the ultimate girl boss. I’m obsessed with her MyTaughtYou podcast.
Debra Cartwright*
One of my favorite illustrators, Debra Cartwright creates beautiful watercolor masterpieces that feature diverse women of color. She now offers prints, notebooks and other novelties.
https://debrcartwright.patternbyetsy.com/
Eden BodyWorks
One of my all-time favorite beauty brands, EDEN BodyWorks has a plethora of great options for hair, body and skincare. Their products are available at most major retailers. I’m partial to the EDEN Kids line for my daughter and their new Citrus Fusion line for myself.
Feminine Funk
A bold line of tees and sweatshirts for women of all shapes and sizes, their taglines will give you an extra boost of confidence before you walk out the door.
Happy Hair*
Teaching young girls to love and accept their hair in various shapes and forms is so important to building confidence in them. The founder of Happy Hair, Mechal Roe, picked up on that by creating a line of children’s books, dolls and prints that support curl confidence. Great gift for the littles in your life.
Harper Iman Dolls
Instead of your typical Barbie or American Girl dolls, support a doll maker that caters their designs to little brown girls of all complexions. Harper Iman dolls are custom made and you can request the hair, skin complexion and clothing of your choice for your favorite little one.
http://www.harperiman.com/products
heritage1933
Self-care is so important to your wellbeing and health. When it’s time to wind down at the end of a long week, I spring for heritage1933 items like the Ms Know It All whipped butter or their Exhale bath salts.
Jam + Rico*
If you’re looking for a small slice of island happiness in the form of custom jewelry, Jam + Rico is the brand for you. Bright, colorful pieces crafted with love.
LAMIK Beauty
LAMIK, an acronym for Love And Makeup In Kindness, is a Houston-based beauty brand with makeup for women of all shades. With an emphasis on catering to women of color, LAMIK has lippies, shadows and more with excellent color payoff crafted by founder Kim Roxie.
The Lip Bar
You guys hear me rave about this brand all the time because I genuinely LOVE their lipstick. Bawse Lady – their matte red – is arguably one of the best red matte liquid lippies in my beauty arsenal. I’m a lifelong fan.
LIT Brooklyn*
A home-based candle company with candles handpoured in Brooklyn, LIT Brooklyn exploded onto the scene less than 2 years ago and is slowly becoming a true household name. From the luxe gold packaging to the intoxicating scents, LIT should be on everyone’s holiday list.
LLULO*
I first fell in love with this brand years ago when their founder Michelle sent me one of her signature sweatshirts. They have since expanded to offer a plethora of products with her signature “Africa” silhouette design and ankara fabrics – from pillows to swimsuits and home decor.
Lust Cosmetics*
A vegan nail polish brand with bright vibrant colors and safe ingredients, their holiday collection makes a great gift with must-have colors for the beauty-obsessed on your list.
The Mane Choice
With a brand like The Mane Choice, you really can’t go wrong. They are popping out new innovations everyday, they are backed by a team of the dopest brown girls on the planet and they create products that solve problems. I swear by their Soft As Can Be 3-in-1 conditioner. Also now exclusive to Target – their Halo Hydration collection. Get you some – available at all major retailers and online.
Rue 107
There are very few indie clothing lines that I get excited about anytime they come out with something new. Rue 107 is one of the select brands on my list of favorites that continues to innovate and provide dope designs for women of all shapes and sizes. Their items run in both straight and plus sizes, they cater to curves, and everything they make is super cute and super functional. This black dress above is a go-to staple that I own and love.
Pardon My Fro
Offering everything from stationary to shower curtains and now luggage – Pardon My Fro is an amazing design house that makes products featuring powerful women of color. Everyone should have a piece of PMF in their home.
Scotch Porter
Shopping for bae can be difficult. Make life a little easier and get him grooming product he’ll love. This brand of products for beard and for overall mens’ grooming smells yummy and will make him feel special.
SDOTBEAUTY*
Ever since I tried these products out back in 2015, they have been on my go-to list of beauty staples. From their facial masks to the body oils and cleansing toners, SDOTBEAUTY has a little bit of everything for the best in all-natural skincare.
TNEMNRODA*
If you’re looking for true STUNNA shades, like the type that make people stop you on the street and ask you where you got them, look no further than TNEMNRODA. The brand is literally “adornment” spelled backwards and that’s what their shades are – adornment for your face.
https://www.maisontnemnroda.com/
Undra Celeste
I first discovered Undra Celeste last year at the Harlem’s Fashion Row pop-up shop. Crafted by a young designer with vision and creativity, I love how understated yet luxe her pieces are. If you’re looking for a little touch of holiday luxe this season, definitely check out her designs.
http://www.undracelesteny.com/
84 Gem*
A collection of beautifully handcrafted statement necklaces, earrings and more. I love the materials she uses and how everything comes together so flawlessly. This is queen jewelry.
*These brands will be available to support at Shop LoveBrownSugar Holiday Pop-Up in NYC sponsored by Iman Cosmetics and CURLS on December 9th. Get your tickets at the link below:
Check out my other “#BuyBlack on Black Friday” lists from year’s past to support other businesses not listed here:
2014 Buy Black List “25 Black Owned Online Stores”
2015 Buy Black List “#BlackOnBlackFriday Top 50”
2016 Buy Black List “12 Black Owned Brands To Support’
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