March is Women’s History Month and while we encourage our readers to celebrate women every day like we do, March is a time to really focus on appreciating the contributions of women cultivators and history makers, particularly in the Black community. With remarkable illustrations of Black girl magic such as Michelle Obama and Simone Biles, Black women have continued to make history even in the face of adversity, all while influencing little Black girls everywhere that no dream is too big to achieve.
Just look at the numbers. The National Center of Education Statistics’ study showed that Black women are one of the most educated groups in the U.S. and they are more likely to become business owners in comparison to white women according to Forbes. The studies prove that Black women are more willing to take risks and sometimes make history in the process.
So, for Women’s History Month, we want to shine a light on 10 Black-women owned small businesses that you should support.
1.Smard. Art
Sylvine is a visual artist who creates beautiful art that explores Black women in their femininity and their everyday life. This work includes women wearing grills, stylish nails, and hairstyles synonymous with Black women. Her artwork ranges from canvas prints to posters and even phone cases. “Everything about the Black Culture inspires me a lot. The Black Woman is my muse,” Sylvine said on her site.
2.Prime Beauty
Prime Beauty is a cruelty-free and vegan makeup brand that has been seen on the likes of Issa Rae and Tamar Braxton. The site notes that the brand's goal is "to create quality and affordable products that defy Eurocentric beauty standards and uplift the beauty that is being a woman of color. Specifically focusing on the long-standing gaps in color cosmetics for deeper skin tones."
3.Kulture Karaoke
If you like to have game nights with your family and friends, then you might enjoy Kulture Karaoke. It’s a music card game that celebrates Black music and Black culture featuring categories of the 90s and 2000s hip hop and R&B music. In an exclusive statement to xoNecole, the game creator, Dae Fenwick, said, “The concept was born early in the pandemic, in 2020. It was created as just something fun for my friends and I to do at a time when we needed more joy. After playing with friends, I thought maybe others would enjoy it too, and Kulture Karaoke was born.”
4.Jade Gold Studio
Jade Gold Studio is an online boutique that features affordable and stylish jewelry and accessories. According to the website’s description, "Each piece of the collection is exquisitely crafted with the everyday woman in mind - women who enjoy simplicity, women who enjoy making bold statements, and every woman in between. The pieces can be worn by themselves for a minimalist look or layered for a lively, bold look."
5.Zaime
NYC brand Zaime is an ethically-made clothing line that is both functional and luxurious. The brand creator, Zapora Williams, wanted to prove that fashion can be “responsibly manufactured” while also being sophisticated, elegant, and edgy. In an interview with Forbes, Zapora talked about the fight to be respected as a Black designer. “We often get lumped into streetwear,” she said. “Black doesn’t automatically mean streetwear. I wanted to showcase Black women in a new light.”
6.Sahel Cosmetics
Sahel Cosmetics was founded by Sahel to honor her Chadian roots. The company’s most popular product is the chebe powder, which is a reddish-brown powder that is native to the African country of Chad and is said to promote healthy hair hydration and less breakage. The chebe powder is seemingly responsible for the thick, long hair that is often seen on the women in that region.
7.Ivy’s Tea
Ivy’s Tea Company was created by herbalist Shanae Jones as an ode to hip-hop. The teas' names are all influenced by songs and figures in hip-hop like Nip’s Tea, which is in honor of Nipsey Hussle and C.R.E.A.M., which is a popular song by Wu-Tang Clan. In a previous interview with xoNecole, shared what inspired the brand. “I find that hip-hop is a great teaching tool and I see no reason why herbalism and herbal tea or any tea shouldn't be a part of that teaching,” she said.
8.Kendall Miles
Luxury footwear company Kendall Miles takes shoe design to the next level. The shoe brand that has been seen on Lizzo and Mickey Guyton caters to women who love to keep it classy and chic or flashy and edgy. Just one scroll through their Instagram page and you will see it’s giving variety, from fur-lined heels to strappy heels to a simple pump.
9.Castamira
As the weather starts heating up again, it’s time to start thinking about swimsuit shopping so why not a Black woman-owned brand? Castamira is a “conscious luxury” swimsuit brand founded by Wilhelmina model Chantel Davis. The collection’s aesthetic is inspired by the 1970s and the 1990s and it is designed with the woman in mind focusing on showcasing women’s natural curves.
10.Bright & Salted Yoga
Yoga Instructor Arianna Elizabeth has a YouTube channel where she teaches viewers yoga at home. The classes range from beginner to intermediate so anyone can participate and she often offers challenges for yogis to focus on certain body parts or poses. Her classes are rooted in faith and she closes each class out with affirmations to say to yourself before getting off of your mat.
Featured image by Getty Images