Human Interest
Once again it's on!
The holidays are here, which means holiday shopping is on the horizon. Yaassss!
Since 2016, when we handed out a list of dope things you can find on Etsy from black businesses, the crafty chicas with the popping melanin have unholstered their glue guns, and went to work. Etsy is lit this year, folks! I just might have saved you a trip from walking across a mall that's as large as NRG Stadium, where the Houston Texans play. (By the way, it's a large ass stadium.)
From silk ankara patterned pillow cases, to t-shirts that speaks your language, check out some of the best in Black Etsy, and get to know the owners.
1. Silk and cotton ankara pillowcase from OBIKATextiles ($27.60)
Silk and cotton ankara pillowcase from OBIKATextiles ($27.60)
This Etsy shop just showed up to the Black Etsy party in 2017, and her shop is popping. Pamela's the owner, and she's operating in London, and her shop exhibits very fly ankara patterned purses and throw pillows. Shop OBIKATextiles here.
Ankara patterned throw pillow from eightlifestyle ($17.50)
Sharna is the owner of eightlifestyle, and her fashions are very reflective of the bold and vibrant colored fashion you would find in Ghana. Her throw pillows and headwraps are lively, and fly in style. You're going to love shopping on her page.
About why she calls her shop eightlifestyle, she said:
Since relocating to Ghana the number "8" is of great significance to Sharna as "8" is often associated with regeneration or the beginning of a new era.
I am forever inspired by shapes, prints, the eclectic styles of the peoples I bump into on the streets of BK. Tribes women, mother, aunts, granny, friend, daughters all inspire my line. The energy of my ancestors, pure love of a home continent that I have yet to smell, touch and see in this time fuel much of the works.
Shop eightlifstyle here.
Urban Girl doll by Felt And Fennel ($60)
This is absolutely the cutest doll I've seen in a very long time. This handmade item is 16 inches in length, and features a faux fur vest, wool yarn hair, and cotton clothing. If it isn't cute enough, you can also add a special message to the person receiving this gift. *swoon*
Olivia White, the shop's owner, said that making dolls for black girls to celebrate is truly a labor of love.
I want to to create beautiful, high quality dolls that celebrate the beauty and diversity of the African Diaspora and black/African American hair so that others can see themselves represented and celebrated in my dolls. I pay special attention to combining colors, patterns, and textures, making each piece unique, exclusive, and a work of art.
Shop Felt and Fennel here.
Rise From The Concrete - wall art inspired by Solange's A Seat At The Table album ($60)
This wall art is exceptional!
Nonie, the artist behind this masterpiece, operates out of New Jersey, and she said that this mixed media piece was inspired after she listened to Solange's latest album, A Seat At The Table. As far as the message behind the piece, Nonie said:
My original drawing is called "Rise from the Concrete." because it is about rising from adversity and rising to your full potential. You are the rose from concrete, even if you are a work in progress or have scars
Shop Rise From Concrete here.
Viviane Go - AURORE Fascinator by Ziindya ($227.59)
Well since there's a new princess among us black girls, we may as well make sure we have some fly looking fascinators for this spring's royal wedding. It looks like Ziindya has us covered in that area.
This beautiful piece of headwear is made of dashiki fabric, peacock feathers, pheasant feathers, and cotton.
The shop's owner must be a magician, because her pieces are pure magic.
Shop Ziindya here.
Angela Davis Tee from Black Heritage Tees ($22.99)
Black Heritage Tees have been on Etsy since 2011, but they persisted, and saw an increase of sales this year. Hey now!
I love this shirt shop. You'll see shirts that boasts images of Pam Grier, Colin Kaepernick, Billie Holiday, and of course, Angela Davis.
Lisa, the shops owner, said:
This beautiful collection of Cultural Designs was inspired by the challenges and victories of some of our greatest African-Americans.The sacrifices they made yesterday have shaped the world in which we live today. Their uncommon strength and courage forever lives within us.
Shop Black Heritage Tees here.
Queens Stand Up Luggage Bag (49.99)
If you're looking to start a conversation while traveling, this would be that bag to purchase.
According to their shop, this handmade item is durable, water-resistant, and is made of high-grade waterproof fabric, with microfiber leather.
Zana, who operates her shop out of Sugar Land, Texas, has really cute handmade items that you will simply adore, especially if you belong to a sorority. Check out the name badge holders, and greeting cards, in her Etsy shop.
Shop here.
Women In African Print Fashion Adult Coloring Book ($9.99)
I'm swooning already! The book features 30 pages of black women looking queenly in African print textiles that's sure to make your imagination run wild!
The shop boasts beautiful handmade artwork that's sure to make you feel happy. Take a look.
Shop here.
Did I miss any? If you're a black woman business owner operating on Etsy, drop the link the comments so we can browse your merchandise.
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