Here Are 25 Black-Owned Businesses Taraji P. Henson Spotlighted For Black History Month
As you know, we brag on Taraji P. Henson a lot around here—and that has everything to do with the fact that she is worth bragging on. She is so important to the mission, constantly providing access to ways to improve our mental health, and giving us lewks in the process. And you know, one of my favorite things about her, is she is not shy about throwing her support behind any black man and woman unapologetically (which is damn near unheard of in an 'influencer' world).
What's even better, is since the start of February, the Empire actress has been sharing her favorite companies on the 'gram; companies in a variety of categories, from wellness, beauty, art and design, to home, and food and drink. Sis, was covering all the bases, and we couldn't help but to recap--you know, just in case there was ever a question how bomb af she is.
So, go ahead and grab those wallets, ladies. Here's a list of the 25 businesses Taraji P. Henson has spotlighted throughout Black History Month:
1.BROWN GIRL Jane
BROWN GIRL Jane is a disruptive luxury, plant-based wellness and beauty collection centering the needs of dynamic women of color. Owned and founded by industry leaders and sisters, Malaika Jones and Nia Jones, along with beauty and wellness expert Tai Beauchamp, the BROWN GIRL Jane product line harnesses the power of plants and Broad-Spectrum CBD in order to support the wholeness of our sisters through internal balance and external beauty.
Shop here.
2.The Honey Pot Co.
The Honey Pot Co was created because their founder, Bea Dixon, was suffering from bacterial vaginosis for months and couldn't get relief. One night, after a visit from an ancestor in a dream, she was "gifted with a vision to heal myself."
The Honey Pot Co began to solve what other brands wouldn't, using the power of herbs. And after a wild Target ride, Dixon has found her lane, where she rocks tf out of it.
Shop here.
3.Golde
Golde's products are a celebration of the superfoods which effortlessly boost your daily routine, from morning smoothies to skincare. They pride themselves on creating products that are always 100% natural and vegan-friendly, with superfood ingredients you can recognize, (pronounce), and trust.
Shop here.
4.Anser
Anser is a wellness brand founded by entrepreneur, actress, chef, producer, author, wife, and mother, Tia Mowry. After being diagnosed with endometriosis in 2006, Tia realized she needed to change her diet. She partnered with one of the leading supplement companies in the market and co-founded a new line of vitamins: Anser. And the rest is wellness history.
Shop here.
5.HOMEBODY
HOMEBODY is made up of wellness enthusiasts, artisan makers, bath addicts and clean self-care fanatics, that creates self-care blends with the emphasis on you...and also other important things like effective pain management, high quality sun grown holistic herbs + food grade active ingredients.
Shop here.
6.PRESSD By Lanni
PRESSD by Lanni is a luxury press-on nail line from master nail artist, Lanni Jade. They are available in different shapes, sizes and lengths; short, long stiletto, coffin shaped and more. Every set is custom made by hand. Each set can be created with nail art, chrome, glitter, Swarovski crystals etc. Press'd sets are reusable and durable for up to two weeks and can also can be reapplied up to 3-5 times.
Shop here.
7.Mented Cosmetics
Mented Cosmetics is a makeup products brand that is perfectly pigMented to match your skin tones. All women, from light to tan to dark skin tones, should feel like they have makeup that actually works for their complexions. Mented Cosmetics solves this problem.
Shop here.
8.Gilded Body
Gilded, believes in 100 percent skincare for your entire body. They create effective and original products and tools that make body care easy and luxurious. All dermatologically designed and tested to maximize their benefits for your body, Gilded is dedicated to providing you with tools and products that help you feel rejuvenated – recentered – restored.
Shop here.
9.Black Girl Sunscreen
Black Girl Sunscreen is a sunscreen created in 2016 in Miami. It is the ultimate for us by us move, stressing the importance of educating the culture that damnit, we need to be wearing sunscreen too!
Shop here.
10.Propabeauty
Propabeauty is a makeup brand that prides themselves on its inclusive message. Their pigments and formulas are trusted to have our skin tones at the center stage of beauty innovations. With Propabeauty, never again will we have to say, "If only this shade was just a tiny bit darker, a tiny bit warmer or a tiny bit redder, then it would be perfect for me."
Shop here.
11.Inspired By Tyler
Inspired By Tyler (Inspire By Tyler on Instagram) is an artist who unapologetically displays self-love and women empowerment with the stroke of her brush on her vivid canvas art pieces. The artist is known for incorporating real hair into her 3D canvases that showcase black beauty and black hair at its finest. Additionally, she also sells 1D prints, premium posters, accessories, and custom art.
Shop her artwork here.
12.Black Trans Femmes in the Arts Collective
BTFA is a community-based arts organization that builds community and mobilizes resources to support Black trans femme artists (artists who were assigned male-at-birth and now identify somewhere underneath the femme umbrella). They organize programming that centers and highlights Black trans femme artists, executive produce projects led by Black trans femme artists, and provide direct to support to Black trans artists.
Donate to the mission or get involved here.
13.Creative Soul Photo
This husband-wife photography duo has taken over the internet quite more than we can count and they have zero intention of that changing. They take photos with an holistic approach to capturing one-of-a-kind moments has allowed their work to be featured in Teen Vogue, CNN, Glamour, Vogue Italia, Black Enterprise, BET.com, on The Real daytime talk show, BBC News, the OWN network and more.
Follow them on Instagram here.
14.Jade Purple Brown
Jade Purple Brown is an artist living in New York City, whose work uses strong figures, vibrant colors, and messages of optimism to create new, dynamic worlds of individuality and empowerment. Her artistic practice spans across Illustration, Design, and Creative Direction, and has attracted a wide range of global clients.
Shop art.
15.Jessica Spence
Jessica Spence is a Jamaican-American artist whose work is inspired by her lived experiences and the women around her. She received her B.A. in Studio Art from Hartwick College, and an M.A. in Art Education with a concentration in Painting from Lehman College, The City University of New York (CUNY). She works predominantly in portraiture and is based in New York. #jessicaspence
Follow her journey, exhibitions, and artwork here.
16.Clare Paint
Clare Paint is a paint company that has reimagined a whole new paint shopping experience with designer-curated colors, technology to guide you, mess-free paint swatches, and the highest-quality paint and supplies, delivered. They've also got you covered with the best advice to help you tackle your paint project with confidence.
Shop here.
17.Claude Home
Claude Home is an NYC vintage furniture and design hub for minimalist aesthetics. Founder Maggie Holladay, a former fashion editor for i-D Magazine, turned her hobby of vintage shopping into a full-time job in December 2018. Enter Claude Home—your destination for beautiful furniture and statement sculptures and trinkets.
Shop here.
18.Bolé Road Textiles
New York-based designer Hana Getachew started Bolé Road Textiles out of a desire to merge her love of Ethiopian handwoven fabrics with her career in interior design. What was born, was a homage to that cultural inheritance and a reflection of her own personal global modern aesthetic--through home wares.
Shop here.
19.PUR Home
PUR Home is a household cleaning brand, dedicated to creating natural and safe household cleaning products that can be used by anyone, giving special consideration to selecting ingredients that are plant-based, biodegradable, sulfate-free, and non-toxic.
Shop here.
20.Aya Paper Co.
Aya Paper Co. is a sustainable stationery brand defined by neutral earth tones, minimalist illustrations, and modern typography. The collection emphasizes cards for everyday occasions—birthdays, congratulations, love, friendship, and sympathy—while also creating seasonal items for Valentine's Day, Women's History Month, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and more. In addition to cards, Aya has produced notecard sets, journals, tote bags, and candles.
Shop here.
21.Partake Foods
When their daughter was diagnosed with severe food allergies as an infant, this family came up short on healthy snacks that were safe to eat and delicious. Frustrated by the lack of options, Denise (founder) left her corporate job and set out to make her own. And that's how Partake was born. Oh, and they're backed by women named Rihanna and H.E.R. (*whispers* and a guy named Shawn Carter).
Shop here.
22.McBride Sisters
Since 2005, the McBride Sisters' mission has become clear—to transform the industry, lead by example, and cultivate community, one delicious glass of wine, at a time. Over time, McBride Sisters has grown into what is not only the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States, but one of the most inclusive, accessible, socially aware and sustainable.
Shop here.
23.Caribbrew
Untouched by chemicals and shade grown above 4000 feet, this Haitian coffee brew is smooth and low in acidity. Caribbrew coffee beans are then meticulously picked and roasted in small batches for a fresh cup. It is a strong coffee with a full body, full of flavor, a real treat.
Shop here.
24.Ivy's Tea Co.
Ivy's Tea Co. is owned and operated by first-generation herbalist and Tea Bae, Shanae. The brand launched in 2016, and since then has transformed into the Hip-Hop inspired tea company you shop from today. Through Ivy's Tea Co., Shanae hopes to change the way you see tea drinkers and introduce more African holistic health remedies into the holistic health industry.
Shop here.
25.The Spice Suite
Angel is a mommy, home cook, activist and educator with a knack for blurring the line between food and fashion. Her love for fashionable flavors and natural talent in the kitchen landed her a spot in the Top 40 of MasterChef's Season 8. Angel brings gourmet, exotic and tantalizing spices, infused oils and other culinary delights to customers in a hip, quaint and comfortable, atmosphere.
Shop here.
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Thank you for being you, Taraji!
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Featured image by Shutterstock.com
Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
Skylar Marshai Talks Hair Reset With SheaMoisture Bond Repair 'Revive & Thrive' Campaign
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
Skylar Marshai is known for her extravagant style, and her hair is no exception. But now, she’s giving her hair a break and focusing on hair care with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection. “I feel like my hair has always been an extension of my storytelling because I know it's so innately linked to my self-expression that I've been thinking a lot about how my love for crafting my hair into these different forms and shapes has honestly never given it a chance to just be,” Skylar explains.
“So for the next few weeks, I will be wearing my natural hair out.” The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is infused with AminoBlend and HydroPlex technology, scientifically proven to make hair 6x stronger with 84% less breakage by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds (vs. non-conditioning shampoo). That’s why it's the perfect hair reset for Skylar.
“It's been a long, long time since I've worn my natural curls. I haven’t nurtured it in its natural form so I’m scared of breakage, of it being dry, of it being damaged,” she admits. “I do feel like my hair is in good hands because I will be using the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection and it’s known for repairing damaged hair making it smoother, making it stronger like all of these very real concerns I have.”
Thanks to the unique blend of Amino Blend Complex (fortifying amino acids), Amla oil, and fair-trade shea butter used in each product, the hair will become visibly healthier after just one use. That’s because the collection focuses on repairing and reviving dry, damaged hair due to color, protective styles, heat, and more. This 4-step system, which includes Bond Repair Shampoo, Bond Repair Conditioner, Bond Repair Masque, and Bond Repair Leave-in, also enhances weakened hair bonds to reduce future breakage.
Skylar shows us how she uses the collection and it’s giving big, beautiful, healthy hair. “So I think it's gonna be some beauty to allowing my hair to rest,” she says. When it comes to styling, the influencer is “just gonna let Mother Nature do her thing.” Learn more about the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection below.
Step One: Bond Repair Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are infused with the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, Shea Moisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Conditionerdeeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Feature image by @skylarmarshai/ Instagram
Chloe Bailey Reveals How Community Helped Her Overcome Depression
"Depression has no face" is a common saying used to describe the mental illness.
The phrase highlights that anyone could suffer from depression, even those who appear outwardly happy and smiling. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 280 million people globally suffer from depression, of which 5% are adults.
Numerous notable figures within the entertainment industry have shared the importance of caring for one's mental health and seeking proper resources like therapy as a way to destigmatize the subject and let fans know they are not alone. Among them is rapper Big Sean, who has openly discussed his own experiences overcoming depression.
Another person who has stepped forward to share their experience is singer and actress Chloe Bailey. In an interview with PopSugar, the 25-year-old recounts the darkest period in her life and how her community of family and friends helped her overcome it.
Chloe On Her Mental Health
In the discussion, Bailey revealed that her mental state took a plunge around the time she was promoting her debut solo album, In Pieces.
The "Treat Me" vocalist shared that her depression stemmed from being hurt by people she trusted and that her close friends and family intervened when they noticed it worsening.
“I was using music as my therapy. I wasn't too honest about my mental state and health at the time to a lot of people. Even when I started doing press for In Pieces, I'd have close friends and family send me clips of interviews being like, ‘I had no idea.’ Usually, that is what happens people see you smiling all the time and it seems as if everything's okay in the world — it isn't, but you're the best at hiding it,” she said.
Bailey also explained that she didn't talk about her struggles sooner because she felt they would be evident in her music.
“And I didn't want to use mental health as a selling point for the album, it wasn't about marketing,” she said. “But I was like, if I'm being so honest in this music and lyrically, you'll be able to hear exactly what I'm going through. I might as well take it one little step further and connect the dots for people who would already be assuming what I was going through, based on the lyrics.”
Further in the conversation, Bailey disclosed that, along with support from her community, her godmother had played a key role in helping her overcome depression.
“Not to sound too dark or to go back to that place, because I'm out of it now, but going through those experiences always feels so lonely and isolating. Without my godmother, I probably wouldn't be here right now. She definitely reminded me of my strength and my beauty as a human and what I can contribute to this world. That's why I stick to her like glue, because at a time when I was so scared to share how I was feeling and what I was going through, she saw it in me and cared enough to help me get out of it,” she said.
Chloe On How Others Can Conquer Depression
Toward the end of the interview, the "Boy Bye” singer encouraged those battling depression to stay present and utilize available resources and shared a quote that helps her through difficult times.
“It's so important to take it day by day. Don't try to think about next week or next month, just make sure you can make it through the day. And don't be afraid to use resources around you, whether it's therapy or a hobby. You don't have to hold the weight of the world on your own,” she said. “Looking back at that time, I'm really, really proud of myself. I'm a Cancer and I'm really sensitive, but when I look back at things that I've pulled myself out of, I realize how strong of a human being that I am. I'm such a strong woman. One of my favorite phrases that my godmom says is, ‘Those stones that people throw at you, use them to build your bridge.’ So that's what I do.”
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Feature image by Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images