With Black History Month in full swing, it is important to take time to recognize all of the incredible Black trailblazers throughout history. And while we should always be celebrating these Black icons, College Fashionista wanted to shine a light on Black-owned businesses this month.
All of the companies below are owned by Black entrepreneurs who specialize in everything from fashion accessories and self-care items to beauty products and jewelry. There’s something for everyone — so shop and enjoy!
Roam Loud
Roam Loud founder Toyin Omisore created the brand, not just to make high-quality and super adorable activewear and athleisure. She wanted to build a lifestyle brand where “brown skin is at the forefront and not an afterthought.” Additionally, she was inspired by her maternal grandmother’s wonderful personality to name the brand Roam Loud. From workout sets to cozy hoodies and beyond, Roam Loud offers every closet staple you could ever need.
Fata Skirt Shorts in Rust
$32
Kando Active Jacket in Black
$62
CAVO CandlesÂ
CAVO Candles is led by California-based sisters Naomi and Femi Adeyemo who began their mission in 2020 to make non-toxic and eco-friendly candles. The duo goes the extra step by matching their candle scents and names to a playlist, which really sets the vibe. For example, if you pick up the “Blushing” candle (inspired by second dates, words of affirmation, friendship bracelets, butterflies), your playlist is full of cute love songs. “Nobody Gets Me” by SZA and “Black Space (Taylor’s Version” by Taylor Swift are, of course, on the playlist. P.S. The playlists are available on both Spotify and Apple Music.
Blushing Candle
Cherry + Citrus + Iris + Light MuskÂ
$25
New Spot Candle
Sage + Champagne + Lavender + Oak $25
IEMBE
After being inspired to make a stylish travel bag, Travis Terry created IEMBE, a luxury brand founded in 2020 in Travis’s hometown in Hartford, Connecticut. His brand went viral after he used his mother for a photoshoot inspired by Cardi B — so viral that his mom was even featured on a billboard in Time Square. IEMBE wants everyone to own every room that they walk into with their unique designs and craftsmanship.
Latto IEMBE Bag
$300
Gretchen IEMBE Bag
$175
The Soul Study Self Love Journal
Denise Francis, a self-love coach, educator, researcher, and TEDx Speaker, created this journal to help guide you on your self-love journey. Soul Study’s goal is to challenge you to break down your walls and meet your inner child to find the roots needed to begin healing. Denise put her years of experience and research into this journal to help other people begin their own healing journey.Â
The Soul Study Self Love Journal
$50
Gogo Lush
In 2011, Cici started Gogo Lush, an online shop that features handmade jewelry for everyone. Every piece is trendy and unique. Not only is Gogo Lush a great place to go for gifts for friends (or yourself), but Gogo Lush is a monthly contributor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. So you know when you buy from Gogo Lush, you are also contributing to a good cause.
Heart Charm Huggie Hoop Earrings
$45
Sunflower Name Necklace Set
$55
skin BUTTR
skin BUTTR was started by Tatiana Elizabeth. They create whipped shea-based butters and scrubs. The brand wants to simplify skincare and create products that promote healthy and glowing skin. Their products are formulated by skincare specialists to make your skin look and feel good. skin BUTTR also works to be as sustainable as possible by producing small batches at a time, avoiding harmful chemicals, and using minimal packaging that is also recyclable.
Cocoa Vanilla [BUTTR]
$35 for 8 oz.
Strawberry Coconut [SCRUB]
$28 for 8 oz.
LYS Beauty
LYS Beauty is the first black-owned clean makeup brand to be sold at Sephora. LYS Beauty was started by Tisha Thompson, a trained makeup artist who always held a skin-first approach. Their mission is to empower, inspire, and encourage self-confidence. Not only is all their makeup vegan and cruelty-free, but Tisha makes sure that there is something for every skin type, texture, and tone even infusing skincare ingredients into their products.
Higher Standard Satin Matte Cream Blush
$18
Speak Love Glossy Lip Treatment Oil
$14
This article was originally published on February 21, 2023.
