We see Black women accomplishing great things daily, creating some of the products we love the most. But how often do you hear about these women and their achievements? While Black History Month is one of the perfect times to support Black-women-owned businesses, we all need to make it a year-round effort. Imagine only being recognized for your talent, hard work, and dedication during the shortest month of the year! We should celebrate, appreciate, and support Black women, whether that’s through reading Black female authors or shopping from Black women-owned businesses throughout the year. We know it’s not often, so we’re here to highlight some of our favorite Black-women-owned businesses.
Black Women-Owned Businesses: Closing the Wealth Gap for Black Women
Despite barriers and systemic economic disparities that make it comparatively difficult for Black women to prosper compared to other groups, they are reported to be the fastest-growing sector of business owners. According to the National Urban League, Black families earn 37% less than white families on average. The wealth gap continues to widen, especially for Black women, who account for 41% of minority-owned businesses in the United States but only hold 15% of total revenue generated.
Who doesn’t love a gift? Whether for yourself, a loved one or children, a little retail therapy can do a lot of good! Finding places to spend money is simple. But finding Black women-owned businesses isn’t always easy. So, we’ve compiled a list of 7 Black -women-owned businesses to support.
7 Black Women-Owned Businesses to Support
1. Address Oasis
There’s levels to this skincare game, and Address Oasis is a company that will take you to the next level. We love this brand for its simplicity! Whether you are a working girl, a college student, or both, Address Oasis has what you need to treat yourself to some self-care. Born in October 2022, this brand provides its customers with a simple four-step system for radiant skin. These products are handmade, women-made, and made with “lots of love.” Their mission statement is to make women feel protected, appreciated, and honored with a “no woman left behind” policy.
For our first-time buyers, we recommend their ‘Calm’ line of products. The scent of the ‘Calm’ series is very distinct. Its soothing aroma quickly calms your senses, as the name suggests. It’s ideal for unwinding after a hard day while smelling amazing for your partner (or yourself!).
2. Uoma Beauty
Affordable, inclusive, bold, and super cute! Uoma Beauty caters to everyone with a full range of makeup products delivered right to your front door. Uoma – pronounced OMA (uh-mah) translates to beautiful in Igbo, one of Nigeria’s most widely spoken languages. From Sharon C, founder and CEO, “we believe that beauty starts the moment you decide to be yourself.”
We absolutely heart this brand for its purpose and messaging within its products. Uoma Beauty believes that beauty comes in every color, gender, size, age, lifestyle, sexual orientation, and more. For their brand, inclusion goes beyond shades. Although proudly owned by people of color, Uoma, founded by Nigerian-born Sharon C, is inclusive of all people, has an affordable price point, and offers high-quality products made with natural ingredients. The products are eco-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Everyone – and we mean everyone, needs to grab their ‘Floss Gloss.’ It is perfect for every occasion and comes in seven shades. By supporting this Black women-owned business, you are promoting quality and inclusivity at the same time!
3. Yam NYC
Let’s link you all to hidden gems to dress up your wardrobe. Morgan Thomas, a jewelry designer, launched Yam NYC, a made-to-order, handcrafted jewelry company based in Queens, New York. Thomas’ late mother, who exposed her to jewelry-making as a young girl, served as the line’s inspiration. Yam NYC produces your favorite nostalgic items with a modern twist. While making innovative and whimsical jewelry, Yam strives to create designs that evoke collective memories and familiar situations.
Yam is here to refresh your memory of the most cherished pieces! For example, the ‘Pearl Drop Hoop’ is a cute, timeless staple that is greatfor formal or everyday wear.
4. The HoneyPot Company
We know everyone raves about this Black women-owned business, but it is a fan favorite for a reason. The HoneyPot company creates herbal-infused feminine care catering to various issues women face *whispers* down there. Bea Dixon’s whose own struggle with bacterial vaginosis led her to create this amazing line of products. This brand stays in our hearts because of its commitment to access!
Millions of Black women appreciate this brand and what it offers to its community. Studies show that most contemporary pads and tampons are made with hazardous materials. That’s why The HoneyPot focuses on providing safe alternatives for women. In addition, 2% of sales are donated to nonprofit charities that improve women’s access to safe and affordable feminine care. If you have been under a rock and have not tried these products yet, we recommend the ‘Organic Cotton Underwear Pads with Wings,’ an extra comfortable option for ‘that time of the month.’ These products are also retailed in Target, Walmart, Publix, and more
5. Klur
Founder Leslie Thornton cultivated a botanical-based skincare brand, Klur. After over a decade of being an esthetician and a former on-air beauty expert for Discovery, inc, she is giving us her secrets to the trade. Klur is featured in Vogue and many more notable publications for its unique and clean line of skincare essentials. We love to see effective skincare free of sulfates, fragrances, parabens, and all that other nasty stuff! Think science and nature teamed up to make the ultimate skincare line. A brand committed to quality that is after our hearts. Especially with its ‘Supreme Seed Delicate Purification Mask.’ Truly the star of this collection, this face mask is an incredible self-care gift. Treat yourself to its “nourishing bio-dynamic plant extracts,” designed for weekly use to exfoliate, balance and cleanse. Namaste.
6. Mizani Fitness
This is for all who have not made good on your New Year’s resolution. Mizani Fitness provides onsite as well as virtual health and wellness programs. Founded by not one but two Black women, this program is something special. Tashika Hussey and Peggy McNair bonded over their love of fitness and the balance it brought into their lives. With this in mind, they decided to spread the word, and thus, Mizani Fitness was born. This Black-women-owned business also received Beyoncé’s— yes, Beyoncé’s, stamp of approval. Check out their website to book your consultation, check your BMI, or learn more about cultivating a healthy work-life-gym balance.
7. ECGO
Of course, we had to give you all a sneak peek at the next big thing in Black women-owned businesses. For our sustainability beauties, ECGO is revolutionizing the way individuals recycle. With its “Snap. Recycle. Reward!” system, students who have access can take a picture of any item and are then given directions on where to recycle it and the correct bins to use.
After recycling, they collect points they can eventually trade in for rewards. Not only do you get to help the planet, but you might also get some Chick-fil-A out of it. However, this Black women-owned business is not available everywhere yet. It is currently being piloted at Georgia State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Founder and CEO Nicole Toole is a Georgia State Alumna. Fun fact, she started working on this app with her classmates in 2019, her freshman year of college! We love to see her dedication and hard work pay off as we are always rooting for Black women entrepreneurs.
Wait… There are More Black women-Owned businesses!
A lot more Black-women-owned businesses. While we can’t list all of these amazing companies, we want to gently remind our readers to explore these great brands and others beyond this list. There’s something for everyone, from tech startups like ECGO to beauty lines like Uoma Beauty. Supporting Black women is for everyone – and not just during Black history month. This list has provided several options to get you started. If you spy more Black-women-owned businesses or brands not included in this piece, we encourage you to leave some in the comment section below for others to discover!
