10 Unique & Sustainable Black-Owned Businesses You NEED to Know
As February draws to a close, we remember that celebrating Black people and Black culture shouldn't be confined to the 29 days in February; supporting and uplifting Black creatives, brands, and businesses should be a year-round commitment. This list of skincare, jewelry, and sustainable fashion brands are just some of the Black-owned businesses we’re currently obsessed with.
1. Ami Colé
Ami Colé is a clean beauty brand that creates skincare and makeup specifically formulated for melanin-rich skin without endocrine disruptors. They aim to provide safer formulas tailored to people of color to offset the disproportionate exposure to harmful chemicals in beauty products marketed to them. They also embrace sustainable practices by using recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable materials.
2. Mo.Na Gems
Mecca McDonald and Mia Dunn, inspired by online resin jewelry creators, launched Mo.Na. (short for Mother Nature) Gems from their college dorm, crafting their sustainable jewelry from starch-based compostable "plastic." Now based in NYC, Mo.Na. advocates for sustainability in fashion and creates fun accessories while reminding us to reduce plastic waste.
3. Ourside
Ourside is pioneering sustainable perfumery with small-batch fragrance production in the Bronx, New York. Ourside's fragrances offer a cleaner, ethically-driven alternative in the fragrance landscape. Their commitment to cruelty-free ingredients and inclusive storytelling challenges industry norms.
4. BY.WUZZY
Born from Wuzzy Omiyale's passion for denim and sustainability after graduating from the London College of Fashion in 2019, BY.WUZZY is a testament to conscious design. Through up-cycling, BY.WUZZY emphasizes garment-crafters' well-being and contributes to a more sustainable and ethical industry.
5. Eurythmik
Euythmik is a zero-waste, size-inclusive, handmade crochet brand founded by crochet artist Marissa “Mik” Monique. They source all acrylic yarn secondhand from thrift stores, destashers, and donations. With a commitment to reducing waste, they embrace the uniqueness of each item through the varying colors and tones of these secondhand yarns.
Galerie Emprise is a Paris-based fashion brand that offers handmade, limited-edition creations and conceptual/experimental exhibition projects. With a mission to dismantle accepted ideals about fashion, they’ve cultivated a community of people who embrace their individuality and express themselves creatively through clothing.
7. Ranti Studi
Established in 2023 by London-based designer Ranti Ehinmola, Ranti Studio creates playful knitted pieces using sustainable materials, each uniquely handmade by Ehinmola at home. Offering ready-to-ship one-off garments and custom commissions, the studio also provides hand-knitting patterns, creating size-inclusive and distinct designs.
8. Art to Ware
Art to Ware (A2W), founded in 2021 by Lesley Ware, is the epitome of the intersection between art and fashion. With a focus on small-batch, upcycled, and locally-made clothing and gifts, they create a dynamic space that showcases the work of artists and designers.
9. Coco Culture
Coco Culture is an NYC-based slow-fashion brand that makes basics and statement pieces by hand and toe the line between coquette, streetwear, and coconut girl fashion. Every garment is crafted by Jesa Chiro, ensuring that each piece is a wearable work of art. Coco Culture has also launched Coco Closet, offering curated second-hand items.
10. Eu’Genia Shea
Eu'Genia She is a family-run business that crafts all-natural premium shea butter moisturizers that heal the skin while positively impacting our world. With a dedication to fair wages for female workers in Ghana and a commitment to sustainability, Eu'Genia Shea sources the highest quality shea butter from fairly paid farmers.
What are your favorite sustainable black-owned businesses?