4 Black-owned Businesses to Support

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It would be naïve to say that coronavirus has not helped the online business community; more so, the big name brands who can offer unbeatable prices and fast shipping (hello, Amazon). However, one thing that that has unexpectedly come out of the coronavirus pandemic is a new wave of support for small businesses. Furthermore, shoppers have been motivated to support Black-owned businesses after the strong resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in America in 2020.

I am definitely one of those people who want to focus on buying from small businesses in general, but also make an effort to seek out Black-owned businesses. Now that holiday shopping season has commenced, I feel that it’s important to share some businesses I have found and supported in case other people are looking to do the same. Here are four black-owned businesses I would recommend to friends, family and followers. 

JustVibesChi

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JustVibesChi makes affordable, crystal-infused soy candles meant for intension setting. I purchased a Prosperity Vibe candle and my favorite thing about it is the abundance of Aventurine and Lapis Lazuli crystal pieces on the candle. Arielle also included a hand written note and a sample of melts infused with black tourmaline and citrine. The impressive amount of crystals matches the massive amount of care Arielle, the owner, shows in her work. 

“Something that I love about creating these candles is helping others set the atmosphere for whatever positive thing it is they’re trying to manifest or focus on in their life,” she told me. “My hope is that my candles give them a boost, that extra oomph to keep going for their dreams — whatever those may be — The Universe, ancestors, Spirit are with them on their journey.”

For more information, check out her Etsy shop or give her a follow on Instagram.  

Luxury Kreationz

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Luxury Kreationz is all about putting the luxe in your life at an affordable price. After a year of careful experimentation with products for all skin types, the brand made its debut in May 2020. The purpose of this brand, according to the owner, is “to provide inclusive products that everyone can use.” Luxury Kreationz uses vegan and cruelty-free products to ensure even people with sensitive skin can wear the products, which range from lip glosses and body mists to lashes and more. “Our brand stands out because not only are our glosses scented, but they are also flavored. And our shea butters are scented as well, so you can walk around moisturized and feeling great,” Luxury Kreationz said.

I purchased the apple lip oil for my ever-so-chapped lips and a lip gloss for my friend. You can check out the Luxury Kreationz’s website here, or follow its Facebook and Instagram.

Madison Spence Moore

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Madi Spence is a university student who has a passion for creating. You can learn all about her on her blog, where she also sells handmade crochet earrings and other small pieces. I purchased a pair of blue flower earrings, and they are the perfect funky add if I want to put some fun into an otherwise plain outfit. 

She told me she learned to crochet when she was 12 thanks for her mom buying a crafting kit from 5 Below, and she has been “obsessed ever since.” She said the motivation to start her shop was to make income during school that was not a “regular” cashier or waitress job (she noted that there is of course nothing wrong with a job like that).  She wants potential buyers to know is she puts “love and care” into every single piece she creates. “Doing this makes me happy!” she told me. “I want the items that I make to bring buyers as much joy as making the items bring me.”

You can see her shop here. 

Time2Mend

I have not yet purchased from this sweet little corner of the internet, but I thought it was worth a mention because you don’t need to buy anything to benefit from the site. Time2Mend is run by a mother of one with a degree in public health administration. She poured her experience in healing, healthy relationships, building self confidence, overcoming hardships, and stress management tactics into Time2Mend in hopes of helping others in any healing journey on which they may be embarking. Time2Mend includes a blog with a range of healing and mental health topics and a shop with crystals, healing inspired clothing, journals, and more. I particularly appreciate the free self-help guides she offers, such as a “Finding Yourself” checklist and an “Adapting to Change” worksheet.

I highly recommend checking out this helpful site or sharing it with anyone who is currently healing in some sort of way. Click here for Time2Mend’s website, or follow her Instagram here. She also has some super useful videos on YouTube.