Adreon Patterson
August is National Black Business Month! To honor this particular month, Content Cucumber has decided to highlight some well-known and up-and-coming Black-owned businesses.
Between civil unrest and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses are having to shift their models, or even worse, shutter their doors. This outcome is worse for Black-owned companies as National Geographic reported 41 percent would close permanently compared to 17 percent of White-owned businesses.
So here are 15 Black-owned businesses you can support during these hard times!
Beauty and Fashion
The Folklore
A sustainable New York-based online store and showroom catering to the African diaspora specializing in clothing, accessories, and housewares. The store allows consumers to support well-known and up-and-coming Black brands from across the world.
FUBU
A high-end hip-hop fashion brand specializing in streetwear and accessories. Founded by Shark Tank’s Daymond John, the brand has maintained an influence on urban streetwear since emerging in the late 1990s.
Safashe
A Virginia-based independent fashion brand specializing in high-fashion and dress design for a variety of clients. Its founder Sasha Williams is notable amongst the fashion world for creating Richmond Runway, which highlights up-and-coming Black designers.
Honey Pot
An Atlanta-based health and wellness brand caters to feminine hygiene care with the African diaspora. Creator and founder Bea Dixon created the company to help other Black women naturally deal with feminine hygiene.
Juvia’s Place
A Los Angeles-based beauty and makeup business catering to women of different shades and tones. The brand has built its recognition for drawing upon the colors and formulas influenced by African culture.
Finances
One United Bank
This Boston-based financial institution is one of the few Black-owned banks still operating in the United States. The bank has advocated for financial literacy amongst the African-American community.
Industrial Bank
As one of the oldest banks in the United States, the Washington, D.C.-based financial institution caters to the African American community – banking and lending. The Congressional Black Caucus has backed the bank when it comes to promoting ethical lending practices to Black people.
Food
Michele Food Inc.
An Illinois-based food company that specializes in producing gourmet syrups. The product started as a family recipe passed down through founder Michele Hoskin’s family from her great-great-great-grandmother.
Slutty Vegan
An Atlanta-based restaurant chain and food truck specializing in vegan fast-casual. The vegan food chain is best known for its take on the famous Impossible Burger.
This is It BBQ and Seafood
An Atlanta-based all-you-can-eat restaurant chain specializing in barbeque and seafood. Along with grilled food and seafood, it offers veggie options for vegans.
CamiCakes
An Atlanta-based franchised bakery chain that offers a variety of confectionary treats. The bakery is best known for its specialty-flavored gourmet cupcakes.
Other Areas
Eso Won Books
Based in Los Angeles, this Black-owned bookstore deals with a book selection specializing in African American history. The store spotlights both independent and well-known Black authors.
For Keeps Books
The online bookstore offers classic and rare Black literature for bibliophiles. The online store showcases work from Alice Walker, Margaret Mead, Toni Morrison, and many more Black writing luminaries.
Shine
Created by Marah Lidey and Naomi Hirabayashi, the tech app specializes in aiding BIPOC with dealing with anxiety and stress to connect with mental health experts. The app taps into the underserved and marginalized members of society.
Dollaride
Created by Sulaiman “Su” Sanni, the mobile app aides underserved communities in finding affordable rides in the New York area. The app helps users to get around the city with their Dollar vans.
Show some love on our Instagram page by tagging your favorite Black-owned business!
