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Black owned businesses you can support during Black History Month and year-round

Black owned businesses you can support during Black History Month and year-round
at the end of the day, the only thing that creates real sustainable change is the dollar. Minority owned businesses don't always have the access to the kinds of the right kinds of capital. Black owned businesses are significant and they have impact and they make a difference in our community. We're changing the way people look at black owned business and we're changing the perspective for black owned business. Professional period on trivia understands the challenges. Black owned businesses tend to face to counteract that she founded the melon air marketplace. Black business hub in Louisville Kentucky, it gives black entrepreneurs a platform to scale their businesses, sell products and network. Our business are not handed down to us from generation to generation to generation. When we open up a business, a lot of us are open up business survival mode. The melon air marketplace helps black entrepreneurs overcome the obstacles by providing them with resources and mentorship to promote their businesses. So it's important for us to be able to have our space and have our businesses shops set up so that we can collaborate, cultivate and circulate the black dollar within our community. Historically, black business owners have faced unequal challenges on the road to success, often denied opportunities to advance their business with less access to money or prior experience in a family business. We don't always come to the table with the same resources that other people have or the same collateral other people have. So we're not able to leverage as much income for us to start our businesses, take Towanda ST potato pies in Birmingham for instance, de wanda Jackson applied for a small business administration grant, but it took several weeks before she got a response, it's such a small amount that we had to definitely uh step over into other um, you know, financial means thousands of minority owned small businesses were ignored or rejected in the first round of US stimulus money because they struggled to find banks that would accept their applications. In general, black entrepreneurs have less access to start up capital. They tend to start with about $35,000 compared to white entrepreneurs who start with about 107,000. It puts black entrepreneurs in a position to rely not only on their customers but the help of their counterparts. It's about making those connections, building those relationships and networking with black entrepreneurs that are reaching for that same goal and kind of helping each other out. It's true in Kansas city where the organization gift generating income for tomorrow fulfills its mission to save black owned businesses operating in low income areas. We are investing in these black owned businesses. We are expanding economic opportunity in the east side of Kansas city. We are creating jobs and opportunity. Gift raises grant money through small donations from hundreds of individuals to help businesses keep their doors open. We can all come together, we can all pitch in And create the change that we want to see. A recent study found that black-owned businesses have created over a million jobs and generated more than $165 billion dollars in revenue. If you support black businesses that gives them the resources to grow for them to be able to hire in their communities and to be able to give back. We're trying to close the wealth gap and we do that through entrepreneurship. So that's why you are starting to see this influx of Black-owned businesses and it's important that we support that in 2020, black entrepreneurship rose over 50%. This is our time to make change to make a difference to unify. I just feel that it's our time, but when lack of capital became an obstacle to success, people like Sandra Robinson stepped in and for me it's advocating for these black owned businesses getting them the exposure that they need, bringing the media to them, shining a light on minority businesses creates awareness in the community that also helps increase their bottom line building economic strength For some of these entrepreneurs. It's also time for representation. 50% of Children in the us are of color now, but if you go down the toilet, you don't see that represented their healthy roots dolls is a multicultural children's product company and our first dollar Zoe and she teaches girls how to love the curls because she has hair that you can wash and style just like your own. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, a mother's love led to the creation of her own business. I was looking for things to put into his nursery that reflected our culture and as well as things that he can learn from and that he could see himself in. And I wasn't finding much ebony's son, Declan inspired her to create baby essentials featuring 14 characters of all kinds of races and skin tones. We are all about representation, we are all about self love. We're all about speaking life into our babies and our Children investing in black businesses helps local retailers keep their vision alive. It also creates jobs and economic prosperity. Black owned doesn't mean black only. And so these businesses, they want green dollars. So I don't care what you look like buying black. It's not just a slogan. It's an investment into people and businesses making our communities richer in so many ways.
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Black owned businesses you can support during Black History Month and year-round
February is nationally recognized as Black History Month, where we observe annually historical Black figures, events and the contributions made by the African diaspora. We’re taking time to shine a light on Black-owned businesses you can support, not just during Black History Month, but year-round, especially when shopping for Valentine’s Day, for your home, and for the holidays. PetPlatePetPlate is all about making better food for dogs so that they can live longer. That’s the mission founder Renaldo Webb had when he launched the pet meals brand.Webb saw the ingredients used in traditional dog food and wanted to make better food for dogs. So he teamed up with a vet nutritionist and went to work. The meals are prepped and cooked in USDA kitchens and PetPlate offers a targeted approach to giving your furry friend the food that makes sense for them.You can find stores that carry PetPlace products, or create a meal plan right on their website by clicking on the button below.KonaTired of food falling through the grate on your grill? Kona is here to help.The brand develops grill mats that are heavy-duty and nonstick. Each mat comes with a seven-year warranty and the brand says you can put the mats through 1,000 uses per side. And best of all? It’s under $20.54kibo“Contemporary African design is inspiring the global design landscape.”If you’re looking to freshen up your home decor, 54kibo is the place to be.Their interior design products originate from about 50 design experts who have trained at leading design schools across Africa and the world. Nana Quagraine, 54kibo’s founder, always loved the unique contemporary African designs she would find on her trips back home to Africa from New York.Realizing the inaccessibility to these designs, Quagraine launched 54kibo in 2018. From lighting to rugs, to furniture and tabletop items, there’s plenty to choose from. You can even shop by region so you can see where your home decor originates from. This woven blue pendant light captivated us and is currently on sale right now. Fenty BeautyBack in 2017, Grammy Award-winning artist Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in an effort to fill a void in the beauty industry for “products that performed across all skin types and tones.” What started with Fenty Beauty foundation, face primer and Gloss Bomb, has become a mega-popular makeup line. “Makeup is there for you to have fun with,” Rihanna said. “It should never feel like pressure. It should never feel like a uniform. Feel free to take chances, and take risks, and dare to do something new or different.” Oui the People“Better body care for sensitive skin.”It began with a razor made for women and has transformed into a company devoted to crafting products that give you better body care.Their award-winning gold razor comes with a 10-pack of single blades and is part of a starter kit that is currently on sale as of this writing. You can view more products here, including their deep hydration set that comes with body balm and body gloss.Luna MagicLuna Magic is a woman-owned beauty brand founded by Afro-Latina sisters Mabel and Shaira Frias. They created a cosmetics brand that’s behind a lash primer that has gone viral on social media.You can get it on Amazon and even select subscribe and save so that you get the primer delivered when you want and get it up to 15% off. Uncle Keith’s Gourmet FoodsLooking to add a kick to your food? Look no further than Uncle Keith’s Gourmet Foods.The California-based grocery store has also set up shop on Amazon, so you can get “flavorful heat that will make your taste buds boom.” The sauces are 100% natural and vegan. The chocolate thunder chili hot sauce caught our attention.Pattern Beauty“By Black hair for Black hair.”The hair-care line launched by award-winning actress Tracee Ellis Ross has been a mega-hit, especially their popular detangling nectar and leave-in conditioner. Pattern focuses on healthy hair and encourages each hair texture to take as much space as it desires, inspired by Ross’ own hair journey. Zach & Zoe Sweet Bee FarmFrom their farm to your family. A New Jersey family’s journey to making honey started with their child’s asthma and seasonal allergies. The couple turned to raw honey as a remedy and noticed a huge difference in their little one’s allergies. They would then spend weekends learning about beekeeping, and months later, they become beekeepers themselves and began selling raw honey in 2017. BLK & Bold“No one should ever have to experience mediocre coffee or tea.” That’s the mission statement of BLK & Bold. The founders, Pernell and Rod, look to turn a daily ritual of enjoying a cup of coffee and tea, into a means of giving back.BLK & Bold delivers specialty coffee and tea for people to enjoy. They also have a partnership with the NBA called “The Warm Up," which features whole bean and ground coffee bags. Five percent of the company’s profits are contributed to supporting at-risk youth both locally and nationally. Buttah Skincare“I created Buttah Skincare for you and everyone who is searching for products that work.”Founded in 2018 by Texas model, actor and recording artist Dorian Renaud, the skincare brand was created through Renaud’s own skincare journey. In search for skincare products that address particular needs of his kin, Renaud discovered raw, organic, natural Shea butter. This ingredient was the inspiration behind Buttah Skin. The products have become very popular over the years, some of them being top-rated on Amazon. Their complete skin kit comes with facial shea butter, Vitamin C serum and a gentle facial cleanser. Spoken Flames“Creating mindful sensory experiences that connect you with all parts of you.”Spoken Flames was founded through a wellness journey. Overwhelmed by work, Spoken Flames’ founder Shavaun would turn to candles to provide respite from her stress. But while the candles smelled nice, there wasn’t anything else Shavaun was receiving. She started Spoken Flames to “meet an unmet need, reimaging candles as a more immersive, inspiring, and personal experience.” The wicks provide a soft crackle, the candle wax blend provides a golden shimmer and custom scents are crafted by the brand’s perfumers. Each candle even comes with a message that can come to life via augmented reality (AR).Golde“Make wellness easy, accessible and fun for all.”Born in a one-bedroom Brooklyn apartment in 2017, Golde seeks to provide superfood essentials that promote self-care in order to feel your best self.Their first product made in the Brooklyn apartment was a turmeric latte blend, which they still sell today, alongside their pineapple “Debloat” for gut health and a make-your-own matcha kit. Ayesha’s Kitchenware“Performance functionality and eye-catching details to the kitchen.” Ayesha Curry’s kitchenware line has been a mainstay in kitchen and dining products on Amazon. Curry’s bacon grease can has almost 20,000 customer ratings for a 4.5 star average. Some of the products in her latest collection are actually seeing discounts right now, including her pre-seasoned cast iron skillet. Scotch Porter“Transform your grooming.”Scotch Porter’s mission is to provide grooming products for men and their personal care. The brand covers beard care, haircare and skincare all with clean ingredients like aloe, kale protein and Shea butter. Their head-to-toe collection covers everything you would need, while you could get collections geared toward your facial hair. Their beard and hair collections can also be found on Amazon. Black History Month 2024 ThemeThe theme of this year's Black History Month is "African Americans and the Arts." According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, this theme highlights "the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans."Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month.

February is nationally recognized as Black History Month, where we observe annually historical Black figures, events and the contributions made by the African diaspora.

We’re taking time to shine a light on Black-owned businesses you can support, not just during Black History Month, but year-round, especially when shopping for Valentine’s Day, for your home, and for the holidays.

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PetPlate

PetPlate is all about making better food for dogs so that they can live longer. That’s the mission founder Renaldo Webb had when he launched the pet meals brand.

Webb saw the ingredients used in traditional dog food and wanted to make better food for dogs. So he teamed up with a vet nutritionist and went to work. The meals are prepped and cooked in USDA kitchens and PetPlate offers a targeted approach to giving your furry friend the food that makes sense for them.

You can find stores that carry PetPlace products, or create a meal plan right on their website by clicking on the button below.

Marliese Streefland/Unsplash

Kona

Tired of food falling through the grate on your grill? Kona is here to help.

The brand develops grill mats that are heavy-duty and nonstick. Each mat comes with a seven-year warranty and the brand says you can put the mats through 1,000 uses per side.

And best of all? It’s under $20.

54kibo

“Contemporary African design is inspiring the global design landscape.”

If you’re looking to freshen up your home decor, 54kibo is the place to be.

Their interior design products originate from about 50 design experts who have trained at leading design schools across Africa and the world. Nana Quagraine, 54kibo’s founder, always loved the unique contemporary African designs she would find on her trips back home to Africa from New York.

Realizing the inaccessibility to these designs, Quagraine launched 54kibo in 2018. From lighting to rugs, to furniture and tabletop items, there’s plenty to choose from.

You can even shop by region so you can see where your home decor originates from.

This woven blue pendant light captivated us and is currently on sale right now.

Fenty Beauty

Back in 2017, Grammy Award-winning artist Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in an effort to fill a void in the beauty industry for “products that performed across all skin types and tones.”

What started with Fenty Beauty foundation, face primer and Gloss Bomb, has become a mega-popular makeup line.

“Makeup is there for you to have fun with,” Rihanna said. “It should never feel like pressure. It should never feel like a uniform. Feel free to take chances, and take risks, and dare to do something new or different.”

Fenty Beauty

Oui the People

“Better body care for sensitive skin.”

It began with a razor made for women and has transformed into a company devoted to crafting products that give you better body care.

Their award-winning gold razor comes with a 10-pack of single blades and is part of a starter kit that is currently on sale as of this writing.

You can view more products here, including their deep hydration set that comes with body balm and body gloss.

Oui the People

Luna Magic

Luna Magic is a woman-owned beauty brand founded by Afro-Latina sisters Mabel and Shaira Frias.

They created a cosmetics brand that’s behind a lash primer that has gone viral on social media.

You can get it on Amazon and even select subscribe and save so that you get the primer delivered when you want and get it up to 15% off.

Luna Magic

Uncle Keith’s Gourmet Foods

Looking to add a kick to your food? Look no further than Uncle Keith’s Gourmet Foods.

The California-based grocery store has also set up shop on Amazon, so you can get “flavorful heat that will make your taste buds boom.”

The sauces are 100% natural and vegan. The chocolate thunder chili hot sauce caught our attention.

Uncle Keith

Pattern Beauty

“By Black hair for Black hair.”

The hair-care line launched by award-winning actress Tracee Ellis Ross has been a mega-hit, especially their popular detangling nectar and leave-in conditioner.

Pattern focuses on healthy hair and encourages each hair texture to take as much space as it desires, inspired by Ross’ own hair journey.

Zach & Zoe Sweet Bee Farm

From their farm to your family.

A New Jersey family’s journey to making honey started with their child’s asthma and seasonal allergies. The couple turned to raw honey as a remedy and noticed a huge difference in their little one’s allergies.

They would then spend weekends learning about beekeeping, and months later, they become beekeepers themselves and began selling raw honey in 2017.

Zach & Zoe

BLK & Bold

“No one should ever have to experience mediocre coffee or tea.”

That’s the mission statement of BLK & Bold. The founders, Pernell and Rod, look to turn a daily ritual of enjoying a cup of coffee and tea, into a means of giving back.

BLK & Bold delivers specialty coffee and tea for people to enjoy. They also have a partnership with the NBA called “The Warm Up," which features whole bean and ground coffee bags.

Five percent of the company’s profits are contributed to supporting at-risk youth both locally and nationally.

BLK & Bold

Buttah Skincare

“I created Buttah Skincare for you and everyone who is searching for products that work.”

Founded in 2018 by Texas model, actor and recording artist Dorian Renaud, the skincare brand was created through Renaud’s own skincare journey. In search for skincare products that address particular needs of his kin, Renaud discovered raw, organic, natural Shea butter. This ingredient was the inspiration behind Buttah Skin.

The products have become very popular over the years, some of them being top-rated on Amazon.

Their complete skin kit comes with facial shea butter, Vitamin C serum and a gentle facial cleanser.

Spoken Flames

“Creating mindful sensory experiences that connect you with all parts of you.”

Spoken Flames was founded through a wellness journey. Overwhelmed by work, Spoken Flames’ founder Shavaun would turn to candles to provide respite from her stress.

But while the candles smelled nice, there wasn’t anything else Shavaun was receiving. She started Spoken Flames to “meet an unmet need, reimaging candles as a more immersive, inspiring, and personal experience.”

The wicks provide a soft crackle, the candle wax blend provides a golden shimmer and custom scents are crafted by the brand’s perfumers. Each candle even comes with a message that can come to life via augmented reality (AR).

Spoken Flames

Golde

“Make wellness easy, accessible and fun for all.”

Born in a one-bedroom Brooklyn apartment in 2017, Golde seeks to provide superfood essentials that promote self-care in order to feel your best self.

Their first product made in the Brooklyn apartment was a turmeric latte blend, which they still sell today, alongside their pineapple “Debloat” for gut health and a make-your-own matcha kit.

Ayesha’s Kitchenware

“Performance functionality and eye-catching details to the kitchen.”

Ayesha Curry’s kitchenware line has been a mainstay in kitchen and dining products on Amazon. Curry’s bacon grease can has almost 20,000 customer ratings for a 4.5 star average.

Some of the products in her latest collection are actually seeing discounts right now, including her pre-seasoned cast iron skillet.

Ayesha Curry

Scotch Porter

“Transform your grooming.”

Scotch Porter’s mission is to provide grooming products for men and their personal care. The brand covers beard care, haircare and skincare all with clean ingredients like aloe, kale protein and Shea butter.

Their head-to-toe collection covers everything you would need, while you could get collections geared toward your facial hair. Their beard and hair collections can also be found on Amazon.

Scotch Porter

Black History Month 2024 Theme

The theme of this year's Black History Month is "African Americans and the Arts." According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, this theme highlights "the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans."

Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month.