12 Female Black-Owned Businesses We Love
We’re right in the middle of Black History Month, making it the perfect time to revisit our most beloved female black-owned businesses, artisans, and makers. Here at IDCO Studio, this month also serves as a reminder of our ongoing commitment to actively support black designers, while acknowledging our failure to intentionally spotlight diversity in the past. As we move forward and commit to doing better, we’ve made it our goal to highlight the talent, artisanship, and business knowledge of black-owned brands throughout our content on a daily basis. Today, that looks like a round-up of our favorite small businesses with black women at the helm. This list is but no means exhaustive, but if you’re looking to shop more intentionally, it’s a great place to start.
featured image from Chanell Joy Fine Art
Female Black-Owned Businesses:
home + decor
Restoration House
You probably know Kennesha Buycks as the author of Restoration House, but she also runs an online shop by the same name. Her inventory includes one-of-a-kind vintage and antique home decor designed to add soul to your everyday surroundings.
Amy Lauren Studio
We’re in awe of everything Amy puts out into the world. She’s launched multiple collections with Studio McGee, and no surprise, those pieces sold out in a hot minute. There’s more good stuff to come, and in the meantime, you can shop directly on her site.
Chanell Joy Fine Art
Known for her nostalgic landscapes and whimsical abstracts, Chanell Pinkney is an artist in the truest sense. Her pieces have such a timeless essence, and we loved viewing this peek into her process.
Nicole Crowder Upholstery
Thanks to her recent collaboration with World Market, Nicole Crowder has become the talk of the town. Her work as an upholsterer and furniture designer is often defined by pattern play in vibrant hues that make an incredible statement.
Five Suns
Say hello to this gorgeous online shop curated by Porshia Hernandez. Her shop is filled with ethical and sustainable brands, featuring everything from homewares to ceramics to kid’s gifts and more. PS: If you’re a Durham local, check out her brick-and-mortar location to shop in-person.
Clare Paint
You might recognize Clare Paint from Anastasia’s kitchen remodel on both the cabinets and shiplap. Nicole Gibbons serves as the Founder and CEO of Clare Paint, and we love that their products are eco-friendly and highly durable.
Bolé Road Textiles
Every single piece sold by Bolé Road Textiles is handwoven by talented artisans in Ethiopia. The company was started by designer, Hana Getachew, and we’ve quickly become her biggest fans.
Female Black-Owned Businesses:
fashion + beauty
ZOU XOU
We first discovered ZOU XOU on Etsy, and quickly realized they have their own website, as well. ZOU XOU shoes are all ethically made in Buenos Aires, but rest assured, they also ship worldwide.
ROSEN Skincare
The ROSEN skincare products consistently find their way into our monthly favorites posts. Not only are they beautiful branded, but their products are made specifically for acne-prone skin. You can now shop ROSEN at Target, Urban Outfitter, or Nordstrom. And fun fact: ROSEN founder, Jamika Martin, started this e-commerce brand at just 21 years old!
Tree Fairfax
Handmade leather goods with an emphasis on slow fashion? That’s what Tree Fairfax is all about. PSA: our favorite Constance Crossbody Bag is currently available for order, so run don’t walk to the checkout!
Two Days Off
We came across Two Days Off while curating our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide, and have been obsessed ever since. It’s an independently female-owned, carbon neutral lifestyle brand that sells a gorgeous collection of apparel, accessories, and gifts. Each garment is handmade in Los Angeles, and you can read up on the brand’s founder, Gina Stovall, right here.
Lingua Nigra
Known for her organically formed sculptural jewelry, Alicia Goodwin ensures her pieces are made with love right here in the U.S. You can shop her work on Etsy or directly on her website.
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY