“I’ll be damned if I drink some Belvedere while Puff got Ciroc.” – Jay-Z
Jay-z
To be honest, if more black people had this mentality, we would be further along as a people when it come to supporting our own. It’s not even a matter of not supporting all, but it’s about making sure we propel our people to reach the same heights or higher as other household recognized brands.
Many black owned businesses lack the resources and funding to have their products on the shelves of major retailers. That’s why I’m glad social media is evolving to a place where independent business owners can have a footing in the retail market.
I love learning about rising entrepreneurs, and I’m proud to see the measures major retailers are taking to introduce black designers, authors, and creators to the masses.
While I support and share black businesses year round, I’m even more intentional about promoting them during Black History Month. Here are my top 5 purchases from black owned businesses this month:
Telfar – a luxury unisex fashion lined by Liberian fashion designer, Telfar Clemens.
Visually Rich Home – a black woman owned luxury home accessory online store.
Success is Quality – a black owned business whose proceeds support start-up companies, non-profit organizations, and other black owned businesses.
So Home Collective – a black woman owned luxury home champagne glass collection.
Glam-Aholic Lifestyle – a black woman owned luxury bag and travel collection.
I implore you to spend some time learning about more black owned businesses, and make an effort to not only shop, but share their collections, services, and initiatives with others.