(New) I Tried 7 Black-Owned Brands And Why You Should Too!

(New) – I Tried 7 Black-Owned Brands And Why You Should Too!

Shopping Black simply evens the playing field and supports communities that are regularly overlooked and often disadvantaged to no fault of their own.  

A community that regularly gets denied, barred, and shut out before a conversation can ever be had.

Moreover, it is incredible, but not surprising, to sit here and write this post and not feel like I’m reading something from a time when Dr. Martin Luther King was alive.  He lived in a world of racism, violence toward African Americans, and segregation.

When I read or watched movies about his life during those times, as a child, it made me sad and confused. So, today, it is almost surreal to still be living a very similar reality 60+ years later. 

We have come a long way, but we have not overcome. The sooner we realize that, the better we will be.

And, unless you’ve been living in a cave, I don’t have to tell you about the systemic, racist practices that occur everyday in this country. Across all spectrums.

I tell you, it certainly makes me wonder… 

How do you call yourself the World’s Best when you are competing in an arena that does not allow the world to enter the competition?  

How do you consider yourself to be the Best if you are not competing with EVERYONE? 

This all being said, I have and will be more intentional about my spending because it makes a huge difference. 

Why shop Black?

Shop Black because you are the change you want to see. Life, liberty, justice, wealth, and equality for all.

(New) – I Tried 7 Black-Owned Brands And Why You Should Too!

Here are the 7 brands I “shopped” and why:

1. Vinotes (https://www.shopvinotes.com):

If. You. Know. Me. You know I love wine and writing journals! 

Plus, while I’m at it, I love stationary!

Why does the word stationary sound so vintage? Is it because everything is so digitized these days?

Anyway, I’m going to tell you right now, 2 of my loves have joined in matrimonial bliss! 

I would like to introduce you to: Vinotes (Vinyard + Notebook + Wine + Journal + Delightful Stationary)

“Designed for the casual and curious wine lover who wants more out of the wine drinking experience, 

the VINOTES Wine Tasting Notebook is your first step in tasting wine with intention. 

Our guide will help you understand wine tasting 101, while the wine log pages allow you to document all of the wines you drink during your tasting journey.”

There have been too many times where I have tried a new wine, loved it, and have forgotten to take a picture so I can purchase it on my next stop at my local wine shop.

So, when I came across this small, beautiful, easily tote-able notebook I became an instant fan!

This notebook is sturdy, lovely, and can be easily carried anywhere.

I recently reached to the awesome owner, Shontel, asking if a rush-shipping was available because I wanted to take it on my Mommy Getaway, I’m not sure if it was, but she generously rush-gifted it to me instead!

SERIOUSLY?!

Life is crazy.  Ask, and you shall RECIEVE.

Again, Shontel, thank you for sharing your gorgeous Vinotes with me. I am looking forward to meeting you in person, one day, on my next trip to one of my favorite places in the world, California. 

2. Kulture Charms (https://www.etsy.com/shop/KultureCharms): 

The owner, Dani and I met on YouTube years ago!

My internet cousin reached out to me about her new shop last week and I really could not express to her how perfect her timing was! A loving soul selling customizable jewelry to get your summer right.

Please visit her Etsy shop and buy a gift for yourself or a loved one.

3. The Honey Pot :

Plant based feminine care.

Aunt-flo is in town, so I am currently using and enjoying this brand in real-time!

I love how sleek, thin and smooth these tampons are! 

No sharp edges, no poisons, and no cardboard sticking to the walls of your kitty-cat. MEOW! LOL!

Sidenote: I actually found this brand when they got loved bombed because a bunch of Negative Nancys were upset about the owner’s Target commercial that featured her saying something to the effect of, “ I’m proud to be a brand that young Black girls can look up to or aspire to.” 

4. Christine Joy Designs (http://www.christinejoydesign.com):

When I found this stunning water-color piece I was head over heels! Then I learned that she offers art classes for kids and adults!

Annnnd that her art studio was not very far from me! So, of course, I signed my kids up for her 6 week art course! Yaaaaas!

(New) – I Tried 7 Black-Owned Brands And Why You Should Too!

5. Melissa Koby (Artist | Illustrator ⁣):

Her work is so beautiful, real, and whimsical. 

I found her last summer and bought this piece for my future bathroom the moment I spotted it.

Tell me this doesn’t scream relaxation and self-care!

AHHHHHHH….

6. Vashti Harrison (#1 NYT Bestselling Author & Illustrator of Little Leaders Dreamers and Legends ):

I also found her on instagram and for many years followed her journey and bought a piece for my daughter’s room. 

Her art is so beautiful, ethereal…dreamy. 

She draws in a way that I would pay to see Black children depicted in cartoons…SWOON!

7. Garner Garden – Tooth Powder

Does it taste like dirt? Yes.

Is it delicious? NO. 

However, you will instantly have noticeably brighter teeth, healthier gums, fresh breath, no after-taste, sticky film on your tongue (I find most toothpaste to be gross AF).

Furthermore, you won’t be brushing your teeth with sugar and various poisons that many everyday tooth pastes include.

I found this brand during my research on companies to feature and decided to give it a try.  I love that there is no after-taste or urge to keep spitting in an effort to not swallow toothpaste (sorry if this is TMI).

***BONUS***

8. Estelle Colored Glass:

SIGH – The lavender color I want isn’t available right now, BUT! Check. Her. Out!

“Estelle Colored Glass is a luxury brand of hand-blown colored glass cake stands and stemware in a mix of jewel tones and soft pastels. The Estelle Colored Glass collection is comprised of original commissioned pieces made by glass artisans in Poland at a glass making company with a rich 100-plus-year-old history. Estelle Colored Glass pieces are best described as “jewels for your table.”

“We just hope our vintage-inspired yet refined and modern colored glass collection starts a revival of colored glass that is reminiscent of a past time.”

How beautiful!

I don’t eat many cakes, but seriously considered ordering a cake stand just because everything she has is so gorgeous!

The ones I want are out of stock, but I had to share. J’dore!

(New) – I Tried 7 Black-Owned Brands And Why You Should Too!

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