8 Businesses to Support this National Black Business Month
Did you know August is National Black Business Month?
It was first celebrated in 2004, and since, has helped recognize the millions of Black-owned companies and entrepreneurs across the country. If you want to know how you can support, here are a few companies to shop from and spread the word about this summer and beyond.
Humanrace
You know him from being a powerhouse in the music industry, but did you know Pharrell Williams launched a brand in 2020 with well-being in mind? The company has a handful of options to add to your beauty routine, including a lotus enzyme exfoliator, a rice powder cleanser, a charcoal body bar and humidifying body cream.
"Black Business month is crucial in that it is a time to celebrate and showcase the creative and entrepreneurial talents of Black business owners," said Humanrace chief dermatologist Dr. Elena Jones. "In a time when Black people continue to be disenfranchised, targeted, left out and looked over, having a Black-owned business is empowering. It says that Black excellence is excellence."
(via Humanrace)
PATTERN Beauty
Curly and textured hair is beautiful, but there haven't always been products made with coils in mind. Tracee Ellis Ross is changing that. PATTERN Beauty has everything you need for wash day and maintenance in between, including shampoo and conditioner, heat protectant, a deep scalp detox and even a blow dryer with a variety of attachments.
"At the core of PATTERN Beauty is our mission, which is to be centered around the celebration of Black beauty as we design highly innovative products for curly, coily and tight-textured hair," said VP of global marketing Amy Elisa Jackson. "CEO/Founder Tracee Ellis Ross grounds everything we do as a company in our being a Black-owned and Black-founded company, from the elevated imagery where we are the subjects and not the objects of an image, to the packaging which features narratives rooted in the celebration of our authentic beauty."
"Having the opportunity to celebrate Black-owned businesses is always a practice PATTERN Beauty will stand with," continued Amy. "Giving space and time to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of Black-owned businesses and the people within the community that aim to keep pushing that visibility forward is an important part of expanding the consumer consideration set for high-quality hair care from Black business owners."
(via PATTERN Beauty)
Also read about: 7 Black-Owned Beauty Brands to Support This Juneteenth and Beyond
Noite Rose
During quarantine, Noite Rose founder Diandra Harvin wanted a loungewear solution that met in the middle of needs. In the collection, you'll find dresses, rompers and a new spin on the traditional muumuu, all made with body positivity in mind.
"Black Business Month is so important because it provides an opportunity to highlight Black businesses that are truly dope but sometimes not seen because of the amount of capital it can take for a company to 'pop,'" said Diandra. "Businesses and platforms use August to provide exposure to these brands and once people are made aware, they can find a new brand that they love!"
(via Noite Rose)
The Mane Choice
In the last six years, The Mane Choice has grown exponentially, turning $500 in savings into more than $100 million in sales and hiring 1,200 women of color nationwide. The brand carries textured hair products, from anti-shedding shampoo and hair masks, styling creams and edge gels and so much more.
"Our brand's mission is deeply rooted in our passion for empowering others and fostering success," explained Courtney Adeleye, CEO of Olbali, which houses The Mane Choice, another brand founded by Adeleye. "We see Black Business Month as a vital reminder of this commitment and an opportunity to showcase the resilience, strength, and determination needed to thrive as Black entrepreneurs. In our journey, we've had our fair share of challenges, but continuing to pursue our dreams while uplifting others along the way is what makes it all worthwhile."
(via The Mane Choice)
Je Mérite
It's time to put on your best and lounge with Je Mérite. Meaning "I deserve" in French, the brand carries silk options for sleep, night and feeling your best. Pick from a short robe or chiffon night dress, shorts, chamise and more. The brand is also sustainably-sourced and uses a low-waste design strategy, putting reduce, reuse and recycle to work.
"Being a Black business founder is akin to being the welcoming party for a visiting culture. I'm bringing folks into a new world through my brand, but from a perspective they may or may not be familiar with," said Tamara Charese, owner and chief creative officer of Je Mérite. "Black Business Month is important because there is just so little market share of businesses with Black owners and founders across too many industries. This month not only highlights that disparity, but also allows Black business owners and founders to introduce or reintroduce themselves to potential customers and patrons."
(via Je Mérite)
Be Rooted
It's time to get organized. Whether at the office or gearing up for back-to-school, the brand has everything you need. Choose from a variety of journals, planners and stationery. Each is designed with culture in mind, including powerful messages and people of color, serving as an inspiration for customers every day.
"Black Business Month is a time for all of us to acknowledge, celebrate, and continue to support Black-owned businesses and the significance that they play in creating equity," said founder Jasmin Foster. "At Be Rooted, we intertwine reflective imagery and uplifting messaging to empower the next generation of women."
(via Be Rooted)
Also read about: Our Favorite Black-Owned Products for Textured Hair
CURLS
CURLS was made with natural hair in mind. The brand is bringing products made for and by those with luscious curls. You can shop by curl type, ranging from coils all the way to wavy. You can wash, moisturize, style and treat the scalp, all with products from the brand's lineup.
"Black Business Month is important as it gives visibility to Black businesses and therefore creates awareness, visibility and facilitates thought leadership and network expansion," said Mahisha Dellinger, founder of CURLS. "CURLS not only creates products that make women feel good about themselves through expression of their natural hair, but we also help to sow into her personal desires to be more and do more."
(via Curls)
Terrell and Jarius Joseph
Terrell and Jarius are delivering both entertainment and life lessons. They might look familiar, having made an appearance on the hit TV show Wife Swap. The two have been highlighting parenting life with their children and sharing what it's like breaking barriers as two Black dads. They've also opened a Dickey's Barbecue Pit location as one of their latest ventures.
"Being a Black business founder means the world to us coming from small towns in Louisiana," the duo explained. "We didn't have people who looked like us that we saw growing up owning their own businesses, let alone running them successfully. It means creating that visibility so that future generations, including our three kids, can see that it's possible. It's knowing that we have created something and later the foundation to not only provide for our family today but leave them something for the future."
(via Terrell and Jarius)
Looking for more Black-owned companies? Click HERE for 17 great Black-owned brands to shop all year long.