Black Owned Brands We Love

In the wake of what has been a tumultuous few weeks of civil rights activation, contemplation, and protest, I’ve been thinking about ways we can be anti-racist every day. Whilst it’s a very small part of what our aims and dreams are to build a new racism-free world, it is vital we support small businesses, and especially black and female-owned ones.

So here are a few of my own personal favorite small business brands, owned by BIPOC.

• Plant Apothecary - For effective and inclusive (all skin types, colours & genders) skincare and sustainable packaging. I particularly love their body oil.

• Dizziyak - This uber-cool black-owned brand sells award-winning vegan AND sulfate-free hair care products, in gorgeous minimal black & white packaging. Find them online and at Liberty, Selfridges.

• Ashanti Swimwear - This refreshing brand uses bold epic prints, and modern yet nostalgic design. Oh and actual real looking models. Refreshing.

• LAPP - For sexy AF leggings and athleisure staples.

• Avila Diana - Greeting cards. We always need greeting cards! This artist creates beautiful cards featuring striking graphics of BAME people.

• Liha Beauty - Another beautifully packaged beauty brand Featuring shea butter and oils handmade in London, Hackney, Liha is a conscious skincare brand with a "mix of natural African roots and a quintessentially British attitude." As a zero plastic packaging brand ourselves, we particularly love their glass bottles.

• Pur Home Clean - Changing the way we think about clean, with gorgeous scents and organic blends to clean your home & laundry. Tragically they don’t ship retail to the UK yet, but keep an eye out for them!

• Chloe Ainsley Creative - The ultimate in chic rustic organic wedding stationary. Lovely earthy tones and gorgeous graphics, the ultimate rustic stationary for the modern eco conscious bride.

For more BIPOC owned small brands, check out our latest instagram post too - @kinyogamats.

The Kin mission statement for improving corporate equality and supporting the BLM cause:

“We are currently a very small company run by myself, white CIS female, with the occasional very talented freelance designer, and a single model; my dear friend Emma. As Kin grows and evolves, I am steadfastly committed to hiring with an inclusive, anti-racist attitude. I'm currently seeking to invest in BIPOC models for our next stock launch; starting this company as I mean to go on. As a Yoga instructor myself I'm also striving for new ways to be more inclusive in my classes, I've always offered at least 3 discounted community spots at drop-ins and events, and will be increasing this allocation when lockdown lifts. I'm also planning on increasing my community outreach for local events, rather than relying on typically white event booking platforms & apps. Do get in touch if you know anyone who could benefit from community discounts. I will strive to continue to post on all our channels information that could help support and uplift BLM, keeping it in the forefront of my mind not just during high-impact times, but eternally. Please check me personally if you feel as Kin grows, it has fallen behind the curve of helping to elevate black voices, bodies, and minds”.

Laura Pearce, Kin founder.