When Byron Peart and Dexter Peart, co-founders of GOODEE, noticed the lack of platforms connecting ethical creators with conscious consumers, they decided to switch from fashion to household goods. GOODEE is now a successful retailer that offers furniture, kitchen and dining products, decor and more. Kimora Lee Simmons, a designer who had a hugely successful career in the 2000s, relaunched Baby Phat last year and now runs it alongside her daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee. Atlanta Life was founded in 1905 and has since expanded into asset management and insurance.
Carver Federal Savings Bank was founded in Harlem in 1948 to serve African-American residents and businesses that were rejected by many of the banks in existence at the time. This article will explore some of the obstacles faced by black-owned businesses and how they overcame them to build successful companies. In order to put your money behind your words and ensure that these worthy businesses stay for years to come, here are 103 black-owned fashion brands to buy from. Feben is an up-and-coming designer who graduated from Central Saint Martins and only uses her first name.
Her designs are eclectic and honor black identity in an honorable way. If you're into surrealism, you'll be intrigued by the dynamic stories that Feben's design tells. Jolie Noire offers casual luxury with stylish t-shirts and comfortable loungewear. If you're looking for lingerie, this company has some of the prettiest lace designs with cup sizes up to size H.
Aaks has woven designs that will get lots of compliments when you go out for a walk with your loved ones. This sportswear company has some of the cutest sportswear out there. They recently teamed up with Revolve on a tennis capsule that includes a pleated skirt, a half-zip jumper and a sports bra, all with an embroidered preppy logo. A also has geometric bags in all kinds of shades and textures, each with a circular handle.
The brand also has other shapes and sizes, including more classic top handles and modern microbags. Don't let summer go by without getting a dream dress from A, Au. You will also find a divine range of tops and pants that will give you great compliments. Founded by Marsha Douglas-Sydnor, this eyewear company has 14 neutral shades so everyone can find a pair of sunglasses that match their skin tone.
House of Aama was founded by mother-daughter designer duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka. Their pieces seem to come from a different era, such as their beautiful halter blouses in the style of the 50s or Victorian dresses with bow. They also have totally original purses (and other leather accessories) that will give you lots of compliments. Designer Valerie Blaise is self-taught, by the way.
Designer Anifa Mvuemba's sophisticated designs (sold in sizes 0 to 20) are just the beginning of her innovations. The brand recently debuted its new collection in a fully digital 3D fashion show that will blow your mind. Twins Corianna and Brianna Dotson created this eyewear label that designs sunglasses and optical glasses in fun shapes and color combinations so your glasses stand out *really*. In spite of the challenges faced by black-owned businesses, some have become public companies. Below are some of the largest black-owned publicly traded companies, organized by total assets: Carver Bancorp (CARV) is the holding company of Carver Federal Savings Bank, a federally authorized savings bank founded by a group of community leaders and small business owners in 1948. The Treasury Department has designated the bank as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) due to its dedication to serving those who would otherwise be excluded from the financial system. This list isn't just about the biggest firms or those that have made the most money; it's about recognizing all black-owned businesses for their hard work and dedication to their craft. For example, two entrepreneurs own olive trees in Italy where their high quality oil is harvested, pressed and bottled every year until it runs out.
To be considered a black-owned company, the Census Bureau says it must be at least 51 percent black-owned. Veteran interior designer Sheila Bridges created her own riff on traditional French toile first as a wall covering and has since expanded the collection to include fabrics, glassware and more. Another entrepreneur mortgaged his home in Queens to raise money to make and sell his own tie hats with a group of friends. The company offers customers “the most innovative trends in the tea industry” with affordable award-winning green and black teas in bottled, boxed and concentrated options. Charles DeBow, executive director of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), believes that staying online has been very positive for black companies in general. He also founded the Black Artists+ Designers Guild, a collective dedicated to creating opportunities for black creatives around the world. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 100,000 Americans are living with sickle cell disease (SCD); one in 365 black children is born with this genetic disorder.
