Black Businesses I’ll Be Shopping on Black Friday (And Why You Should Too!)

Fashionistas,

I can’t believe holiday season is already in full force. It feels like I was just sitting pretty wearing all-white everything at somebody’s summer pool party. Now we are decking our halls and brushing up on Christmas carols. Crazy. But I’m not complaining because I love the holidays. Nothing beats spending quality time with your loved ones, laughing, eating good food and making memories that will last a lifetime. What do I love almost as much as my grandma’s collard greens? Shopping.

And while hitting up my favorite big-name retailers is always a must, I get even more fulfillment from just taking the time to research and shop businesses that are owned by people who look like me. I know I don’t have to emphasize how investing back into our community is paramount to our growth in this country (especially with everything going on right now). It warms my heart to see black entrepreneurs making a way for themselves, building a company from scratch and providing that type of generational wealth for their families. For me, it’s about knowing there is another option out there besides just going to Target or Walmart and doing my best to support the come up.

Let’s get into a few of the businesses that will be getting my coins this week:

1. Earth’s Nectar

I’m always on the lookout for skin and hair products that not only smell good but make me feel good. Earth’s Nectar‘s natural products include moisturizers, styling agents, shampoos, conditioners, scalp oils and so much more. I have a fondness for the moisturizer because it works great on my combination skin without feeling too heavy. I bought a bunch for one of my best friends last year and she couldn’t get enough of them. Here’s hoping you’ll love the brand as much we do! Shop here.

2. Effie’s Paper

Am I the only one who loves the feeling of opening an actual letter? I know we live in the technology age and sending a text is so much more convenient, but there’s something really exciting about getting a letter in the mail, rushing to open it and reading someone’s shared thoughts. That’s why Effie’s Paper is a fave. Founded by Kalyn Johnson Chandler, Effie’s Paper’s cool designs are what made them stand out to me. And the various products, everything from makeup bags to coffee mugs, make me swoon with their witty phrases. Shop here.

3. F&W Style

I’m always super excited when I find new fashion sites to shop that don’t necessarily break the bank in the process. And that’s exactly what I found in F&W Style. After realizing that most women couldn’t afford to spend three months worth of groceries just to look good, founder Alexandria Alli turned her passion for fashion into a brand that designs and creates well-crafted luxurious handbags, catering specifically to the underserved market. It’s all about style without sacrificing quality. Love. Shop here.

4. Mae B Online

Representation is so important. I can’t stress it enough. When little brown girls see their likeness in a Barbie doll or a movie character, they can relate and feel like they are special too. So when Bianca Lambert found that she wasn’t being depicted in the stationery she wanted to use, she came up with a solution. Founded in 2013, Mae B Online features vivid imagery with brown faces geared toward women of color. I get all of my life looking at these images. Shop here.

5. Nubian Skin

How many times have you been looking for a nude bra or nude pantyhose or even a nude lipstick only to find that…it wasn’t nude at all. There is no “one size fits all” motto to a nude look. And Ade Hassan, frustrated by the lack of skin-tone choices to go with her ever-expanding wardrobe, understood our pain. She founded Nubian Skin as an inclusive option for women of color. Nubian Skin includes a collection of lingerie and hosiery that will effortlessly match your desired tone and will pair well with any of your light pieces. Shop here.

6. Same Girl Different Hair

I know people say that an outfit is never complete without a smile, but the same can be said about a good hairstyle. When everything is working for you, from head to toe, you literally feel like you can conquer the world. And Same Girl, Different Hair helps women revitalize their look for any occasion with affordable hair pieces and bundles. Selling virgin hair that is 100% human, it is completely unprocessed and intact, which means it has not been chemically altered in anyway. So you can feel confident in the hair you’re wearing no matter what. Shop here.

7. The Wrap Life

I’m obsessed with bold statement pieces that draw onlookers in and command attention. That’s why The Wrap Life holds a unique place in my heart. It was created by Nnenna Stella in Brooklyn, New York and is all about injecting rich color and texture into your life with beautiful goods.  Some of the products are hand printed or handmade and it just makes them feel that much more special. Shop here.

Are you excited for Black Friday? Which black businesses do you shop? Let me know below!

Stay Stylish,

Briea L. Curington