This Black History Month (and beyond), Team Unbothered wants you to put your coins where your mouth is. So we’ve rounded up a list of dope businesses owned by Black women and nonbinary folx for you to support. Satin-lined beanies, organic hair serums, pure matcha powders, poppin’ lip kits, and more trustworthy Black-owned products are waiting patiently for you to scoop them up off the shelves. Hey, some are even on sale, if you're in the deal-hunting spirit. And for the ones that aren't, you can never go wrong with dishing out a few extra bucks to support a Black-owned business.
Here are 21 mostly independent brands fully run by Black women and nonbinary folx that you can support this year — because #BuyBlack should be more than just a hashtag.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team, but if you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Cavo Candles
This Black-women- and sister-owned brand incorporates heaps of personality into each of its aromatic jars. We're talking creative names ("Direct Deposit" to "After A Good Cry," "Blushing," and more), correlating Spotify playlists, and cute packaging with every purchase. If you're on the hunt for rich, comforting scents and 100% soy wax candles, look no further than Femà and Naomi Adeyemo's brand Cavo.
Head to Bell's Reines for mini handmade and utterly delicious gourmet cookies. Mother and daughter duo Teneisha Bell-Thompson and Angel Cephas have redefined the pre-packaged cookie industry since launching in 2019. Whether you're craving decadent chocolate chip treats or gluten-free and vegan sweets, there's a little something for everyone at Bell's Reines.
Bell's Reines Assorted Cookie Tin, $, available at Bell's Reines
For Them
Both queer and nonbinary, For Them founder Kylo Freeman celebrates human beings with their inclusive, binary-breaking apparel. The brand's main attraction, The Binder, features anti-itch fabric and safely compresses all day long thanks to For Them's patented designs.
Multi-disciplinary artist and academic Alannah Tiller takes inspiration from pop culture and online imagery to craft her eye-catching art. Score a few of her pieces at Society6 or her own site to give your space a unique, stylish refresh.
Alilscribble Sun Girl Art Print (17" x 17"), $, available at Society6
Moodeaux
Meet the first-ever fragrance label sold at Urban Outfitters (you can also find them at Credo): Moodeaux. According to Moodeaux's About page, Brianna Arps founded the clean fragrance brand specifically for the "unapologetically outspoken rebel inside us all." Her innovative formulas and mood-boosting scents are bound to leave you (and anyone within a 5-foot radius) quite intrigued.
MOODEAUX IntenScenual Eau De Parfum Fragrance, $, available at Urban Outfitters
PottyPillow Classic
For PottyPillow creator Rena Queen, lumbar support isn't just for office chairs, it's also for toilets. Her antimicrobial cushions provide relief and comfort for people struggling with chronic pain, pregnant folks, the elderly, and anyone looking for a little extra cozy. Plus, they improve posture with every sit. One on-site reviewer raves, "Every time I use my PottyPillow the thought that comes to me is 'where have you been all my life?'"
Grace Eleyae's collection of silk and satin-lined accessories has revolutionized Black hairstyling and diversified the ways we can all rock a protective style. In 2020, 12 of the brand's Slaps (satin-lined caps) made it on to "Oprah's Favorite Things" list and will now forever dwell in the Oprah hall of fame. It's Black excellence at its finest. You can also find Eleyae's goods at Nordstrom, Sephora, and JCPenny.
Grace Eleyae The Slap (Satin-Lined Cap), $, available at Grace Eleyae
Bread Beauty Supply
This brand delivers, per its own words, "hair care basics for not basic hair." Its critically-acclaimed selection of glossy serums, conditioning masks, and gentle shampoos were formulated specifically for 3A to 4C hair textures. Bread Beauty Supply's founder, Maeva Heim, aims to "simplify wash days for all," and we are here for it.
We've all experienced the terrifying white-cast that appears on Black skin after using a sunscreen that was not made for us, nor by us. This brand fixes that problem. Shontay Lundy founded this company in 2016 and her sunscreen now boasts an impressive 5,729 reviews that average out to a solid 5-star rating.
Black G, Black Girl Sunscreen Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30, $, available at Black Girl Sunscreen
Oui The People
In order to form a more perfect wellness routine, Oui The People's founder Karen Young made it her mission to reconstitute antiquated and unrealistic beauty standards. Her dynamic line of bath and body products prioritizes feeling great in our skin over simply looking great in our skin.
Since launching in 2015, Oui The People has kept its promise of delivering well-thought-out products that cater to the common good of, well, the people.
Oui The People Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor, $, available at Oui The People
BLK + GRN
This Black artisan-run marketplace makes all-natural ingredients, and Black wellness its number one priority. Each artisan is specifically chosen by "Black women's health experts who know what an all-natural product looks like" in order to uphold the marketplace's values at heart.
PAT McGRATH LABS The 'Taylor-Made' Lip Kit, $, available at PAT McGRATH LABS
Sienna Naturals
Hanna Diop founded Sienna Naturals on a set of values stemming from her childhood. Growing up, although the products she used on her hair were all-natural, they still did not promote the overall health of her curls. So, instead of choosing between saving the planet or saving her hair, she created this restorative and eco-conscious Black hair care line that does both. (Bonus: Issa Rae loves her products!)
Sienna Naturals Issa's Wash Day Ritual, $, available at Sienna Naturals
Love & Snow
Love & Snow’s story began when founder Love White decided to solve her frustrating scalp issues with essential oils. Her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology and Public Health helped her perfect a 100% organic hair serum that fully moisturizes the scalp without leaving a greasy mess or any added irritation.
You can snag her Restorative Hair and Scalp Serum and more at her website.
Love and Snow Restorative Hair and Scalp Serum, $, available at Love and Snow
Fenty Beauty
We cannot do a round-up of Black women ran businesses without giving Bad Gal Ri Ri her flowers. Seven years ago, instead of a new album, the mega pop star gifted us with top-quality inclusive cosmetics and built a beauty empire.
Fenty Beauty Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream, $, available at Fenty Beauty
Golde.co
Golde founder Trinity Mouzon Woffordstarted Golde in 2017 after watching her mother navigate rheumatoid arthritis. Inspired by the success her mom had with a holistic physician, Wofford went on to create Golde to make wellness more accessible for people of color.
The brand launched with its highly acclaimed turmeric tonic blend before later expanding into skincare with a line of superfood masks. It also just released a new pure matcha powder, and in 2019, Golde hit Sephora shelves — making Mouzon Wofford the youngest Black woman to launch a beauty line at the retail beauty giant.
Crown the queen in your life with one of the gorgeous adornments from The Wrap Life. Based in Brooklyn, NY, The Wrap Life — created by Nnena Stella — offers head adornments, head wraps, turbanettes, and more in an array of hand-printed designs. Stella has gained so much exposure since launching her headwraps in 2014 that she was tapped to style headwraps for the cover of Vogue Arabia in 2018.
The Wrap Life Cuffed Satin Lined Beanie, $, available at The Wrap Life
Alexandra Winbush
Alexandra Winbush is the manifestation of Brittney Winbush, a creator and actress who stated goal is “lighting up the world, one candle at a time.” Based in Brooklyn, New York, the wellness brand specializes in scented candles and flavored teas for all of your self-care needs. While Alexandra Winbush has only been around for a few years, it’s already garnered quite a buzz. In fact, as Essence magazine pointed out earlier this year, Issa Rae is a fan.
Alexandra Winbush Window Seat Set, $, available at Alexandra Winbush
Aziza Handcrafted
New York’s Aziza Nicole has been creating one-of-a-kind adornments since childhood, thanks to her mother encouraging her to explore her talents in order to create the things she desired for herself. A painter, sculptor, and builder, she’s now made a life of what she’s known for best: unisex adornments designed directly from her home studio, where she creates everything from cuffs to cuticle rings.
UK-based artist Dorcas Magbadelo is “obsessed with Black women”— so much so that her entire online shop is dedicated to them. “I opened my Etsy store in October 2015 and it’s been great seeing the responses to my work,” she told UK blog I Want You To Know in 2017. “It’s always nice when people see themselves, their sisters, or their cousins within my illustrations.”
Dorcas Creates Alicia, Monica & Pam Print Set, $, available at Dorcas Creates
Pholk Beauty
It’s no secret that winter can be taxing on our skin, especially for Black women who are prone to hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions that can be exacerbated by cold, dry weather. Vegan skincare brand Pholk Beauty seeks to address those issues and then some, without the hefty price tag.
“As a woman of color, I found myself often frustrated — and a little defensive — that even in the age of inclusive beauty many natural brands did not address my specific concerns of dark spots, oily/combination skin, and ingrown hairs. Not to mention the high price points of green products,” founder Niambi Cacchioli states on the Pholk Beauty website. “Pholk Beauty grew out of my sense of awe and gratitude at the timeless folk beauty and herbalist wisdom of my own kin, the cultivators and botanicals and minerals that have nourished our skin and souls for generations, and the multitude of ways that people of color infuse the globe with beauty.”
Black Friday sales mean Christmas is upon us, and what better way to prepare than with fire gifting supplies? The self-proclaimed “solution to traditional and boring gift wrap,” Unwrp offers bright, bold, and fun sustainable gifting options for all your gift-giving needs.
Inspired by hip-hop and a desire to create “generational health” for her community, Briana Owens founded Spiked Spin to provide a safe safe space for Black people to work out and feel supported.
“There are many crazes that cater to other demographics, and often times minorities are an afterthought,” Owens told ESSENCE in 2018. With a new studio now open as of this month, Spiked Spin now offers classes in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. We also heard the studio is offering 25% off of merchandise for Black Friday.
Book your class for you and a friend at Spiked SpinGolde (Wellness)
Golde founder Trinity Mouzon Wofford started Golde in 2017 after watching her mother navigate rheumatoid arthritis. Inspired by the success her mom had with a holistic physician, Mouzon Wofford went on to create Golde as a means to make wellness more accessible for people of color.
The brand launched with its highly acclaimed turmeric tonic blend before later expanding into skincare with a line of superfood masks. They also just released a new pure matcha powder, and earlier this year, Golde hit Sephora shelves — making Mouzon Wofford the youngest Black woman to launch a beauty line at the retail beauty giant.
Crown the queen in your life with one of the gorgeous adornments from The Wrap Life. Based in Brooklyn, NY, The Wrap Life — which was created by Nnena Stella — offers head adornments headwraps, turbanettes and more in an array hand-printed designs. Stella has gained so much exposure since launching her headwraps in 2014 that she was tapped to style headwraps for the cover of Vogue Arabia in 2018.
Sisters, Rachel Topping and Rikki-Richelle, co-founded Nappy Head Club after being, "fed up with the lack of representation of 4c hair." Their brand is an agglomeration of black community resources, conversations, encouragement, and of course, fierce fashion.
From "Good Hair" scarves to "New Growth" bucket hats, the Nappy Head Club has our curls covered in the best way possible. Head over to their site for a whimsical and unapologetically Black experience.
From now until Monday, score up to 30% off on all Nappy Head Club products.
Style-wise, the Grammys stand out from the rest of the award shows. Whereas Hollywood’s finest like to play it semi-safe at the Oscars and the Golden Globes, choosing pretty gowns and the occasional suit, those who attend music’s biggest night of the year rarely follow suit, with grandiose entrances and outfit changes a common occurrence. That’s how we ended up with such a wide array of daring looks from Grammys past, including J.Lo’s iconic Versace jungle gown, Cardi B’s Mugler oyster masterpiece and Rihanna’s bubblegum pink Giambattista Valli meme dress.
While, of course, we tune in to the Grammys each and every year for the performances and awards, like the hotly contested Album of the Year and Best New Artist, we also can’t help but have fashion be a main focus of the night. With the 66th Annual Grammy Awards behind us, we thought we’d take a trip down memory lane. Join in as we count off our all-time best-dressed looks from music's biggest night, including a couple of favorites from the 2024 Grammys.
This article was originally published in March 2020 and has since been updated.
Janelle Monáe, 2024
Janelle Monáe radiated glamour in this sequined Giorgio Armani Prive gown adorned with a plunging crystal-embellished neckline and sparkling silver and black rosette.Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images/The Recording Academy.
Miley Cyrus, 2024
With her feathered '70s hair and matching gold velvet Tabi heels, Miley Cyrus gleamed in custom Maison Margiela. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images/The Recording Academy.
Queen Bey made history as the most awarded artist in history wearing a custom Gucci gown. Photo: Timothy Norris/FilmMagic.
Cardi B, 2023
Miss Belcalis Almanzar stunned in a dress by Gaurav Gupta Couture. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images.
Doja Cat, 2022
Doja Cat didn't just wear one of the best Grammy dresses (made by Versace), but she unleashed the glass handbag trend when she wore this Coperni x Heven number. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Megan Thee Stallion, 2021
Megan Thee Stallion didn't just win Best New Artist at the 2021 Grammys — she won Best Dressed, too. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
Ariana Grande, 2020
"Baby, you can shut up" if you don't like this 20-foot, custom Giambattista Valli gown on Ariana Grande. Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Billy Porter, 2020
Billy Porter's remote-controlled, rhinestone hat was enough to get him on this list. The rest of his teal-and-silver Baja East look was just icing on the cake. Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic.
Lizzo, 2020
Glamorous doesn't even begin to describe this Old Hollywood-inspired Versace gown on Lizzo. Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Lady Gaga, 2019
TBT to when Lady Gaga gave Celine's Hedi Slimane her red carpet stamp of approval. Photo: Dan MacMedan/Getty Images.
Chloe x Halle, 2019
Sisters who sing together, coordinate their red carpet fashion together. Photo: Lester Cohen/Getty Images.
Cardi B, 2019
Cardi B came out of her (vintage Mugler) shell for the 2019 Grammys. Photo: Dan MacMedan/Getty Images.
Taylor Swift, 2016
Normally a high-low, two-piece look wouldn't be our choice for a red carpet, but Taylor Swift's Versace look was equal parts glamorous and fresh.Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic.
Rihanna, 2015
In our book, Rihanna can do no wrong. But while everything the singer-designer does is a win for us, this bubblegum pink Giambattista Valli gown is a step above the rest. Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.
Destiny's Child, 2001
We didn't even notice the five Grammys on the floor because we were too busy admiring all three of these looks.Photo: Steve Granitz Archive 1/WireImage.
Britney Spears, 2000
This all-white look on Britney Spears doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.
Jennifer Lopez, 2000
Name a more iconic outfit than J.Lo's Versace Jungle dress. We'll wait. Photo: Jeff Vespa/WireImage.
Mary J. Blige, 2000
The diamonds! The shawl! The hot pink color! Mary J. Blige did everything right at the 2000 Grammys.Photo: SGranitz/WireImage.
Jada Pinkett Smith, 1998
It's no wonder Jaden Smith is such a style star today. Just look at this naked dress his mom wore to the Grammys while she was pregnant with him. Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images.
Lauryn Hill, 1997
Laid-back and sophisticated, this red-and-white dress was the winner at the 1997 Grammys red carpet. Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.
Aretha Franklin, 1992
No one does leopard print quite like Aretha Franklin.Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images.
Prince, 1988
Only Prince could pull off literal head-to-toe polka dots. Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images.
Grace Jones, 1983
No one out-styles Grace Jones. No one. Photo: Chris Walter/WireImage.
Yoko Ono & John Lennon, 1975
From the feathers to the Elvis nametag, Yoko Ono and John Lennon's Grammys looks were undeniably cool. Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images.
Cher, 1974
Is it just me, or does Cher's butterfly-covered look from the 1974 Grammys belong on the fall '21 Blumarine runway? Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.
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Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, the monthly news bulletin where you’ll find the best things to shop and see in fashion and beauty right now.
February has arrived. We’re finally past the dreariness of January and heading full steam ahead into a new month that celebrates falling in love — whether that’s with a new romance, a new movie or book, or, for many of us here at Refinery29, new fashion and beauty products.
And there’s something for everyone. For those searching for a new edition for their handbag collections, there’s not one but two launches we have our their eyes on. Plus, skincare lovers can indulge in a serum that has been 10 years in the making. From hair oils by the legendary Sam McKnight to Simone Rocha’s Valentine’s Day collection, click through to discover everything that is on our radar this February.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.
Simone Rocha Launches "The Valentine Bag"
Straight off the back of a hugely successful Couture Week collection with Jean Paul Gaultier, Simone Rocha is launching sweet treats for Valentine’s Day. The Irish designer is bringing love in the form of a top-handle Valentine bag featuring the brand’s signature floral pearls. Available in two sizes, the handcrafted leather bags come in four different colorways, including classic cream and baby pink, alongside moodier iterations like oxblood and jet black. Each bag comes with two customizations: a crystal beaded charm (complete with the designer’s synonymous bow) or a pearl crossbody strap. Happy Love Day, indeed.
Simone Rocha Valentine Bag With Beaded Flower, $, available at Simone Rocha
Hair by Sam McKnight Launches Love Me Do Nourishing Oil
When we think about some of the world’s most famous faces, such as Princess Diana, Kate Moss, and Lady Gaga, one thing they all have in common is their hairstylist: Sam McKnight. A legend in his own right, McKnight has been behind some of the most iconic, high-profile magazine covers and runway looks. Now, his namesake brand is launching a “foolproof” hair oil that’s perfect for the dry winter season. The serum-oil hybrid includes three seed oils for extra nourishment and deep, penetrating conditioning so your hair can wave goodbye to flyaways and welcome in weightless shine.
Hair By Sam McKnight Love Me Do Nourishing Shine Oil, $, available at Hair by Sam McKnight
Coachtopia Friends Product Drop
February may be synonymous with romance, but Coach’s sister line, Coachtopia, aims to celebrate friendship this Love Month with the launch of their Friends collection. Designed by Coachtopia beta community member Sabrina Lau, the capsule toasts to the importance of BFFs via a range of ready-to-wear and accessories. For those looking for heart-adorned pieces, don’t fret: The collection includes a selection of graphic tees, hoodies, and even a puffy lime heart skirt. Another highlight is a range of handbags designed by Marissa Crider of Offbeat Sweet constructed from post-consumer waste.
Coachtopia Cropped Tee: Floating Heart, $, available at Coach
La Roche-Posay Launches Mela B3 Serum
French pharmacies are known for their gentle but effective ingredients, and La Roche-Posay is perhaps the most recognizable of the bunch. For winter, the brand launched an anti-hyperpigmentation serum that aims to correct the appearance of dark spots (even if they’re longstanding) and skin unevenness. Working alongside well-known skin saviors such as niacinamide, retinol, and hyaluronic acid is Melasyl™, a new, multi-patented ingredient described as an active “melanin trapper.” The powerful yet lightweight serum brightens the most stubborn dark spots while maintaining the ever-important skin barrier. Expect visible results in just 12 weeks.
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum, $, available at La Roche-Posay
Veronica Beard Debuts Handbags
Known best for its dickey jackets and classically cool denim, New York-based fashion brand Veronica Beard is expanding its offering with the introduction of handbags. Having forayed into footwear in 2017, the brand’s newest non-apparel launch includes seven silhouettes in a range of sizes, colors, and fabrics such as leather, canvas and raffia. The standout design, the Goody Bag, boasts a drawstring top handle and three distinct colorways (including an eye-catching olive green). It is designed as a practical addition to any wardrobe as it can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag. “When we started designing handbags, we thought a lot about what would complement our customer’s lifestyle. We want to give her the dream handbag, crafted with luxurious materials and finishes, a bag that is chic, timeless, and versatile,” cofounder Veronica Miele Beard said in a press release.
This candle isn’t new — in fact the Dublin-based company dates back to 1488!! — but they are 1000% worth a shoutout. The weighty pieces look like stunning centrepieces, the scents are subtle but robust (my fave, Dublin Dusk, has notes of oud, cedar and ginger) and they last way longer than a typical Bachelor relationship. (P.S. That long burn time is partially due to a two-day pouring technique.) I’ll take 100, please.
