7 Incredible Black-Owned Brands To Shop From ESSENCE Festival’s New Voices Activation

ESSENCE Festival Of Culture is back, and while the main stages always bring the energy (I mean, Teyana Taylor is the chief curator this year), some of the most inspiring moments are happening on the ground with the next generation of entrepreneurial talent. This year, the festival is shining a massive spotlight on its New Voices activation, celebrating a powerful cohort of trailblazing founders who are redefining everything from luxury fashion to wellness and literature.

Even more inspiring? As part of their inaugural vendor mentor program, several of these established vendor partners are stepping up to mentor incoming brands, building a beautiful ecosystem of community.

If you’re looking to vote with your dollar and support exceptional Black-owned businesses, look no further. We’ve rounded up a few of the brilliant, brands that deserve a permanent spot in your shopping cart.

TrufaceByGrace By Grace Yeboah

For the accessory enthusiasts, Grace Yeboah’s TrufaceByGrace offers everything, from crowns to beach bags. You’ll feel like royalty wearing the armor-like cuff bracelets and the face-framing earrings.

Cree & Company By Bianca Tatum

If you’re looking for a brand that brings a curated sensibility to design, offering thoughtfully crafted goods that seamlessly blend intentionality with modern aesthetics, look no further. Bianca Tatum’s Cree & Company turns jewelry into works of art through unique silhouettes and dopamine-inducing color.

That Good Good Shea By Irene Bekoe

Your skin and hair will thank you for adding this one to your beauty routine. Whipped, rich, and deeply nourishing, Irene Bekoe’s That Good Good Shea is the ultimate beauty indulgence. Rooted in authentic, high-quality ingredients, this brand takes staying moisturized to a luxurious level.

F&W Style by Alexandria Alli

If your accessory wardrobe is in need of an elevated vibrant upgrade, Alexandria Alli’s F&W Style delivers luxury leather handbags designed for those who love the polish of structured pieces but want to make a statement that’s confidently bold. Melding sophistication with practical luxury, these bags will be the hero of your collection.

Focus & Frame Eyewear By Brittney Adams

Sunglasses are the ultimate outfit punctuation mark, and Brittney Adams is making sure yours say exactly what they need to. Focus & Frame Eyewear serves up attention-grabbing, fashion-forward eyewear that mixes trendy design with classic silhouettes.

Courtney Kelly Books By Courtney Kelly

In need of your next profound read or looking to diversify a bookshelf? Courtney Kelly is using the power of storytelling to create impactful literary spaces, making her eponymous publishing house a vital voice in modern storytelling.

Rozi Eats By Rosemarie Tolbert

Because no curation is complete without a little indulgence, Rosemarie Tolbert’s Rozi Eats serves up artisanal confectionery treats that taste just as beautiful as they look. They’re also perfect for gifting (or keeping all to yourself).

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Concert Outfit Inspo For Every Type of Festival

All The Early Fourth of July Fashion Sales To Shop

Shop Latine-Owned Brands for Your World Cup Merch

The 5 Summer Travel Essentials I’m Wearing From the Dominican Republic to Paris

This may sound controversial, but I rarely take checked luggage on a trip. When there’s no other choice (like my semi-destination wedding and honeymoon, which spanned nearly a month),  I worry if my bags will arrive where I’m headed. Even more eye-twitching is standing beside a conveyor belt as bags slowly roll on by. So, if there’s any way to not take a monster suitcase, I’m in. 

Thanks to my mom, I consider myself a master packer, zipping, squishing, and folding everything into a handy carry-on suitcase and personal item (like my Calpak Ambeur and Luka Duffel). But it’s not an easy feat. Step one to conquering the art of packing light is having a well-rounded checklist. It takes strategy, splaying outfits across the bed and using your itinerary as a guide. Even more important? Reaching for versatile styles.

I work in fashion, so a minimalist, capsule wardrobe isn’t really my thing — I love colors, prints, and textures! But wearability doesn’t mean boring. Think a gingham one-piece that doubles as a bodysuit, or wearing a silk scarf as a belt or bandana. It takes creativity, but once you get it down, your packing will never be the same.

I’m taking my own advice as I jet-set off to the Dominican Republic, England, France, and a few stops within the United States. So, keep reading to up your summer travel game and shop my style essentials. 

Elevated Silk Scarves

Silk scarfs are undeniably chic, offering a touch of glamour to any look. Knotting it around your neck is  the most common approach, but you can maximize its wearability by draping it over your bottoms like a flowing belt. I adore the flirty vibe it gives as a headband, bandana, bow, and bag charm. Depending on the dimensions of the scarf, you can even wear it as an open-back tube top.

Transitional One-Piece Swimsuits

A swimsuit is a vacation non-negotiable, but even if you prefer sultry two-pieces, I’d urge you to consider adding a one-piece to the lineup. While they’re perfect for beach days and poolside tanning, one-pieces double as bodysuits. Wear them with maxi skirts and kitten heels for an elevated rooftop happy hour, or style them with high-waisted shorts and casual sneakers for a day of sightseeing. Pro tip: Secure a swimmie with decorative details like twists, overlays, and snap closures to make the styling intentional.

Do-It-All Linen Button-Downs

Oversized linen button-downs are crucial in any well-rounded wardrobe — but they play an even more important role when jetsetting. I prefer an oversized silhouette, wearing it as a dress to the pool or tucked into shorts for a sleek finish. Billowy button-downs are also ideal for lounging, thanks to the easy throw-on-and-go style great for spa trips, gym sessions, and coffee-sipping.

Packable Woven Totes

Without fail, I take two bags on vacation: a compact, elevated style for evenings and — more importantly — a packable, woven tote. The flexible design keeps it from feeling bulky and stiff, making it simple to fold, store, and stash it. Take it to the beach, fill it with your  makers’ market finds, and use it as your personal item on flights.

Comfortable, Chic Sandals

Polished sandals are a must,  easily becoming your one-and-done vacation shoe for just about everything. Opting for a comfortable style with straps and contoured footbeds means you can wear them all day, ideal for long travel days, resort wandering, and café hopping. But don’t forget to choose a pair with elevated details to keep them feeling chic, allowing you to dress them up for dinners with sundresses and skirts.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The Best Summer Dresses For When It's Too Hot

Lululemon’s Summer Sale Is Live!

Why Everyone Is Living In Matching Sets Right Now