Black History Month has been celebrated every October since 1915, after the abolishment of the 13th amendment. Every year a theme goes along with the celebration; this year being, “Black family: representation, identity, and diversity”. To celebrate the month gone by and ensure every month is Black History Month, here are some examples of amazing, affordable and thriving Black-owned businesses.
Firstly, 1929 Galore is a jewellery brand that sells stylish, vintage handmade jewellery such as rings, earrings, and necklaces. The name 1929 comes from the designer, Tequia, and her sister’s birthday. Set up in 2009, a glimpse at their website gives detail about how Tequia was fascinated with jewellery from a young age, ‘playing in her grandmother’s jewellery boxes and admiring her mother’s bamboo hoops’. Tequia has since built her business up to where it is now popular especially on social media.
Next is a small-time Black-owned business that is quickly making its way to the top with its funky and colourful nail varnishes. Kaeess Nail Polish was founded by Tekoa Savage. Her brand was developed to empower people and to break boundaries through self-expression. It sells a variety of bright colours at affordable prices. Kaeess also makes a point of identifying that her nail polishes are for all shades of people and genders. Kaeess supports the LGBT community as well as any man who wants to enjoy polish but also focuses on inclusivity for women of colour.
Another famous brand that you most probably know is Fenty beauty. Having a wide range of up to 40 different shades puts most other makeup brands to shame. This brand served as a turning point for the makeup industry as it encouraged competitors to release more shades - something it did in its first-ever launch and powerfully showed that an all-inclusive shade range could easily be achieved. Rhianna has had an amazing music career, is a fashion icon and a beauty mogul, proving to be an inspiration to many. Fenty Beauty’s website describes Rhianna’s makeup journey as being inspired by her mother’s lipstick. It stated that “Makeup became her weapon of choice for self-expression—a way to radiate her ever-changing mood—and it powered a fearless take on beauty”.
Lastly, Mateo explores unisex fashion from rings, necklaces and earrings to clothes, bags and candles. Matthew Harris is the designer and owner of the brand and is a self-taught designer as he was the son of a seamstress. Through his dedication, he honed his skill and has now become a world-renowned brand, whose products have made their way in magazines like Vogue, Glamour, Marie Claire, Bazaar, Elle, and Cosmopolitan. The brand was only launched in March 2009 and is now making millions and even expanded to New York in 2016.
Edited by Miette Dsouza