As the holiday season nears, it’s time to reflect on the true power of our spending. African American consumers alone will contribute a staggering $1.7 trillion to the economy by 2030, a number that continues to grow exponentially. With this economic power comes an important responsibility: to make purchasing decisions that reflect our values, support our communities, and honor our culture.
There is a misconception that we, as consumers, are powerless. That could not be further from the truth. The power of our money is not only immense, but it’s also an effective tool for fostering positive change. The call to “Buy African American” and support BIPOC businesses has never been more important. It’s time to take action and use our collective economic power to support the businesses that reflect our needs, values, and aspirations.
Here are some incredible African, African American, other BIPOC-owned businesses and consistent allies in the fight for diversity and inclusion to support this holiday season:
Bright Black
Website: https://brightblackcandles.com/
Tiffany, Dariel, and Elena — the family behind Bright Black. Our company uses scent as a medium and candles as a platform for sharing positive narratives about African American culture.
Instagram: @brightblackcandle
Ruby Jean’s Juicery
Website: https://www.rubyjeansjuicery.com/
CEO, Chris Goode, was introduced to the world of juicing and shown the documentary Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead, and a passion for healthy living was born.
Instagram: @rubyjeansjuicery
The Old Town Soap Company
Website: http://www.theoldtownsoapcompany.com/
They craft the products to ensure they are delivering top-quality products using all-natural, sustainable ingredients free of harmful chemicals.
Instagram: @theoldtownsoapcompany
Drip Queen Coffee
Website: https://www.dripqueencoffee.com/
Drip Queen Coffee is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, taking responsibility for the health of our planet by donating 1% of annual sales to environmental partners addressing today’s most pressing environmental challenges. Learn more at onepercentfortheplanet.org.
Instagram: @dripqueencoffee
Plantaizin’
Website: https://plantaizin.com/
Plantaizin’ is a plant-based snack brand that seeks to treat our bodies well and do good in the world, offering sweet and savory-flavored plantain chips that are 100% all-natural and grown from small farms. The goal is to build community and leave a positive impact by working with and supporting uplifting movements and nonprofit organizations.
Instagram: @plantaizin
Flowers By Alexes
Website: http://www.flowersbyalexes.com/
Flowers By Alexes LLC is the go-to florist online. Based in Washington, DC, they take pleasure in making arrangements that are as unique and beautiful as possible. Order online or over the phone at (202) 910-7490.
Joy Craft Cocoa
Website: http://www.joycraftcocoa.com/
Saidah Farrell is the founder of the Marshmallow of the Month Club, a popular subscription box service that delivers unique, handcrafted marshmallows and gourmet hot chocolates directly to customers’ doorsteps.
Instagram: @joycraftcocoa
Tipsy Lady Cocktails (Must be 21 years or older)
Website: http://www.tipsyladycocktails.com/
Their ready-to-drink (RTD) Caribbean-inspired cocktails celebrate heritage, culture, and spice. Made to match the original taste of signature Caribbean drinks, with premium spirits and original flavors, the results ensure a distinguished, smooth, fruitful, and sophisticated zest.
Instagram: @tipsyladycocktails
The Optical Experience
Website: http://www.myopticalexp.com/
The Optical Experience is modern eye care that crafts personalized attention. No rushing, no pressure — just professional care on your terms.
Instagram: @theopticalexperience
Bodkin Wines
Website: https://bodkinwines.com/
Founded in 2011 by journeyman cellar hand and self-taught Winemaker Chris Christensen, Bodkin Wines disrupted the sparkling wine scene with America’s First Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc in 2012. With one foot rooted in wine science and the other in craftsmanship, Christensen’s minimalist philosophy guides his signature style of high acid, low alcohol wines. These wines have garnered over two dozen 90+ point scores in critical review over the past eight years alone.
Instagram: @bodkinwines
Francesca 1993 (Must be 21 years or older)
Website: http://www.agavejera.com/
Francesca 1993 is an agave cocktail company rooted in family heritage, love for the land, and a dedication to quality.
Instagram: @francesca_1993
Brooks and Bridges
Website: http://www.brooksbridges.com/
They are passionate about creating spaces that wow with standout pieces, infusing homes with elegance and charm, stepping into their ethos: For the Elevated Home. Starting as a tableware company, they have grown to offer a wide range of interior choices.
Terminal B Candles
Website: https://terminalbstore.com/
Their candles are made with a proprietary paraffin blend wax and are associated with a city. The three letters correspond to an airport code related to the city. As an example, their Los Angeles-inspired candle is coded with “LAX” because that is the airport code associated with Los Angeles. Free shipping on orders over $100.
Instagram: @terminalbstore
Dungeon Forward
Website: https://dungeonforward.com/
Looking for a place to purchase hats and crown covers? This company offers something for everyone.
Lamik Beauty
Website: https://lamikbeauty.com/
LAMIK Beauty is a vegan makeup line made with natural and organic ingredients for multicultural women.
Instagram: @lamikbeauty
The Lip Bar
Website: https://thelipbar.com/
In 2012, Founder + CEO Melissa Butler started the Lip Bar by making lipstick in her Brooklyn kitchen. Since then, The Lip Bar has been awarded by Byrdie, Refinery 29, and Allure.
Instagram: @thelipbar
Honey Pot
Website: https://thehoneypot.co/
Plant-derived feminine care — from their kitchen to your hands, focusing on vaginal wellness.
Instagram: @thehoneypotco
McBride Sisters Wine Co (Must be 21 years or older)
Website: https://www.mcbridesisters.com/
In all of their products, they pay homage to their heritage, and we honor all African American women in our community, across the diaspora and the world, who have graced culture and society with her soul, spirit, and magic for generations.
EatOkra
Website: https://www.eatokra.com/
EatOkra connects customers with African American-owned restaurants. They are on a mission to be the most trusted resource for the African American-owned food ecosystem by building alongside African American food communities, educating entrepreneurs, and pioneering food-industry technology. Explore coast-to-coast flavors with our nationwide African American-owned eateries guide. Download the app to explore and support African American-owned restaurants across the U.S.
Instagram: @eatokra
Black Paper Party
Website: https://www.blackpaperparty.com/
J’Aaron, Jasmine, and Madia noticed a huge gap in the market when it came to holiday decorations and wrapping paper that authentically represented our diverse communities. Inspired by their backgrounds in retail and illustration, they decided to take matters into their own hands and bring their vision to life.
Instagram: @blackpaperparty
Supporters of the community and perfect choices for gifts
MAKE UP FOREVER
Website: www.makeupforever.com/us/en
NEW — HD Skin Blush & Glow Palette
Longwear Cream Blush & Highlight Palette
The newest addition to the HD Skin Palette family is the HD Skin Blush & Glow Palette, a multi-use cream blush and highlight palette with a lightweight, natural finish and 12-hour wear. This palette contains a variety of six different blushes in pink, orange, plum, and red shades, as well as six shimmery highlighters ranging from pink to copper and gold to pearl. Create natural, bold, and radiant looks with options for warm and cool undertones.
Armani Beauty
Website: www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/
Luminous Silk Natural Glow Foundation
The Luminous Silk Natural Glow Foundation has been providing diverse shade options long before it became a trend. Combined with the Luminous Silk Hydrating & Brightening Concealer, you have a flawless finish. This high-coverage, lightweight foundation offers 24-hour hydration, is oil-free, and perfect for multipurpose application.
Pat McGrath Labs
Website: www.patmcgrath.com
Skin Fetish: Divine Blush in Divine Rose
Everything about this brand is pure perfection. The instantly indispensable Divine Blush creates a featherlight, long-wearing rush of couture color in demi-matte and satin finishes. Ultra-fine powder pigments deliver sensuously soft, brilliantly blendable application. All nine shades build effortlessly from sheer to subversive, bare to bold, ensuring a wondrous wash of customizable color tailored to every skin tone and type.
Fragrance
REPLICA
Website: www.maisonmargiela-fragrances.us
The fragrances within Maison Margiela’s REPLICA collection offer a diverse range of captivating scents, each designed to evolve and linger throughout the day. These versatile fragrances are ideal for layering, both within the REPLICA family and with other brands, allowing for a personalized and dynamic scent experience. Some of the standout additions to the collection include Dancing On the Moon Eau De Parfum, From The Garden, On A Date, Under the Stars, Springtime in a Park, Soul of the Forest, Flying, and Bubble Bath — a timeless scent that appeals to all ages.
ALT. Fragrance
Website: altfragrances.com
(Disclaimer: ALT. Fragrances offers alternatives that rival high-end designer scents.)
This company has transformed the fragrance industry by providing consumers with access to luxurious, high-quality scents at a fraction of the cost of traditional designer brands. By crafting premium alternatives to expensive luxury fragrances, ALT. eliminates the “brand tax” consumers often pay for name recognition. Their fragrances are crafted with 100% clean, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients, ensuring a refined experience without compromise.
For a perfect introduction to their collection, I recommend the Fall Sample Pack — a carefully curated set of five exquisite extrait de parfums, designed to capture the essence of the season:
Autumn Leaves – A complex blend inspired by Tobac Vanille, offering a smoky and captivating aroma.
Sensual Vanilla – A rich, indulgent fragrance influenced by Vanilla Sx*, ideal for those who savor sweet decadence.
Falcon – A sophisticated scent inspired by Althair, adding a touch of refinement to your autumn fragrance wardrobe.
Simply Santal – A timeless classic inspired by Santal 33, evoking the soft, warm, and earthy essence of sandalwood.
Nicotianna – A sophisticated blend inspired by “Tobac Vanille,” offering a smoky and alluring aroma.