Black Owned Businesses to Invest in this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day might look a little different this year in the midst of a pandemic, but the pressure remains to find that perfect gift for the special person in your life. When it comes to finding the ultimate gift, feel free to go beyond the obvious — chocolates, flowers, plushies, etc. Instead, gift a sculptural candle, unique lingerie, affirmation tarot cards, or a bottle of Black Girl Magic to celebrate the occasion.
If you're planning on shopping for your loved one online, there are a variety of gifts you can snatch from Black-owned brands. This Valentine’s Day, let’s go above and beyond to exercise consumer activism by being socially conscious by supporting Black-owned businesses.
Whether you're in a committed relationship and planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your significant other, or getting together with an intimate group of friends, we’ve got you covered with a list of fabulous and affordable Black-owned brands to show commitment to supporting small businesses.
“I Am Everything Affirmation Card Deck” from Uncommon Goods retails for $15 and is a great gift for your spiritual significant other or a friend who relies on visual reminders daily. These fun affirmations are great reminders for ushering in self-love and appreciation this Valentine’s Day.
My Filibo’s “Black Love Card” retails for $6 and is a constant reminder of appreciation for your Valentine of how much you care.
Handcrafted from Brooklyn, NY, “The Hannah Terra Cotta Candle” from Sanctuaire retails for $80 and is truly a sight to behold. Who wouldn’t want sensuality and art mixed into a candle? The color evokes a sense of grounding and wholeness; reminding us all of the beauty of the human body and varying complexions. This is a show-stopper for anyone who appreciates eclectic decor or whether to simply admire this piece of art. Each candle is made with a 100% organic mixture of beeswax and soy wax and is unscented.
The Koop’s “For The Lovers Candle” retails for $29 and is infused with a subtle scent of vanilla and chocolate truffle. This is a literal sweet reminder for your partner that can go beyond Valentine’s. The top is white cocoa and milk froth. The middle is vanilla bean and chocolate truffle. The base is infused with melted butter.
Bublé retails from $16.50–$108.99 and their mission is to raise the confidence of their consumer by providing a luxury feel to every sip. This is a Valentine’s celebration in a glass by having your partner fall in love with every sip! Bublè is a woman-owned business based in Chicago and the brand expresses that this is an everyday wine that goes beyond Valentine’s Day.
The McBride Sisters’ “Black Girl Magic Red Blend Wine” retails for $24.99 and it’s not really Valentine’s Day until you treat your special someone to a sweet full-bodied Merlot and Cabernet blend bottle of wine. This California wine carries light notes of vanilla, berries, and chocolate which is great for mixing and offers a smooth taste.
The Lip Bar’s “Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick” retails for $12.99 and is a great way to pucker up for Valentine’s with a look that lasts and has a smooth and fully matte finish. This has quickly become one of Target’s best-selling vegan lipstick brands and lasts with a single application between eight to 12 hours.
Beauty Bakerie’s “Breakfast in Bed Eyeshadow Palette” retails at $38 and is a beautiful and bold blend of muted mattes and vivid shimmers to create a sunkissed look or to give yourself the glow after Valentine’s breakfast in bed. Going along with the breakfast in bed theme, the palette features shades such as “pajamas” and “messy hair.” The colors are highly pigmented and last for over eight hours.
Jungalow is great for eclectic and maximalism collectors. The brand features signature Kaya pots that have unique faces and original artwork designed by Justine Blakeney. The brand features live plants and planters, home decor, bed and bath, as well as art prints and wallpapers. This shop is pure heaven for sustainable artists. Jungalow is an LA-based, woman-owned business started by artist and designer, Justina Blakeney. Every artist featured on the website creates pieces of art that are bold and make anything in the room stand out. Their mission is to be sustainable and to create spaces of inspiration for owners. Their price ranges between $10-$440.
Anya Lust has an exclusive Valentine’s Day collection that features a wide variety of lacey, bold lingerie great for any sexy occasion. The brand retails from $33-$440 with luxury lingerie that fits everyone regardless of shape, size, and curve. The brand is inspired by “endless romance, decadent sensuality, and intoxicating femininity.” Anya Lust is a “lingerie dreamland” for free-spirited women who love pleasure and dream of weekend trips to Paris and intimate nights indulging in their fantasies. Anya Lust is the brand to drift through lust and love.
Nude Barre “comes in all shades” and is an inclusive brand that sells hosiery that matches darker skin tones instead of the whitewashed “nude.” Nude Barr emphasizes feeling comfortable and uplifted in one’s own skin. The brand retails from $14-$35 in tights, bralettes, thongs, and face masks.
Nonily Studio is the perfect place for an appreciator of minimalist decor. The California-based small business is immersed with fine lines, abstract, landscape, and botanical art that is perfect to fill any home with sun-kissed decor! Check out their Instagram for more beautiful pieces to ring in this Valentine’s Day. Most prints retail for $4.99.
Zach & Zoë is a family-owned honey bee farm based in Hunterdon County that uses all-natural processes when making their sweet homemade honey. You can get 15% off your first order when you sign up for their newsletters and promotions. They responsibly care for the bees and produce the honey themselves. Zach and Zoë’s price range for honey jars is $20-$24.
Live By Being is a woman-owned brand that creates cruelty-free, artisan-crafted skin care and beauty. Founder Kennedy Lowery who has West African roots says her inspiration and appreciation for ritual and healing arts comes from her Louisiana roots. Live By Being has everything your skincare sweetheart could be looking for. Nutrient-rich products from “milk baths” that retail at $12 to “floral tonics and oils” for $15, a gift from this shop is sure to have your sweetheart in a mindful, self-loving mood.
Gilded is dermatologically designed and tested to convey maximized benefits for your body and has a breathtaking selection of cult-favorite candles, as well as luxurious plant-oil based skincare. This woman-owned brand is based in Georgia and made Beyonce’s “Black Parade Route” list in June 2020. Their skincare and body care ranges from $24-$125. Gilded serves as a reminder that good skincare doesn’t stop with sparkly pink facial serums and rose-scented face masks; our bodies deserve the ultimate self-love and appreciation.
B Condoms are vegan condoms that are great for all shapes and sizes, regardless of a one-time Valentine’s Day hookup or longtime partner. B Condoms are all-natural and gluten-free and are brand partners with various nonprofits that donate thousands of condoms to communities. “Unlike other condom companies that sit on the sidelines and stay mute on health disparities, B Condoms are here to initiate conversations.” They work to reduce the stigmas behind STDs and unplanned pregnancies in the Black community. Their prices range from $9-$60. What’s a better way to spice up your Valentine’s!
Hyde & Park Co. is a Chicago based company that specializes in masculine/androgynous fragrances. Hyde & Park has a beautiful selection of spa-worthy candles that carry calming, aromatherapeutic scents as the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for him! Their prices range from $16-$22.