Black owned UK businesses you can support
Purchasing power can play a dynamic part in uplifting communities
Speaking at a Black Lives Matter protest in 2020, Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua encouraged the public to invest more in Black-owned businesses. His speech attracted widespread criticism and accusations of racism amongst those who believed his message was divisive.
But the words, written by Joshua's friend unable to attend, highlighted key issues of prosperity and economy building. With nearly half of Black households in the UK living in poverty, the need for minority communities to circulate revenue is crucial in tackling from within the societal issues that come along with deprivation.
Schemes like Black Pound Day have been established with the aim of highlighting Black-owned businesses and services on an area by area basis. The collection of such databases can be crucial when searching for businesses that cater specifically to the needs of Black people, including things like haircare and groceries.
Black Pound Day opened up a pop-up shop in Westfield London, growing to over 70 Black-owned businesses as well as showcasing brilliant Black artists, and brand new store is opening in Westfield Stratford on Black Pound Day - Saturday 6th May.
Watch Swiss (Founder) talk about why he created Black Pound Day
Supporting local Black businesses doesn't mean abstaining from spending at other businesses. It's making a conscious effort to consider how our purchasing power can play a dynamic part in uplifting communities. The list below covers a vast range of businesses, ranging from home decor to pubs, that have made significant strides in their respective industries and that you should know about.
The Black Card Company
The Black Card Company is the concept from three black, female owned, micro greeting card brands. These entrepreneurs felt galvanised to address the lack of diversity and inclusion in the greeting card industry by creating a multi vendor platform for black card creators like themselves.
Established in 2020, The Black Card Company is a black owned, UK based, online shopping platform for diverse greeting cards. It is authentically represented by diverse brands, for a multi-cultural customer base.
The significant gap in the market for diverse cards and the demand for them hasn’t been filled until now!
They aim to amplify the visibility of black owned brands so they can be seen and appreciated by a wider audience.
West Bakes Cookies
When Surrey-based husband and wife team Lewis and Yaz West tried to find the perfect New York-style cookie in the UK, they simply couldn’t, and so the idea to start a new online baking business quickly formed.
Today, every delicious West Bakes cookie is stuffed full of premium ingredients, handmade with love, baked to perfection (which means they're thick, chunky, soft, gooey and crunchy all at the same time) and then shipped fresh from the oven to homes and businesses across the UK.
Sip’N Stroke
Painting session with a twist. Unleash your creativity - cocktail in one hand, paintbrush in the other, Hip Hop + R&B in the loudspeakers.
Art x Music x Self Expression. Sip ‘N Stroke feeds your creativity while providing an atmosphere for you to be surrounded by like-minded young professionals, as you listen to the music you love, sip your favourite drinks, and paint your imagination to life on canvas.
Rendoll
Established in June 2019, Rendoll is a Global womenswear brand founded by Nigerian Fashion and beauty Entrepreneur, Morenikeji Abina (@ReniAbina)
At Rendoll, they aim to inspire confidence. The brand is focused on femininity and body positivity. They believe that as you are wonderfully unique, you should have the freedom to be you. To fulfil this goal and with you in mind, they create head-turning attainable luxury resort and party pieces to be treasured for a lifetime.
They work with numerous fabric suppliers around the world and all our pieces are produced by gifted artisans who are all paid above average wages.
Padnas
From cocktail classes, supper clubs and even pop up shops.
They provide two unique fresh fruit flavours, both containing over-proof and dark St. Lucian rum and our home-made spiced syrup.
Afrocenchix
At Afrocenchix they believe the little things in life should be simple. They blend safe, effective, vegan ingredients with expertise to make hair care as simple as possible. The Black-owned hair care business is run by people that understand and care about those with Afro, tightly coiled and curly hair, but the products are created to work on all hair types!
The owner is allergic to everything, so they’re careful to make sure their products are free from common allergens including SLS, parfum and other artificial fragrances. They’re extra committed to ensuring everything is safe and effective because families use the products too. You can trust that each bottle is filled with goodness and will do exactly what it says.
The Everyday Print Co
Mezay Ugbo is a Nigerian-Indian artist and illustrator based in India. Her work is inspired by her multicultural background with themes of representation and celebration of women of color. She uses a palette of earthy colors, combining hand painted elements and digital illustration to create minimal yet compelling compositions.
www.iamfy.co/shop/the-everyday-print-co
Naturefaithfuls
They produce toxin-free natural skincare products, to give end-users healthy, effective choices, for skin care. The Catalysts are African Black Soap and Extra Virgin Olive Body Butter.
Veronica Olabisi Obadara, the Owner of Nature Faithfuls, decided to follow in her grandmother's footsteps while exploring how to present the ancient African Black Soap in an easy -to use and no-mess form.
Tihara Smith
Tihara Smith is a fashion, accessories and lifestyle brand. Founded by designer Tihara Smith after graduation from University for the Creative Arts Epsom and showing her Windrush inspired collection at Graduate Fashion Week 2018.
Inspired by her heritage, Tihara’s pieces take inspiration from the Caribbean with a London twist. Each piece is crafted by hand in London, using contemporary and traditional craft techniques.
Tihara is inspired by interesting textiles, bright colours, tropical flora and fauna. She strives to create distinctive pieces that each have a story, and allow people to have a little piece of the Caribbean.
Kazvare Made It
Combining illustration, stationery, homeware and social commentary, Kazvare Made It is an exciting business on the rise. Starting off as an Instagram page, owner Kazvare would post her humorous pop culture themed accessories and homeware. Capturing pockets of current affairs with her quirky illustrations, Kazvare's Instagram posts on politics, race and art drew in a crowd which has turned into somewhat of a cult following.
Her illustrated collection 'STAY WOKE, KIDS' captures the playful essence of her posts and is available at major bookstores.
Nala's Baby
Krept, one half of iconic duo Krept and Konan, has recently turned a dream into a booming business, Nala’s Baby – one of the only black brands in the UK’s children’s hair and skincare sector.
Nala’s Baby was created from a desire to have a trusted skincare range, which catered to everything that Sasha and Krept wanted for their newborn baby Nala.
From a family that wanted the absolute best for their daughter’s hair & skin, they offer a natural, clean and trusted take on skin and hair care for the family.
Tribal Unicorn Candle Bar
We all know someone who’s obsessed with collecting candles to the point they own more than they know what to do with. One thing’s for sure though, a luxury candle from Tribal Unicorn is guaranteed to bump itself up to the top of that list.
Founded by self-proclaimed ‘Head Candle Freak’ Angelica, the business started humbly from her kitchen table in 2017. Handcrafting each candle, the care put into the sleek packaging and mysterious scents gives off a real opulence.
They avoid using ingredients that contain toxins and carcinogens and are non-bio degradable, opting instead for soy and coconut wax for a much cleaner burn. So it might be worth buying your candle obsessed friend two, because one certainly won’t be enough.
Prick LDN
Prick is the brainchild of Gynelle Leon, an award-winning photographer with a unique career background that includes forensic science!
The London boutique is dedicated to cacti, succulents, and unusual exotic plants sourced from across the UK and Europe. Based in Dalston, East London.
Black Eats Ldn
Tech professional and Black Eats Ldn founder Jackson found inspiration in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme, by creating the UK’s first and only Black-owned restaurant directory.
With the mission of finding all the best Black-owned restaurants in his area, he combined his technology skill set with his passion for eating out, resulting in a simple to use interface where users have a visual of the listed restaurants in their locality.
With the option to submit listings, it’s an expanding interactive way to find delicious meals and contribute to the black economy.
www.blackeatsldn.com/directory/
Hood Greetings
Have you ever stood in a card shop for half an hour in despair as the copious selection of prosecco and golf-themed cards just isn’t speaking to you?
If you answered yes (which you definitely did) then Hood Greetings is the perfect solution for your greeting card catastrophes. Set up in 2018, it’s fair to say they have delivered on their manifesto of ‘NO MORE DRY CARDS’, constantly updating their catalogue with witty cards speaking to and celebrating Black British culture.
Offering both cards and mugs for just about every special occasion you can think of, their no nonsense approach is the welcome addition to the greeting card game you didn’t know you needed. Plus, they dedicate a percentage of their sales each year to causes as voted by customers. So, they’re pretty cool.
Aśani Brand
Aśani Brand is a skincare brand specialising in selling handmade products founded by Mariam Aśani in April 2021.
The driving concept behind the brand is her own personal struggle with eczema and dry skin, which she has battled for as long as she can remember! She was prescribed hundreds of creams and ointments (that also smelt awful), but nothing had worked, and she knew a lot of people face the same problem.
Having skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis can really affect your self-esteem, especially with how smelly and greasy some of these prescribed stuff can be!
That is why Mariam decided to create Aśani Brand. A brand that makes products that actually work for dry skin, that use majority natural ingredients, that smell nice AND look nice.
Woke Babies
Woke Babies delivers black children's book to your door, with our fun-filled monthly subscription box. Each box is tailored to your child's age, that inspires and empowered black children. The box includes an awesome activity pack and books, featuring black characters and trailblazers.
Melanin Matchmaker
Dating can feel like a minefield for anyone, you never really know what you’re getting yourself into. One white lie in their bio and next thing you know you’re making strategic darts to the toilet, searching for the nearest fire alarm to set off. Very overwhelming.
For black people, these concerns may be exacerbated by the fear of microaggressions, fetishisation and downright racism. So for those who would like to trim down their options, Melanin Matchmaker is the app for black daters, by black daters.
Their mobile app operates in the traditional sense; add your filters, swipe away. Uniquely, they also offer a matchmaking service, saving you the time and effort.
Prince of Peckham
Inspired by the community spirit of the hit TV show ‘Desmond's' and the character Lee ‘The Peckham Prince’ Stanley, this unique pub has become a landmark of the buzzing South London town.
Owner and founder Clement Ogbonnaya was raised nearby and used to walk past the pub every day. Serving up prime Caribbean inspired grub and a stylish menu of cocktails, the influence of the surrounding area on Prince of Peckham is evident.
It’s a welcoming, family-oriented haunt, with a rotating schedule of fun and exciting events. Get yourself down there when you can.
Treasure Tress
Treasure Tress is Europe's first and largest Afro hair product discovery box. The vision of founder Jamelia Donaldson, subscribers are expertly guided in crafting a box of products that best suit the needs of their hair. Although the visibility of products tailored for Afro hair is slowly increasing, there is still a long way to go, and the service Treasure Tress provides is invaluable in educating and supplying those whose access may be limited.
All In A Box
All In A Box is a food delivery and events company that creates bespoke experiences for people in their homes or at an event or gathering. From curating bespoke menus, finding fresh produce and the best ingredients to event organisation, live entertainment and venue sourcing/ dressing.
Our offering is simple - whatever the occasion, big or small or large, from a BBQ with friends to a 500+ company event, we take care of everything.
So all the host has to do is enjoy the box or catering offering and vibe with their people. Hassle free hosting and way more than just a food box.
Kitsch Noir
This is an award winning, family friendly, black British greeting cards & stationery brand.
Kitsch Noir is a space to embrace authentic black British culture with humour & hand-drawn illustrations displayed through stationery and lifestyle products.
Black Culture Market
Black Culture Market supports emerging entrepreneurs & new black businesses of African & Caribbean descent with opportunities to showcase and sell their products in the retail industry. They achieve this by curating and hosting exclusive black market events in a variety of iconic venues across London and beyond.
They exist to help close the wealth gap, create more jobs and opportunities, and inspire more ownership.
Ruka Hair
Ruka Hair has created a company that truly puts Black women at the centre and innovates around their needs. They've put together a team that’s as passionate about this problem. The process Ruka hair have developed to find your perfect match includes a personalised questionnaire, utilising customer data, and using a steam-technique for curling the hair which “is more effective than chemicals normally associated with hair extensions” Founder
Moyo aims for Ruka to be the most ethical brand bringing accountability to an industry that has lived on the fringes for too long.
Here are KISS Presenter Tinea Taylor's book recommendations to read in Black History Month and beyond:
The Power of Privilege: How white people can challenge racism
In The Power of Privilege, June Sarpong empowers people to become effective allies against racism. Offering practical steps to those who have been afforded privilege and helping to build a fairer future for all.
Rise: Life Lessons in Speaking Out, Standing Tall & Leading the Way
Gina Miller came to prominence when she successfully challenged the UK government's authority to trigger Article 50 - without parliamentary approval. For standing up for what she believed was right, she became the target of not just racist and sexist verbal abuse, but physical threats to herself and her family.
In Rise, Gina draws on a lifetime of fighting injustice and looks at the moments that made her; the trauma, failures and successes that gave her the confidence in her voice, the ability to know how to use it and the strength not to let others diminish it, even when it came at incredible cost.
They Don't Teach This
Eni Aluko shares her experiences, exploring themes of dual nationality and identity, race and institutional prejudice, success, failure and faith. It is an inspiring manifesto to change the way readers and the future generation choose to view the challenges that happen in their lives.
A Piece Of Cake
This is the heart-wrenching true story of a girl named Cupcake who is orphaned and placed in the 'care' of sadistic foster parents.
Cupcake turned her life around and this is her brutally frank, startlingly funny story. A Piece of Cake is a redemptive, gripping tale of a resilient spirit who took on the worst of contemporary urban life and survived it.
Homegoing
Effia and Esi: are two sisters with two very different destinies.
One sold into slavery; one a slave trader's wife. The consequences of their fate reverberate through the generations that follow. Taking us from the Gold Coast of Africa to the cotton-picking plantations of Mississippi; from the missionary schools of Ghana to the dive bars of Harlem, spanning three continents and seven generations - the intimate, gripping story of a brilliantly vivid cast of characters and through their lives the very story of America itself.
Black and British: A Forgotten History
In this vital re-examination of a shared history, historian and broadcaster David Olusoga tells the story of the long relationship between the British Isles and the people of Africa and the Caribbean.
Drawing on new genealogical research, original records, and expert testimony, Black and British reaches back to Roman Britain, the medieval imagination, Elizabethan 'blackamoors' and the global slave-trading empire. It shows that the great industrial boom of the nineteenth century was built on American slavery, and that black Britons fought at Trafalgar and in the trenches of both World Wars. Black British history is woven into the cultural and economic histories of the nation. It is not a singular history, but one that belongs to us all.
Mixed Me!
Mom and Dad say I'm a blend of dark and light: "We mixed you perfectly, and got you just right."
Mike has awesome hair. He has LOTS of energy! His parents love him. And Mike is a PERFECT blend of the two of them.
Still, Mike has to answer LOTS of questions about being mixed. And he does, with LOTS of energy and joy in this charming story about a day in the life of a mixed-race child.
Happy Hair
Happy Hair is a call and response picture book that promotes positive self-esteem and hair love to girls of all ages! Happy Hair covers different shades and hair types all while being fun and fashionable!
I'M A PRETTY LITTLE BLACK GIRL!
I'M A PRETTY LITTLE BLACK GIRL! introduces adorable Mia, who wakes with her hair just-a-going every which-a-ways! With her abundant energy and joy leading the way, readers follow Mia as she plays with her friends who are all shades, shapes and sizes. There's tall Kia, Keisha the reader, Charlotte her best friend, Dina Rose-Marie the artist, Imani the dancer, Anna who loves sports, Ruby the singer, and honey-haired Tracy. Mia finds that Pretty is within herself and her friends, and being pretty is way beyond what the mirror shows.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
Did you know the treatment for leprosy was developed by a young scientist called Alice Ball? And Josephine Baker- world famous cabaret singer and dancer- was also a spy for the French résistance?
This book features 40 trailblazing black women in the world's history, it educates and inspires as it relates true stories of women who broke boundaries and exceeded all expectations.
Inspire your own little leader with the stories of these amazing women.
Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past
Meet 52 icons of colour from the past and present in this celebration of inspirational achievement – a collection of stories about changemakers to encourage, inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers. Jamia Wilson has carefully curated this range of black icons and the book is stylishly brought together by Andrea Pippins' colourful and celebratory illustrations.
All children deserve to see themselves represented positively in the books they read.
Meet figureheads, leaders and pioneers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks, as well as cultural trailblazers and athletes like Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams.