As activists and organizations across North America are working tirelessly to highlight and end police brutality, people from different communities are asking themselves how they can make an active and sustained contribution to the Black Lives Matter movement and the black community.
Donating to organizations fighting racial injustice (list here) and educating yourself about systemic racism and anti-racism are the first steps. Comprehensive lists of both have also been making the rounds on social media. And amidst all these calls to action, there has been a renewed fervour to support black-owned businesses, now and forever. It is a surefire way to make a sustainable contribution to and uplift the black community.
We’ve collated a list of black-owned businesses in clothing, accessories, beauty and home goods that are available to shop across Canada right now. For a more detailed list of black-owned businesses in your area, visit Afrobiz.ca and for those in Toronto and the GTA, make sure to follow Black Owned Toronto on Instagram and check out this crowd-sourced list from @desperateidiot and @j.a.l.i.l.
Jewellery & Accessories
- Omi Woods – beautiful handmade pieces using fair-trade African gold and globally sourced conflict-free fine metals
- Bohten Eyewear – prescription glasses and sunglasses made using sustainable materials sourced from Africa
- Monoxide – visual storytelling through beautifully crafted pieces in small collections or by custom order
- Enarmoured – handcrafted brass jewellery
- Kids Swag – puzzles, backpacks and stationary with one goal in minds: representation
- Gyal Vibes – 90’s nostalgia in the form of scrunchies, waist chains and other accessories
Apparel
- Cherry Gardens – beautiful and luxe minimalist loungewear
- broke&living – a contemporary unisex clothing and accessories brand
- Adrift – clothing and apparel inspired by skate culture from brands around the world
- Brimz – hats and beanies from local and global designers
- Get Fresh Company – a Toronto-based lifestyle brand that mill their own fabric and create their own garments
- Radical Behaviour – on-trend pieces that make a statement
- Zoba Martin – one-of-a-kind semi-formal and luxury pieces as well as custom bridal attire
- Simplicity – streetwear and lounge wear made, printed and dyed by hand
- Barracks – military-inspired feel-good apparel
- Lost In – tees, hoodies and crewnecks dedicated to Toronto and Brooklyn
- Freshmen – a Toronto-based versatile unisex clothing brand
- Fly North Toronto – clothing that’s centered on positivity, diversity and unity
- NYKWALE – a Toronto-based clothing brand inspired by a plethora of African cultures, all made-to-order
- Perfect Tees – statement and custom graphic tees
Beauty
- KEMSI – all-natural and affordable skincare
- Go + Glow Co. – cruelty-free cosmetics and skincare for all tones
- Paba Cosmetics – cruelty-free beauty for diverse skin tones
- Skin Drama – skincare made with natural and organic ingredients
- Earthtones Naturals – all your hair care needs; from shampoos and conditioners to shower caps and satin pillowcases
- Armure Beauty – luxurious natural skincare from a mother-daughter duo
- Dolce Rosa – luxe hair extensions, strip lashes and wigs
- Bellurelle – 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare brand
- Coco Nyle – natural and fuss-free skincare
- Chic & Savvy Beauty – a one-stop shop for all your hair needs
- Locsuria – non-toxic hair care products
- Simple Sistas – organic, chemical-free and affordable skincare
- All Star Beauty Complex – Chock full of beauty tools, skincare and hair care products
- Brown Sugar by NK – locally-sourced candles, oils, salts and scrubs
- Ellie Bianca – natural skincare developed by an environmental scientist and chemist
- Shakara Natural – all natural skin and hair care products
Home decor & Accessories
- A Different Bookstore – featuring books by the African and Caribbean diaspora and the global south
- Cup of Té – premium and specialty tea concoctions made from organic ingredients and beautiful tea ware
- Jean-Marie Candle Co. – Handmade and hand-poured soy wax candles made with essential and fragrance oils
- Elctrk Teas – hand-picked exotic premium teas
- Seventh & Oak – ethically-sourced candles made from a blend of coconut and soy wax
