By: Ruth Jean-Marie
“Buying Black” isn’t a new phenomenon, but it’s an important one. The following founders not only built their own businesses but also ensured that their products speak to the wants and needs of the Black community. This Black History Month (and every month), consider shopping with entrepreneurs whose unwritten motto is “building businesses by us in pursuit of our own wealth.”
Philomina Kane, KIN Apparel
Philomina Kane is a Ghanaian-American entrepreneur and the brains behind KIN Apparel, a super cool clothing brand known for its satin-lined hoodies. They're designed to protect natural hair and keep it looking fabulous by preventing breakage and frizz. Of her website, Kane states, “This site, with all its kente glory, is a representation of culture and the never ending love I have for my supporters.” Kane was most recently featured in a “Chase for Business” advertisement.
Shanayla Sweat, A Few Wood Men
Shanayla Sweat started A Few Wood Men in 2017 to find a gift that matched her grandfather’s character. It was created “as a sounding board for Black men who are striving to break down barriers.” A Few Wood Men sells watches for all genders, rings, bracelets and other accessories.
Alive Podcast is the first Black woman owned podcast network. Angel Livas created this app to focus on inclusivity. With over 70 titles available on their app from true crime to business to entertainment, you’ll be sure to be entertained.
Dr. Joy A. Cooper founded Culture Care, a company that pairs Black doctors with Black women. Their goal is to increase access for Black women who have received subpar healthcare in America. Culture Care leverages telemedicine so that Black doctors can meet their patients where they are.
Ohio native, Amber Makupson created Meraki Hair Wellness, a company that blends holistic botanicals with ancient wellness rituals to create nourishing, non-toxic hair and scalp products. These products prioritize your inner and outer well-being. Plus, they're just so cool.
Swella Beauty is a modern braid bar founded by Brooke Hill and Zanbria Asante. This “stress free perfect braiding” experience shares pricing up front, has human hair options and even offers take-down service. Skip the weekend takedown and full-course wash day—let Swella Beauty handle it while you take the day off!
As the CEO and Co-founder of Coils to Locs, Dianne Austin and her team are redefining healthcare equity and beauty standards in the medical hair loss industry. Coils to Locs is a revolutionary startup addressing a critical and overlooked disparity: the lack of premium, coily, and curly synthetic wigs for women with highly textured hair experiencing chemotherapy-related or non-medical hair loss.
DeShuna Spencer founded kWeliTV, a streaming service that features TV shows, movies, anime, and documentaries. With a tagline like, “Binge on the Culture", kWeliTV carries over 800 global Black titles for children and adults. You’ll be sure to find your niche shows here.
Black History Month shines a well-deserved spotlight on Black founders, innovators, and dreamers, but the commitment to supporting Black-owned businesses shouldn’t stop when the month ends. By making a habit of building Black and buying Black, we contribute to lasting economic success and create a more equitable future—one purchase, partnership, and investment at a time. Inclusion must be intentional.
