6 Black & Indigenous Brands to Shop!

I’m all about shining light on all the amazing things that make our community rich and amazing – whether it’s artists, makers, businesses – you name it.  

So with the holidays approaching, I thought this was a good time to share some great BIPOC owned businesses that I love. I don’t exclusively shop BIPOC-owned brands, but I certainly make an effort to whenever I can.

The 15% Pledge, is a non-profit that actually asks retailers to take the 15% pledge and dedicate 15% of their shelf-space to BIPOC owned brands. This holiday that challenged their community members to do the same and spend at least 15% of their holiday budget on BIPOC brands. A great challenge in my opinion!

So as you start making your holiday shopping lists (or personal shopping lists), I challenge you to do the same!  If you are up for it, here are some brands to consider. If you shop any, let me know! 

OMI WOODS creates beautiful jewellery that celebrates all of our connections to Africa and her diaspora. All their pieces are individually and ethically made using fair trade African gold and conflict-free metals. You can choose the kind of metal you’d like for most of their pieces, making their jewellery the perfect purchase for everyday or something more special to be handed down from generation to generation. Their Jamaican Ackee coin necklace is high on my holiday wish list.

Estelle Colored Glass – This is the perfect gift for the host, foodie or wine snob in your life. Estelle Colored Glass designs beautiful glassware that is hand-blown in Poland. This Black woman owned brand is named after the founders’ Grandmother, Estelle, who loved antiquing and colored glass. I have my eye on the grey champagne coupes, which are great for not only champs but also a fun cocktail!

Warren Steven Scott – has been creating contemporary Indigenous design since 2018. Warren Steven Scott is a jewelry maker, clothing designer and artist. His current collection Cedar in Sec-he Sky features beautiful earrings, dresses and artworks. His artworks are sadly all sold out, but I am eyeing their Slashed Ovoid earrings as a fun statement piece for the holidays!

Betta Butter – Based in Toronto, Canada this Black-woman owned skincare brand makes whipped body butter using organic and natural ingredients. Made in small batches, Betta Butter is a body butter created specifically with Black women in mind. Check out their essentials collection here. They aren’t on my wish-list because I’ve already stocked up!

Cheyanne Symone is an Indigenous woman-owned jewellery company. They create beautiful beade, Indigenous style earrings. All their jewellery in handmade and sustainably made. Created in 2018,Cheyanne Symone was created because their founder saw a need for Indigenous style beaded jewelry that was versatile to be worn in any environment. The Adeline earrings are on my wish-list!

Puzzles of Color - Siblings created this puzzle company that creates puzzles out of art pieces by BIPOC emerging artists! This is a great gift for anyone who loves art or puzzling! I LOVE a good puzzle and discovering new artists so I’m so love the idea of mixing new art and puzzles. I’m buying the Ija Charles Kid Collection for our kiddos!

If you check out any of these brands let me know! And let me know what BIPOC brands you are supporting this holiday season (and always!), I'd love to check them out!