As the season continues, many are looking to a variety of retailers to get their holiday shopping done.
Here are five Black-owned businesses to support for the holidays.
CEEK Virtual Reality: Founded by deep space engineer and tech entrepreneur Mary Spio, Ceek VR is one of the earliest companies to adopt the metaverse. The company offers VR headsets that are compatible with any smartphone. Ranging from $99 to $249, the headset can be used to give the user a 360-degree immersive 3D experience of YouTube videos or their own videos. Ceek VR also offers users 4D surround sound headphones featuring 360-degree scene rotation and navigation.
Homage Year: Created by Antoine Manning at the age of 16 following the loss of his father, the company gained popularity for its egg-shaped Ova Manifestation bags. Made completely from vegan leather, Homage Year offers a variety of designs for their Ova Manifestation bags, including one that pays tribute to famed artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The company also sells earrings as part of their catalog.
Be Rooted: Considered the first Black-owned stationery brand to be sold at major retailer Target, Be Rooted was founded by entrepreneur Jasmin Foster. Through her products, Foster works on providing BIPOC women with the inspiration to explore their inner self and creativity. Products sold by Be Rooted include the “Guard Your Spirit” lined spiral journal, the “Prioritize Yourself” daily wellness planner as well as the “Trust The Journey” lined spiral journal. The company also offers other home goods, including a coffee mug and wine glass set.
Flora & Noor: This skincare company prioritizes offering clean, vegan, halal and sustainable products to customers. Created by entrepreneur Jordan Karim, Flora & Noor offers clean, cruelty-free skincare solutions to skin conditions such as eczema. Largely plant-based, the focus of the company is to encourage wellness amongst customers. Products include the “Hydration Station Aloe + Green Tea Cleanser,” the “Oatmeal and Shea Body Butter” as well as the “Rose Renewal 24/7 Ceramide and Tri-peptide Moisturizer.”
Goodee: Founded by twin brothers, designers and entrepreneurs Byron and Dextar Peart, Goodee is a home and lifestyle brand that offers everything from decor to tables to kids toys. All of the company’s products are made sustainably, with the leaders of Goodee ensuring that brand partners are transparent about the material and their practices. A core focus of Goodee is on preserving heritage crafts and giving artisans a sustainable way of life. Best sellers include their Matisse Scarf, Palace 220 plates and bicycle baskets.
