As we gather to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it’s vital to pause and reflect on how we can advance his legacy in our daily lives. A profound way to honor his memory is by actively supporting Black-owned businesses, which play an indispensable role in the fabric of every community. By choosing to engage with these enterprises, we not only celebrate the rich diversity and creativity they contribute but also empower communities that have historically faced significant challenges. This article features a thoughtfully curated list of six outstanding Black-owned businesses that merit your attention and patronage, not only today but throughout the year.
One standout business to consider is **PetPlate**, which was founded in 2016 by Renaldo Webb with the mission of promoting pet health. PetPlate specializes in providing freshly cooked, nutritionally balanced meals for dogs across the nation, along with USDA-certified organic dog treats. Their offerings include a four-pack of natural treats made from beef and sweet potatoes, ideal for enhancing your pet’s diet without fillers. Additionally, for dogs needing a little relaxation, PetPlate offers chill out soft chews made with ashwagandha and L-theanine, known for their stress-relieving properties. Furthermore, their hip hopping soft chews support joint health, making them particularly suitable for older dogs.
Next up is **Oui the People**, a body-care line established by Karen Young. This brand empowers individuals to embrace their natural beauty rather than chasing unattainable standards. Oui the People focuses on creating natural skin and body care products. Among its offerings is a nutrient-rich prebiotic lotion designed to soothe and moisturize dry, stressed skin. To support a comprehensive skincare regimen, their Body Box collection includes a lactic acid body wash, a body serum, and a hydrating orange blossom gloss, catering to diverse skin needs. You can also indulge in their Take Care Set, capturing the delicate scent of orange blossoms while nourishing the skin.
**Be Rooted** was founded by Jasmin Foster in 2020, responding to the need for products that reflect the identities and experiences of women of color. This business offers a range of lifestyle products, from beautifully crafted candles to planners and art pieces that resonate with and affirm the narratives of people of color. A standout product is their Rest + Refresh candle, infused with lavender and chamomile, perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere. Their annual calendar, “Life is a Mood,” features vibrant illustrations that capture the essence of each month, inspiring positivity throughout the year.
Another notable mention is **Scotch Porter**, initiated by Calvin Quallis to provide quality grooming products tailored for individuals with curly, wavy, or coarse hair textures. Scotch Porter caters to personal grooming with a variety of hair and skincare offerings. Their beard grooming system includes a scientifically formulated beard growth accelerator coupled with a roller designed to stimulate hair follicles. The complete hair care kit provides everything needed for maintaining healthy hair, including shampoo, conditioner, and hair balm, ensuring that every individual can embrace their natural hair texture confidently.
**Spoken Flames**, created by Shavaun, is a candle company that emerged from her own experiences of anxiety and burnout in the digital creative space. Recognizing the power of scent to evoke emotions and enhance focus, she has designed candles that provide an immersive experience. Their “Focused” candle is crafted with scents like sandalwood and bergamot, aimed to help you concentrate on tasks at hand. The brand also offers a trio candle set known as “F, Yes,” which comprises candles that embody themes of determination and gratitude.
Lastly, we spotlight **Ten Wilde**, a jewelry brand innovatively established by Tenisha Wilde, which has gained traction in the fashion world. With notable figures like Vanessa Hudgens and Tracee Ellis Ross wearing her designs, Ten Wilde offers exquisite jewelry pieces that combine elegance and affordability. Among their collections are the Elio hoops—timeless, gold-dipped earrings suited for any occasion—and the Paloma chain, perfect for layering with other necklaces. Their Eliana bangle set features a variety of textures, adding versatility to your accessory collection.
In conclusion, supporting these exemplary Black-owned businesses is a meaningful way to carry forward the vision of Martin Luther King Jr., promoting equity, creativity, and community empowerment. By integrating these brands into our daily lives, we not only contribute to economic growth in marginalized communities but also enrich our own experiences with diverse products and narratives.