Throughout the last two weeks or so, I’ve been dedicating my time to reading, researching, and learning so much about racism in our country (past and present), ways to be practice anti-racism, and about black businesses, bloggers, creators, etc. On Sunday, I shared some resources for how to help, how to learn more, and where to donate. In opening my eyes to black businesses these past few days, I’ve really discovered a blind spot I previously had. This blog provides me with so many opportunities to share black owned businesses. And I’ll be the first to admit that I simply haven’t done a sufficient job of using this platform to do so.
I’ve discovered some brands I’ve loved for years to be black-owned (that I previously had no idea were black-owned) and discovered so many new-to-me incredible black-owned businesses etc. that I’m excited to share with you today. In this post, I’ve created a roundup of black businesses, bloggers, creators, and Instagrammers to know. Thank you for sticking with me as I continue to grow and address the blind spots I’ve had in my life. I have a blast writing Rhyme & Reason and sharing “fluffy” type posts. But I also recognize that I can share so much more than that.
Black Businesses, Bloggers, Creators, and Instagrammers to Know
Chloé Digital
To say I LOVE Chloé Digital would be an understatement. To say to rely on Chloé Digital would be an understatement. I simply couldn’t run this blog without Chloé and her incredible team! If you are a blogger, I whole heartedly recommend working with Team CD! They have helped me and continue to help me with everything from troubleshooting to coding to redoing my entire website last year. Chloé and her team are absolute rays of sunshine too! Chloé Digital is an integral part of my business and one of my most beloved businesses out there. I just looked back to our first email and it was in 2015! So, Chloé Digital, thank you for 5 years full of tons of incredible work you’ve done for me!
Dora Maar
I’ve talked about Dora Maar on my blog and on my Instagram before because I love the business platform and model so much and because I consign with the company. I love Dora Maar even more because it was started by one of my best girlfriends, Lauren! Lauren is the mastermind behind Dora Maar, which is a fashion platform to shop pre-owned luxury from the most coveted closets – all in one place. You can score everything from high-end designer finds to recent styles from ready to wear brands like LoveShackFancy at major discounts from the closets of some of your favorite bloggers, Instagrammers, and influencers. Lauren is always the brightest star in the room. One of the most creative women I know, and an absolute gem of a human being. I’m beyond lucky to call her a friend!
Venita Aspen
Venita was one of the first new friends I made when I moved to Charleston a few years ago. We met at a Garden & Gun event and had the best time chatting. Since then, I’ve so loved getting to know Venita better and am lucky to call this talented lady a friend! She is a real powerhouse. Everything from her Instagram (a must-follow!) to her blog to her modeling career to her own agency is done impeccably well with heart, personality, and amazing attention to detail. Venita is definitely one to know!
Megan Pinckney
Megan Pinckney and I became friends a year or two ago and its been such a pleasure getting to know her. She is one of the most bubbly people I know with one of the most beautiful hearts! She has a wonderful blog, Shades of Pinck, a gorgeous and insightful Instagram feed. And her own shop of entertaining pieces + curated designs. Megan is also passionate about her politics and just an all-around great women to know and follow!
Mimi Striplin
Mimi is one of Charleston’s brightest creatives! She is a multi-talented maker who started her own line of jewelry, accessories, and garments called The Tiny Tassel and is a co-founder of the Charleston boutique Cannonborough Collective. She is just the sweetest woman and constantly inspires me with her work ethic and creativity. I can’t think of a better face of Charleston than Mimi!
Hill House Vintage
Hill House Diaries is a blog about interior decoration that suits all budgets with a focus on vintage finds, traditional British design, and English country house inspiration. Paula, who runs the Hill House Diaries blog and Instagram is a lovely mother of three who is raising her family in the English countryside. Paula has had a massive career in the fashion industry through her work with Elle Magazine, Elite Premier Model Agency, and more. So, her eye has been perfected over years of talented, inspired work! Following Hill House Vintage is a surefire way to brighten up your Instagram feed.
Bean Ervin
She just might be the sweetest kid on Instagram! Bean and I sadly haven’t been able to meet in person yet but we’ve been Instagram friends for a few years now. And I just can’t get enough of her infectious personality and positivity. Seeing the world through the eyes of today’s youth is wonderful, especially when Bean is in charge. Bean has a wonderfully honest Instagram that is so fun to follow along with! The world is her oyster!
Salt & Stem
I recently discovered the beautiful wandering flower truck, Salt & Stem. Salt & Stem is based in Charleston, SC and pops up all over town with a truck full of beautiful blooms. You can find Salt & Stem at local shops, markets, festivals, and more and select flowers by the stem to build your own gorgeous bouquet. Dani, who owns Salt & Stem with her husband, started the flower truck to pay homage to her passions: flowers, creativity, meeting new people, and sharing stories. Aren’t we in Charleston lucky to have Dani and Salt & Stem!? P.S. She shares their location often on the Salt & Stem Instagram!
Fanm Mon
Fanm Mon is a new-to-me luxury womenswear brand that caught my eye when my friend Lucy shared them because of their vibrant colors, gorgeous linens, stunning embroidery, and stop-in-your-tracks beautiful feminine styles. While the brand is a new discovery of mine, it’s actually been around since 2013. So it’s about time I’ve heard of it! With each piece that Fanm Mon designs, the husband and wife team aim to transform traditional styles into wearable, modern forms of art for women that embrace their own individual style and authenticity. Their custom order styles are truly special and will have you turning heads when you walk in the room! Fanm Mon is certainly a brand to know!
Beneath Your Mask
Beneath Your Mask is a pure, luxurious, non-toxic skincare line for your skin, body, and hair. It was created as a rejuvenation line designed to restore, repair, and reverse the toxic effects of environmental hazards, health challenges, stress, and the damage done from countless other unforgiving aspects of our lifestyles. The all-natural product line is a must for organic beauty lovers. And one everyone who is moving to non-toxic beauty needs to know. Beneath Your Mask makes it all from body scrubs to lip balms to hair serums.
Estelle Colored Glass
I first stumbled upon Estelle Colored Glass early this spring but I had no idea it was a black female owned business until last week. Estelle makes the most beautiful hand blown glassware that is meant to be used but also treasured in your home. The vintage-inspired luxury glass cake stands and stemware come in both jewel tones and pastels and are described by the brand as “jewels for your table” – how dreamy! The founder of Estelle, Stephanie Summerson Hall, named her company after her beloved grandmother who was a master antiquer with a gorgeous collection of colored glass. She really has such a special story! If you didn’t previously know about Estelle, now you do and your hostess gifts will never be the same!
lemlem
I’ve been wearing lemlem since high school and just recently learned that it is a black-owned business. I know that must sounds crazy but I will be the first to admit that I had no idea. Supermodel Liya Kebede founded lemlem after a trip to her native Ethiopia where she was inspired to elevate artisanship and expand production and jobs across Africa. As such, the brand is made entirely in Africa. The other mission of lemlem is to empower women, which it does through the lemlem foundation. All around, lemlem is an incredible brand that lifts people up, shines a spotlight on immensely talented female African artisans, and makes beautiful ethical fashion in the resort and swimwear categories.
Looking for more!? Here are a few great other lists that share tons of incredible black businesses, bloggers, creators, and Instagrammers to know…
20 Women of Color to Follow on Instagram
Black-Owned Fashion Businesses To Support ASAP
Black-Owned Beauty Brands to Support ASAP
15 Black Female Influencers to Follow on Instagram
26 Small Businesses Owned by Women of Color
Thank so much for reading! As always, if there is anything you want to see on Rhyme & Reason, please chime in and let me know in comments, an email, or an Instagram DM. I am all ears and want to share + address what you want to read about!
