Editor’s note: Since we published this article, Founders and Pearls has informed us that it has unfortunately shut down its business.
Celebrating its first year in business, Founders & Pearls is a bimonthly subscription box service delivering fly-girl African-American sorority-specific swag to your doorstep. Created by Ngozi IzE Ahanotu, a member of Theta Nu Xi, and Zeta Phi Beta member Alexandria C. Hill, the boxes are a way to literally wear their commitment to service, sisterhood, and patronizing and promoting black-owned business on their sleeves—and everywhere else, for that matter.
For, by and about black women, the boxes are loaded with thoughtfully made self-care items, inspirational cards, books, and stunt-and-show-out accessories like sunglasses, scarves and T-shirts. The name “Founders & Pearls” honors the pioneering women who founded historically black sisterhoods, and “pearls” is a nod to the pearl jewelry traditionally worn by all sorority women as “a representation of professionalism, class and grace.”
Whether you’re a new pledge or an alum, with the upcoming Founders Day celebrations of three historically black powerhouse Greek organizations—Delta Sigma Theta (Jan. 13, 1913), Alpha Kappa Alpha (Jan. 15, 1908) and Zeta Phi Beta (Jan. 16, 1920), all founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C.—this month makes the perfect time to indulge.
The Glow Up gift tip: This month’s box is themed “HOMagE” ($29.95) as a tribute to Africa and the sisterhoods of the continent. At a flat fee of $99 for four boxes annually or $149 for a delivery of six, along with a free birthday gift, Founders & Pearls is a great way to celebrate the Greek in your life—or the Greek in you.