We are deep in the throes of the holiday season, so why not consider using some of your dollars to support black-owned businesses before the year is out? Here are 10 businesses for you to check out in the coming week.
1. Heritage Link Brands
Los Angeles-based Heritage Link Brands is the largest U.S. marketer of wine from Africa. Through Heritage Link, you can find an array of wines from South Africa to pair with your holiday dinner or to send as a gift.
2. Ikiré Jones
Nigerian-inspired, Brooklyn, N.Y.-bred Ikiré Jones has the go-to site for tailored menswear. Jones’ unique pieces are sure to be a perfect gift this holiday season.
3. Oyin Handmade
Started by husband-and-wife team Pierre and Jamyla Bennu, Baltimore-based Oyin Handmade is well-known for its natural hair and body products. We suggest the honey hemp conditioner. Oyin recently inked a deal with Target.
4. Mother of Men
Mother of Men is a boutique jewelry outfit based in Washington, D.C. Run by Brooklyn native Nyakinyua Gill, it offers eye-catching accessories.
5. Hue-Man
Online retailer Hue-Man Bookstore was founded in 2002 as a Harlem-based bookstore. The company continues to specialize in books that cater to the black community.
6. Urban Heirlooms
Atlanta’s Urban Heirlooms specializes in handmade leather goods. Our favorite is the boho messenger bag.
7. QuellyRue Designs
QuellyRue Designs offers a range of items from T-shirts to wallets. With cute, stylish designs, its products make perfect stocking stuffers.
8. Urban Rose
Any of the items in Houston native Melissa Betts’ Urban Rose collection of housewares would make a fantastic gift. We suggest the classic mug for the coffee lover in your life.
9. Wax Candle Co.
Created by Jennifer Bryant, the Washington, D.C.-based Wax Candle Co. offers a unique spin on a classic holiday gift. With each candle, you receive a specialized mixtape. We like best-seller Nag Champa for this holiday season.
10. Soapbox Theory
For the little ones on your list, we recommend Soapbox Theory. Along with cute, culturally affirming clothing and accessories, the Portland, Ore.-based retailer also offers handmade toys.
Diamond Sharp is an editorial fellow at The Root. Follow her on Twitter.