This story originally appeared on The Local Moms Network.
Looking to support Black mom-owned businesses, during Black History Month and all year round? From shoes to wine to beauty and more, we’ve curated a list of our favorite products founded by Black moms on a mission to leave the world just a bit better off.
Rebecca Allen launched her shoe line after years of searching for nude pumps to complement her skin tone. Today, her line has expanded to include boots, flats, sneakers and sandals in a range of luxurious nude shades. Allen’s success story (read more here) shows how turning a personal pain point into a business can create products that resonate deeply with an underserved market.
Denise Woodard founded Partake in 2016 when her daughter was diagnosed with multiple food allergies. Every product in her line – which includes cookies, breakfast mixes, grahams and more – is certified gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan and is free of the top 9 allergens (wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, sesame and shellfish). Partake’s mission extends beyond its own products – the company partners with organizations like No Kid Hungry to join the fight against food insecurity.
Founded in 2005 by Robin and Andréa McBride, McBride Sisters Wine celebrates diversity and empowerment through its offerings.Their collection includes SHE CAN canned wine and its related SHE CAN Professional Development Fund, as well as Black Girl Magic, “inspired by the magic and resilience of Black women, to be enjoyed by all.”
Decorated track and field athlete, Allyson Felix, faced a harsh reality when her longtime sponsor slashed her pay by 70% after she became pregnant. As she pursued her fifth Olympics, she was left grappling with the decision of which shoes to wear. As a result, she founded Saysh, a sneaker collection engineered for everyday performance. Her brand and advocacy against the inequalities plaguing sponsored women athletes sparked a long-overdue reckoning, with several major athletic sponsors announcing maternity protection policies and overhauled corporate practices.
Brittany Kozerski’s fashion expertise shines through in her minimalist swimwear brand, launched in 2016. As a former editor and stylist, she crafted designs versatile enough to transition from the beach to the streets (making packing easier for busy moms!). Kozerski prioritizes sustainability every step of the way – from using eco-friendly fabrics to implementing conscious production methods and biodegradable packaging.
Founder Stephanie Summerson Hall’s luxury brand of hand-blown glassware items was inspired by her grandmother, Estelle. As a child and up through her college years, Stephanie accompanied Estelle on antiquing journeys, building her colored glass collection with pieces perfect for party hosting. (You can read more about Estelle and her signature dessert, here!) Described as “jewels for your table,” Estelle Colored Glass ranges from picture-perfect cake stands to rainbow-hued stemware, guaranteed to liven up any party.
Tracey Vontélle Green started Vontélle Eyewear to celebrate African, Caribbean, and Latin heritage through vibrant patterns and traditional designs like mud cloth and kente cloth, while focusing on better-fitting frames for diverse facial features. The brand has partnered WIN to provide proceeds and eyewear to women and families in need, as well as Black Eyecare Perspective, an organization dedicated to equity in eyecare through awareness, actionable change and accountability.
Savonne Anderson was working full time as a graphic designer in NYC when she started Aya Paper Company, a collection of greeting cards and stationery that “reflect the diversity of the Black experience.” With values that center around authenticity, sustainably, and community, it’s no wonder the brand has expanded to include calendars, journals, pens and more.
Felisha “Fe” Noel’s womenswear brand is heavily influenced by her Caribbean heritage. With bright prints and strong silhouettes, her pieces are sure to make a statement. Felisha gives back to the community through her Fe Noel Foundation, a program for young girls who are passionate about entrepreneurship.
Founded in 2017 by Raynell “Supa Cent” Steward, The Crayon Case Cosmetics Company is a school supplies-themed makeup line designed to be accessible for beginners while maintaining professional-grade quality. The New Orleans native’s commitment to community shines through her initiatives like the “Crayon Cuties” program, which champions rising makeup artists, while her innovative approach makes cosmetics approachable and exciting for all.
Boxing promotor Natlyn Jones’ mission is “to nurture the fighting spirit within all women and lead them towards championing their health, wellness and inner warrior.” Through her line of sustainable (and stylish!) activewear brand, the mom of 3 helps women dress like champions for all types of workouts.
We’d be remiss to leave Rihanna’s industry-changing Fenty Beauty off our list. The singer-turned-mogul created the brand with a focus on inclusivity and hard-to-match skin tones. Her bestselling Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, available in an unprecedented 58 shades, set a new standard that left established beauty giants playing catch-up. After just a few years, Fenty Beauty has skyrocketed to become one of the most popular and influential makeup brands globally, a testament to Rihanna’s visionary approach.
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