10 Black-Owned Sustainable Brands To Support Now And Always
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In 2020, amid the Black Lives Matter movement and a mass reckoning of racial relations in America, Aurora James asked major retailers to stock their shelves at least 15% with Black-owned brands, representing how Black Americans make up at least 15% of the country. What James highlighted is the inequality baked into our consumer habits. Many Black entrepreneurs cite the lack of inclusivity as the reason for starting their business, whether it be fashion, beauty, wellness, or more.
While it’s notable that corporations are taking more steps to include more Black-owned brands, there’s plenty that consumers themselves can still do to support these businesses. One thing to do is buy directly from the source rather than relying on the middleman — which means being purposeful and intentional about seeking out Black-owned businesses.
To help, we’ve compiled a list of sustainable black-owned businesses in areas ranging from beauty to fashion to lifestyle and beyond.
1. KNC Beauty
Best For: Cruelty-free lip masks
Price Starting At: $22
KNC Beauty is a Black-owned skincare brand founded by Kristen Noel Crawley, best known for its signature lip masks and collagen-infused beauty treatments. Inspired by a trip to Tokyo, Kristen sought to bring natural yet effective lip care to the market, launching the first all-natural collagen lip mask. Kristen Noel Crawley was strolling through a Japanese store and a wall of lip masks caught her eye. When she discovered there were no natural lip masks on the market, the solution was obvious: she had to create her own. Two years and countless trials later, Kristen created the first all-natural, collagen-infused lip mask that celebrities adore. Since then, KNC Beauty has expanded to include eye masks, lip scrubs, and balms infused with hydrating and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. The brand blends fun, playful packaging with clean formulas, making self-care feel luxurious and accessible.
2. Elexiay
Best For: Handcrafted crochet pieces
Price Starting At: $150
Elexiay is a Nigerian-based slow fashion brand specializing in handcrafted crochet pieces. The brand combines traditional West African craftsmanship with contemporary design, offering a range of statement knitwear, including sweaters, dresses, and accessories. By working with local artisans, Elexiay prioritizes ethical production and sustainability while preserving cultural heritage. Using knowledge passed down from generation to generation, Elexiay skillfully makes clothes without machines with the aim of producing clothes that cause little to no harm to the environment. All their crochet pieces are handmade and recyclable. “Our crochet pieces are made in Nigeria by the hands of female sartorially advanced crocheters. We believe in the creation of jobs locally and the empowerment of women, explains Elexiay’s founder Elyon Adede. The brand gained international attention for its intricate craftsmanship and bold, sculptural silhouettes, making it a go-to for unique, ethically made pieces.
3. Mela Vitamins
Best For: Vegan vitamin essentials
Price Starting At: $33
Mela Vitamins is a health and wellness brand formulated specifically for melanin-rich skin. Recognizing that people with darker skin tones often face unique skincare concerns like hyperpigmentation and vitamin D deficiency, Mela Vitamins creates science-backed supplements to address these needs. The brand is committed to natural and simple healthful solutions that are non-GMO, certified vegan, and gluten-free. They are also free from harmful fillers and unnecessary additives like magnesium stearate, magnesium silicate, and titanium dioxide. Their flagship product, a daily multivitamin, contains high-potency vitamin D, antioxidants, and skin-supporting nutrients tailored to promote radiant skin and overall health. Mela Vitamins is pioneering inclusive wellness by ensuring that traditionally overlooked communities have access to targeted health solutions.
4. House of Aama
Best For: Handcrafted Fashion Essentials
Price Starting At: $50
House of Aama is a fashion brand founded by mother-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka. Rooted in historical and cultural storytelling, the brand draws inspiration from the African diaspora, Southern traditions, and folklore. House of Aama’s collections feature intricate detailing, vintage-inspired silhouettes, and handcrafted textiles, bringing archival narratives to contemporary fashion. The brand’s pieces often incorporate elements like lace, embroidery, and natural dyes, making them both artistic and wearable. House of Aama stands as a testament to the power of clothing as a means of cultural expression.
5. Édas.Co
Best For: Accessories Made From Recycled Materials
Price Starting At: $15
Édas.Co is a contemporary accessories and lifestyle brand founded by Sade Mims. Known for its minimalist yet sculptural handbags, jewelry, and homeware, Édas.Co merges craftsmanship with modern design. Through creating quality items, Édas.Co hopes to reduce waste with items that will last for years while also repurposing and being a slow fashion business in a world of mass production. Each piece reflects a commitment to slow fashion, with a focus on sustainable materials and ethical production practices. The brand’s aesthetic is a blend of understated elegance and artistic experimentation, making it a favorite among fashion enthusiasts who appreciate timeless yet distinctive pieces.
6. ASHYA
Best For: Women-founded travel accessories
Price Starting At: $158
ASHYA is a Brooklyn-based accessories brand founded by Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece. Specializing in luxury travel accessories, the brand offers sleek, hands-free leather bags inspired by global travel and cultural exploration. The brand is a women-owned, LGBTQ-friendly brand that champions ethical fashion through sustainability and inclusivity. Committed to circular fashion, the brand minimizes waste by producing in small batches, upcycling materials, and using organic cotton linings. ASHYA’s dedication to thoughtful craftsmanship and responsible sourcing ensures that each travel accessory is both stylish and environmentally conscious, redefining luxury with intentionality and care. Their designs are a fusion of function and style, with crossbody and belt bags that embody minimalist sophistication. With its commitment to intentional design, ASHYA redefines travel accessories for the modern explorer.
7. Topicals
Best For: Science-backed skincare
Price Starting At: $16
Topicals is a skincare brand revolutionizing treatment for chronic skin conditions like eczema, hyperpigmentation, and acne. Founded by Olamide Olowe, Topicals blends science-backed formulations with a playful, Gen Z aesthetic. The brand uses only ingredients and botanicals that have been scientifically proven through third-party, peer-reviewed clinical studies, and formulates its products in collaboration with a scientific advisory board. They continuously refine formulas based on customer feedback and new clinical research which ensures that Topicals’ products are effective, efficient, and gentle on all skin types. Additionally, all Topicals products are free from dyes and animal testing. The brand’s bestsellers, like the Faded serum and Like Butter hydrating mask, are designed to be effective yet gentle on sensitive skin. With a mission to destigmatize skin conditions and promote confidence, Topicals also donates a portion of proceeds to mental health initiatives.
8. Brother Vellies
Best For: Fair-trade closet basics
Price Starting At: $35
Brother Vellies is a luxury footwear and accessories brand founded by Aurora James. Rooted in sustainability and African craftsmanship, the brand works with artisans across the continent to create handmade shoes, handbags, and accessories using traditional techniques and ethically sourced materials. Every step of the production process is approached with care, ensuring respect for artisans, customers, and the environment. The brand incorporates sustainable materials such as vegetable-tanned leathers, soles made from recycled tires, hand-carved wood, floral-dyed feathers, and various by-product materials sourced from farmers worldwide. Each piece tells a story of cultural preservation and environmental consciousness, with the brand championing slow fashion and fair wages for artisans. Brother Vellies is known for its signature silhouettes, including handwoven sandals, sculptural heels, and artisanal leather goods.
9. Sami Miró Vintage
Best For: Statement pieces made from recycled materials
Price Starting At: $45
“Protect Mother Earth. Without her, we do not exist.” – Sami Miró. Sami Miró Vintage is a sustainable fashion brand founded by stylist and designer Sami Miró. The brand specializes in creating beautiful, detail-oriented, long-lasting, and non-seasonal styles crafted from locally sourced deadstock and vintage fabrics, along with SMV-exclusive eco-responsible certified materials such as Tencel, hemp, and organic cotton. The brand’s sewing partners are family-owned facilities that ensure fair wages and safe working conditions, promoting equal partnerships within the community. Each collection emphasizes sustainability, with limited runs and small-batch production to minimize waste. Worn by celebrities and fashion-forward consumers, Sami Miró Vintage redefines luxury through a lens of environmental consciousness and innovative design.
10. The Honey Pot
Best For: Affordable feminine care
Price Starting At: $10
The Honey Pot is a plant-based feminine care brand founded by Bea Dixon dedicated to sustainability and ethical practices. Their formulations are powered by herbs and science, ensuring efficacy and safety. The company emphasizes the importance of grounding their commitment in science-backed research, conducting clinical tests to ensure their products are safe for even the most sensitive skin. By utilizing natural ingredients and adhering to rigorous testing standards, The Honey Pot provides eco-friendly solutions for intimate wellness. As one of the first Black-owned feminine hygiene brands, The Honey Pot continues to innovate in the wellness space while promoting education and empowerment around intimate health.
Sara Jin Li is an essayist, playwright, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. She is also the founder of Heretics Club, a literary salon for creative writers. You can find her on Instagram at @sarajinli.