Photo: Stock Photos from j.chizhe/Shutterstock
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.
We are well into February, which is also Black History Month in the United States. There are plenty of ways to support the black community right now and throughout the year. Whether you're donating, self-educating, or spreading knowledge by sharing resources with others via social, there's one direct way to play a positive role—shopping at Black-owned business. Supporting Black-owned businesses is a win-win for everyone. You are helping someone make their dreams come true while getting something awesome in return. From ceramics to illustrations to home decor, these small business owners produce pieces that will prove to be your new favorite items in your life.
Many of these small businesses will add some bright colors to your everyday. Jessi Raulet, aka EttaVee, adorns items with her vibrant abstract paintings while Jeanetta Gonzales can make even a Monday feel special with her fancy florals adorning mugs, phone cases, and more. For a more nature-inspired touch, look to Black-owned brands like The Zen Succulent. The North Carolina-based store has two locations and sells air plants (and other houseplants if you’re local) as well as all of the accouterments that go along with them—such as planters with serious personality.
Those stores are just a few of the businesses we've highlighted on our list, which contains just a fraction of great Black-owned businesses to support. Scroll down for more.
Support These Small Businesses Owned By Black Business Owners
Jeanetta Gonzales
View this post on Instagram
Jeanetta Gonzales creates a variety of printed matter that can add color and pattern to your everyday life. From mugs to phone cases to greeting cards, her painterly pieces are bright and charming with fashionable ladies and fancy florals.
The Black Home
View this post on Instagram
Neffi Walker of The Black Home has decor items that will make your abode feel even cozier. She has a line of candles to fill your shelf space as well as stunning minimalist flatware that includes gold-dipped tops. The utensils are perfect for entertaining.
Jungalow
View this post on Instagram
Started by Justina Blakeney, the Jungalow is all about bringing “good vibes” home. The sustainable lifestyle brand has collections designed by Blakeney as well as curated fair-trade products from makers around the globe—including limited edition prints from female artists. Their shopping categories include rugs, wallpaper, bed and bath, and more.
Unwrp
View this post on Instagram
If you want fun and sustainable gift wrapping, then you’ll want to visit Unwrp. They have gift bags, cards, stickers, and fabric for furoshiki, the Japanese art of wrapping gifts in cloth.
Mind the Cork
View this post on Instagram
Jenny Espirito Santo is the woman behind the brand Mind the Cork, which uses the unique, eco-friendly material to create planters and cardholders. Minimalist in its aesthetic, Santo lets the beauty of the cork shine by leaving many of the planters looking natural.
Rayo & Honey
View this post on Instagram
Rayo & Honey combines “pop-culture, literature, and a clean design aesthetic.” Some of their most popular products include pennants with positive sayings that are meant to inspire wherever they are hung.
Tal & Bert
View this post on Instagram
Tal & Bert combines raw natural minerals and industrial concrete to create planters that are a beautiful fusion of these two aesthetics. “Our work is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, finding the beauty in imperfections. We take the cracks and breakages in the concrete and turn them into designs inspired by minerals we mine.”
Black Pepper Paperie Co.
View this post on Instagram
Hadiya Williams is the designer behind Black Pepper Paperie Co., and she creates handcrafted pieces—including ceramic art, home decor, and paper goods—that have “cultural influences from across the African diaspora.”
EttaVee
View this post on Instagram
Jessi Raulet, aka EttaVee, produces colorful, hand-painted designs that span a variety of products. Often abstract, these bold paintings cover steel water bottles, stationery, and glass ornaments. You can find some of her work in her store while other collaborations, such as phone cases, are available through sites like Casetify.
Lolly Lolly Ceramics
View this post on Instagram
Lolly Lolly Ceramics produces mugs that are a delightful twist on convention. Lalese is the maker of the dishware that plays with how we expect coffee mug handles to look. Her designs run the gamut, from being thin coils to chunky geometric shapes, but they are never boring.
Tactile Matter
View this post on Instagram
Tactile Matter is the work of Kenesha Sneed, an artist and illustrator whose images grace prints and throw blankets and appear on magazine covers and in art galleries. In addition to the work she sells in her online shop, Sneed also collaborates with brands on printed clothing.
Things by HC
View this post on Instagram
Hilton Carter is known for his amazing way of growing plants and styling them. His home definitely plants parent goals. But did you know that he creates products, too? In his shop called Things by HC, you’ll find propagation cradles, watering cans, his books, and even an apron to keep you tidy as you tend to your own plants.
Jen Hewett
View this post on Instagram
As a printmaker, surface designer, textile artist, and teacher, Jen Hewett adorns her nature-inspired imagery on scarves, tea towels, pins, and more.
Eeni Edit
View this post on Instagram
Eeni Edit is a fictional fashionista whose bags are always packed for her next adventure. The illustrations will make you wish you had her wardrobe and got to go on as many fabulous trips. Channel that energy when you buy phone cases, planners, stickers, and more.
R-Ki-Tekt
View this post on Instagram
Kel Cadet of R-Ki-Tekt creates made-to-order products that are paintings you can hold in your hand. Her most striking pieces are leather wallets, which are as practical as they are beautiful. Their collection of jewelry is inspired by Africa and West India.
The Zen Succulent
View this post on Instagram
The Zen Succulent is perfect for plant parents. If you’re local to their Raleigh or Durham, North Carolina stores, you can pick up a variety of house plants in addition to planters. But if you’re far from their shops, they have air plants and planters as well as other home accessories available online that will give a bright and natural touch to your home.
This article has been edited and updated.
Related Articles:
20+ Children’s Books That Discuss Race and Racism
21 Fantastic Art Prints From Black Artists on Etsy To Liven Up Your Space
20+ of the Best Etsy Shops for Creative Products From Makers Around the World
