Sharon Chuter keeps changing the beauty world. After launching her own beauty brand, Uoma Beauty, in 2018, she started the Pull Up or Shut Up initiative in the summer of 2020, challenging brands to put their money where their mouth is in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.  She kept the movement going with her Make It Black campaign during last year’s Black History Month, and this year she’s doing it yet again. 

Starting February 3, the campaign is back. Make It Black has partnered with eight brands and two retailers to reimagine the their best-selling products in sleek, all-black packaging. These limited-edition products from UOMA Beauty, E.L.F. Cosmetics, MAC Cosmetics, Mented, Morphe, Flower Beauty, Ulta Beauty, Ipsy and BoxyCharm will be available during all of Black History Month at Ulta, as well as the brands’ own channels. 

“I hope it shows everyone who sees these products the transformative power of black,” Chuter told Glamour last year about the project. “When we say black is beautiful, it’s not just something every Black person uses to console themselves. Black indeed is truly beautiful. When you take something that was any other color and turn it black, you know what it looks like: It instantly looks luxurious. It instantly looks beautiful. Absolutely sleek. Absolutely chic.”

Chuter is taking it a step above optics—100% of profits from all participating brands will be going to the Pull Up for Change Impact Fund, which provides capital to emerging Black founders, who are historically underfunded. Last year the fund was able to raise over $400,000, which was deployed as grants to eight female founders. 

“As a Black Female founder, I understand, first-hand, the struggles of raising capital or accessing funding,” Chuter said in a statement. “In fact, I am one of only 93 Black women in the history of America who have raised over $1M for start-ups. On the other hand, the average white male receives $2.1M to fund their start-ups. We have a long way to go to create true economic equality, and there is no equality without equity. This is where I am proud to play a small part in supporting other Black female founders to make their dreams a reality, and to truly get the seat at the table that they very well deserve.”

It took me years to become a morning person. I read a book called “The 5 AM Club” and it just seems so overwhelming, so I took it 15 minutes at a time. I started waking up at 7:30 a.m., and gradually shaved off 15 minutes each week to let my body adjust. Having that time is key to my morning routine, which is very precious to me. Your boss doesn’t send you an email at 5:00 a.m., unless, of course, I’m your boss.

On finding a creative outlet

I always told myself I’d reach a personal level of success when I could have flowers in my apartment every week—not because a boy sent them, just because. I’ve been taking flower arranging classes online, which created this newfound flower practice, which I’ve really committed myself to. I choose the arrangements throughout the week and do different designs. I have different arrangements in different rooms, even my bathroom. So that’s been a new creative outlet to play with and have fun. 

On the power of body care

I’ve been really focusing on skin care from the neck-down. I’ve always spent a lot of time on my face, but lately, I’ve been really into the décolletage during the Zoom era. It’s always nice to talk to my mom about skin care, because she’ll tell me what she wishes she’d done more of, or what she’s really glad she stuck with. My mom has amazing soft skin, and we were talking about the idea of moisturizing that upper area, moisturizing your arms. As a curvy girl, I’ve been really passionate about moisturizing the areas of my body that are sort of my “trouble” spots. I have a love-hate relationship with my arms, my inner thighs, my tummy—so I’ve been moisturizing them like crazy with raw cocoa butter, and my skin on my body has been on another level of softness.

What’s the best book you’ve read lately?

“Akata Warrior” by Nnedi Okorafor. It’s about this Nigerian girl who discovers she has superpowers. Her and her friends have this secret avengers life. I like that there are Black American characters and Nigerian characters. My dad was born in Nigeria and my mom’s Black American. I’m like, “One of my cousins talks like that, and the other one talks like that,” so I kind of embody the book. And I always return to Proberbs 18:16 as an affirmation: “Your gifts will make room for you.”

Jasmine Marie, founder of Black Girls Breathing

How are you, really?

My perspective on life in quarantine is unique. Beyond the isolation and collective grief everyone’s experienced, I am also a practitioner who’s made space for thousands in a month’s time. From corporate sessions to Black Girls Breathing, I’ve been up close and personal while witnessing and guiding others through this time. I’ve felt the heaviness of the grief and trauma experienced in the Black community in my breathing sessions and my inbox. It’s not just a statistic for us. They’re real-life stories and community members who’ve been impacted by losing loved ones, jobs, and hope. I’ve also experienced loss from Covid, compacting grief from loss in the past year—all while being the CEO of a rapidly growing startup. It’s been a lot. Everyone is going through so much. But as someone constantly sought after for guidance on how to get through, I’ve asked myself many times, “But what about me?”

What are simple joys you turn to during sad or stressful times?

To be honest, I’m rediscovering all of these. A lot of the ways I found joy (taking a walk in the park, picking up my favorite meal, anything that helped me decompress outside of my home) in hindsight depended on me feeling safe. I’m currently navigating what safety feels and looks like to me after surviving an attempted carjacking a few weeks ago. It happened while I was out shopping for candles (another favorite thing I do to shift my mood). So right now, I’m figuring that out. In the meantime, I’m finding mood boosts in Curb Your Enthusiasm and hot coffee in my favorite new mugs I got from West Elm, plus the Honey Vanilla Oat Latte from my local cafe, The Daily Dose. My go-to mantra is, “You’re doing your best, babe.” And any time I find the space to skip outside, I do it. Skipping is an instant joy booster.

Danielle Coke, designer, illustrator, and social media strategist

How are you, really?

I’m doing better, that’s for sure. Incorporating rhythms of rest in my daily routine has definitely helped me fight burnout and spend more time taking care of myself and my wellbeing!

On getting artsy with your hands

One simple joy has been finding more ways to use my hands to create. As a digital artist, it can be hard to dedicate time for physically making art, so I’m always so excited when I can set aside moments for painting, scrapbooking, putting puzzles together, or even building things.

On reading as self care

One of the biggest self-care rituals would probably be reading more regularly. I always told myself that I’d read more if I had more time, and I’ve found that reading books about inspiration or self-improvement help me to process mental challenges so much easier. I’m going to also get into reading fiction for fun. I’m currently reading “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer and it is completely redefining what rest means to me and how to stay mentally/emotionally healthy in a chaotic world. It’s one of my faves!

What about skin care?

I started seeing an esthetician for the first time late last year, and starting an actual skin care routine has been so incredible for me. I’ve been using practically the entire Cosmedix line and I can already feel a huge difference in my skin. It also adds a sense of comfort and normalcy to have a regular routine to wind down with at the end of the day.

What are simple joys you turn to during sad or stressful times?

The best kind of joy doesn’t sway with our circumstances. It helps us stay grounded and is a safe place to retreat to when life gets hard. No matter how small, discover rhythms of rest and regular moments of joy each day! My favorite quote is from “Our Deepest Fear” by Marianne Williamson, and I’ve been clinging to the last two lines in particular: “And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated by our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” I aim to be my truest self at all times, and I hope that it can be a source of inspiration for others!

Christina Caradona, blogger and content creator

How are you, really?

I feel very free! Zero constraints with more room to grow and truly be myself. It’s been a journey to get here (a serious journey), but this feeling is something I’d like to hold onto forever. One day I would like to look back at this time in my life and smile.

What are simple joys you turn to during sad or stressful times?

Music! Music makes me so happy; it shapes my day. Also, it’s crazy what a good conversation with a friend can do to get you back on track to feeling like your best self.

On listening to your body

I listen to my body and napping when I want to nap, and try not to push myself so hard. I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep the napping around too long, but I will absolutely keep listening to my body. If I’m hungry, I will eat. No more punishing myself. I’m much happier this way. Lately, I’ve been making veggie stock; it’s my Sunday ritual. I find it so soothing. It’s also super easy to make and a great way to be more sustainable. Little things like this make me a happier person.

On affirmations and making the day count

I tell myself “I love you, you’re so smart, fun, and worthy” every day in the mirror. Mainly because I’m constantly talking to myself and also because it makes me feel good. I think just taking time to take care of yourself is a great way to get on that path to self joy. Whatever is not giving you joy get rid of it. This goes for friends, too. If they aren’t pushing you to be the best version of yourself then they’re not for you. When you wake up, it’s just you and the world. Every single day is literally a brand new day so make the day count.

With each passing day, I hope for us to move beyond the waves of racism and prejudice, and for the world to see us as we are, beautiful and important. Thick lips, long noses, several ways to shape our hair, and an extreme amount of melanin applied impeccably. It’s past time to write a new script for our story.

Her go-to beauty products: At the moment, Rihanna’s makeup brand Fenty Beauty is my favorite. Not only for the quality, but for the care in meeting our skin tone and also for the representation achieved.

Nontando Mposo, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour SA

Where she lives: South Africa

What Black beauty means to her: Black beauty means being yourself and proud of what makes you unique: your skin, your features, and your culture or roots. It is confident and beautiful.

How it’s viewed in her country: I’m based in Cape Town, one of the most diverse cities in South Africa and where the remnants of apartheid are still very visible. Racism is prevalent and as a Black person you still need to prove yourself five times over than your white counterparts in the workplace and in social environments.

Her thoughts on representation: There has been some great progress while at the same time there is a lot of work to be done toward bridging the racial divide. We have been spoon-fed the Western narrative for far too long and this continues to cause some damage—physical and mentally. We now see more of ourselves in the media, more than before, and that is leading to the change in narrative. Black women entering the beauty space such as Rihanna have contributed tremendously into fast-tracking representation as well.

Her go-to beauty products: My ultimate favorite beauty product remains Elizabeth Arden’s renowned Eight Hour Cream. I also swear by the Collagen Oil by natural skin care range, Healthway, and the Nivea Sun Moisturizing Sun Lotion SPF 50+.

Loyin Ogunbusola, Artist 

Where she lives: England

What Black beauty means to her: I see it everywhere, from the aunties dressed in their gele on their way to the shops to the girls having a good laugh on the back of the bus. To me, Black beauty means loving myself unapologetically despite the perpetual white forces telling me that I’m not attractive. It’s unapologetic and it has lineage, heritage, and strength. I know that our beauty can’t be contained or put in a box.

Her thoughts on representation: When it comes to the representation in the media, we have made progress but there is so much work left to done. We need to start seeing more Black women with darker complexions in cinema, film, music, the works! Colorism is still a problem, and it continues to reinforces the dialogue that Black isn’t beautiful.

Her go-to beauty products: The things I can’t live without right now are Glossier’s Futuredew, Ayé Moringa Oil, Okin Epidermis Body Butter, and the Constellates Yoni Steam.

Funmi Fetto, Author, Contributing Editor at British Vogue, and Host of On Reflection

Where she lives: England

What Black beauty means to her: I think what is really important to note about our Blackness, our beauty and us as a people is that we are not monolithic. What makes us beautiful is a myriad of things from our hues to our mindset to our sisterhood and shared history.

How it’s viewed in her country: Black beauty and culture are very closely intertwined. I think Black beauty is celebrated in certain spaces whereas in other spaces it is fetishized, othered, treated with curiosity, or ignored. Black people in the UK still find themselves in numerous everyday situations in work and in life where they are the only one, and it can be quite difficult to feel appreciated when the subliminal messaging you’re bombarded with is that you’re different—and not in a positive way. That said, London is a melting pot so you can find your tribe and community and immerse yourself as much as possible in the solace, strength, and celebration you find within that.

Her thoughts on representation: While yes, there are signs that representation of Black beauty in the media has improved, it’s a total fallacy to claim it’s progressed significantly. Many beauty brands may show Black faces in their advertising, but look closely and you’ll see that a huge percentage of those predominantly featured fall under a type of Blackness that is “palatable” to a white audience. Lighter skin, narrower features, looser curls, etc. 

I wouldn’t be the smart, sassy, and super ambitious woman I am without my mother, Mary Ann Wilson. That trifecta of qualities was then recognized and uplifted by a handful of Black women in the media industry, including the incomparable Jacklyn Monk, who is currently the managing editor at the Wall Street Journal Magazine. Her impact on my career is immeasurable, but she has also been a guiding light in my personal life. For that, and so much more, I’m grateful. —Julee Wilson, beauty director at Cosmopolitan Magazine

The first woman outside of my family who I remember admiring for her beauty, grace, and authenticity is Alicia Keys. Her piano talents moved me, her genuine personality inspired me, and her simply being a Black woman who looked like me made me realize that I too had a lot to love about myself as a Black girl. —Amber Stevens West, actress, who will star in Run the World on Starz this spring

The heroine that I am spotlighting is Mrs. Opal Lee, who is a civil rights icon from Texas. At 94 years young, she has spent her life in service of others. She has been the lifeblood of creating awareness about Juneteenth, which commemorates the day that enslaved people in Texas finally found out that they were free—two and a half long years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Opal Lee was a part of the fabric of my childhood, and she always felt larger than life when I would see her proudly walking at the head of the annual Juneteenth parade, leading it through the streets of Fort Worth. She is the reason that I was able to attend the Miss Juneteenth pageant, a scholastic beauty pageant for young Black women that my film is based on. It created an opportunity for the community to invest in these young women’s futures and inspired me by celebrating young women that looked like me with hope and optimism for their futures on their faces. Juneteenth is American history, and Opal Lee continues to work tirelessly in her mission to make Juneteenth a national holiday. —Channing Godfrey Peoples, writer, director, and producer of her feature film directorial debut, Miss Juneteenth

Billie Holiday is one of the women who helped me to step into my potential. Hearing “Sugar” for the first time changed my very limited idea of what a great singer is and allowed me to eventually own my own voice and style. Hearing “Strange Fruit” for the first time stopped me in my tracks and helped me realize the power I’ve been endowed with as a black woman. —Andra Day, singer, songwriter, and actress starring in the lead role in The United States vs. Billie Holiday

My big sister, Chinyere, has always been an inspiration to me. Growing up in the same Nigerian American household, she made bold and unique choices that showed me just how endless my options truly were. An M.D. with an MBA and an MFA, she is a brave, brilliant woman who empowers those around her to walk in their own truth and pursue their passions unapologetically. —Ego Nwodim, actress and comedian on the cast of Saturday Night Live

Black history is American history, and the LGBTQ movement is inextricably linked to Black activists and thought-leaders who’ve helped shape the community into what it is today. There wouldn’t be Pride Month without Black trans women like Marsha P. Johnson and Stormé DeLarverie, who have just begun to gain widespread recognition for their pivotal roles in the battle for liberation. Black queer people from Audre Lorde to Alice Walker and James Baldwin are to thank for their indelible leadership across generations—and Patrisse Cullors and Alicia Garza, Black queer women who co-founded Black Lives Matter, are at the helm of today’s worldwide civil rights movement.

Whether you’re reading this during Black History Month, Pride Month, or any other time of year, it’s a good day to use your buying power to uplift Black queer creatives. Not only are Black-owned brands twice as likely to get rejected for loans, but the coronavirus has disproportionately impacted the Black community. Even still, modern-day artists and entrepreneurs continue to push boundaries with their work, bringing us fashion with a message, chic home objects, and vintage curation with unique perspectives.

It’s impossible to encapsulate all of the Black LGBTQ innovators changing the game, but you can shop a selection of brands we’re loving at the moment below—and when you’re done, hop over to our favorite Black-owned brands and LGBTQ+ businesses.

No Sesso (meaning “no gender” in Italian) challenges “the conventions of fashion, art, culture and design” and focuses on empowering people of all colors, shapes, and identities. As the first trans designer to show at New York Fashion Week, Perrie Davies is working to build a safe space for underrepresented community members in a notoriously exclusive industry.

Nicole Zizi puts sustainability at the forefront of her brand, creating premium streetwear from recycled and ethically made materials. The line offers minimalist sweatsuits ideal for working from home, and sleek fanny packs for when you’re on the go. 

Dubbed the Bushwick Birkin, the Telfar Shopping Bag has been spotted on everyone from Solange to Selena Gomez, and the genderless label is one to know. Queer Liberian American designer Telfar Clemens, 2017 winner of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award, is a pioneer in genderless fashion, and challenges the often rigid high-fashion arena with utilitarian designs at more accessible price points.

James Flemons is the designer behind the (somewhat) eponymous label, Phlemuns. It’s a unisex clothing brand that has graced the likes of Solange and Lil Nas X. Merging unisex androgyny with classic silhouettes, designer James Flemons juxtaposes the feminine and masculine with thoughtful designs intended to last a lifetime.

Writer, artist, and actress Rinny Perkins is particularly skilled at sending necessary messages with graphic design, reminding everyone of the importance of intersectionality, paying Black women, and prioritizing the female orgasm. Leave it to her retro designs to put a cool vibe on any barren wall or surface in your space.

This Brooklyn business is built on a motivation to curate a collection that mirrors Black cultural expression and lived experiences. Founders Jannah Handy and Kiyanna Stewart offer a variety of one-of-a-kind collectibles including vinyl, clothing, art, and accessories at their BedStuy shop (temporarily closed) and online. You don’t come across unique vintage gems like this every day.

Based in Philly, Two Minds Press is a queer, Black one-woman show bringing us silkscreen pressed handprinted clothing, accessories, and prints.

Founded in 2009 by twin designers Corianna and Brianna Dotson, the NYC-based Coco and Breezy Eyewear offers optical glasses and sunglassess that don’t sacrifice form or function. According to the brand, “Eyewear is the outfit and your clothing is the accessory.”

Bloom and Plume Coffee is a beloved East L.A. shop inspired by the South African philosophy Ubuntu, meaning “I am because you are.” Founded by Maurice Harris and his brother, the company is dedicated to providing a place of belonging for people from all walks of life. Get merch online, and if you’re nearby, the shop is open for curbside pickup.

The Show & Tell Concept Shop is an Oakland-based platform “for unique, vibrant, inclusive style that promotes bold beauty and joyful living.” Founded in 2011, the shop carries its own handmade collection, as well as an evolving selection of ethical and sustainable goods from like-minded brands.

With an emphasis on superior construction, movement, textures, Kenneth Nicholson is redefining what menswear looks like. He began hosting fashion presentations at 14, and has served in the U.S. Navy and traveled the world for global inspiration that can be found all throughout the line.

Stuzo Clothing is a genderless clothing company founded by a queer POC couple. Shop hats, masks, and statement button-downs with eye-catching prints and phrases.

Shop timeless streetwear and objects from the multifaceted brand by rapper and barber Gaia Earthpeace, and keep an eye out for events once the world opens back up.

Infuse your style with global accents by Makoma, a lifestyle brand inspired by the African diaspora. The brand offers one-of-a-kind contemporary designs via the site and monthly pop-up shops, which will put a unique spin on a coat rack near you.

Shop gender neutral tees plus masks and accessories with a message from A Tribe Called Queer, an L.A.-based QBIPOC-owned shop, zine, podcast, and events brand by Sabine Maxine Lopez. 

Crystal lovers, get into Black Queer Magic. The brand was founded by Vanessa Miller, a self-taught jeweler and social worker who merges their love of community activism and therapeutic interventions with jewelry design. “Jewelry has given me the freedom to express my identity and to find myself over, and over again,” Miller shared on the site.

When the women quilters of Gee’s Bend—most of whom are descendants of former slaves forced to work on the Gee family’s cotton plantation—first launched on Etsy, their handcrafted color-blocked quilts sold out overnight. This shouldn’t come as a surprise: The patchwork designs, often completed on a large scale, are historical works of art hanging in museums across the country. 

This Etsy milestone—a partnership between Souls Grown Deep and the nonprofit Nest—is a prime example of how Black creators can thrive in not just an online marketplace, but any marketplace when given the opportunity. In this specific instance, Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson tells Glamour, access to the platform enables the women quilters of Gee’s Bend to sell their goods independently to a global audience while also preserving the history and cultural value of the community.

As a hub for diverse artistry, Etsy has always appealed to entrepreneurs looking to turn their passions into real, thriving businesses. And the women quilters of Gee’s Bend are just a few among many talented Black creators enriching the site right now. “Etsy’s community of Black sellers specialize in a wide range of art forms and creative mediums, from jewelry making to painting to woodworking,” Isom Johson says. “It’s so exciting to see what these makers create, especially with items that are influenced by our history and highlight the beauty of Black culture.” 

In honor of Black History Month, Etsy has updated its homepage to feature popular Black-owned Etsy shops. Some of Isom Johnson’s favorite things on the site include spice blends inspired by Southern cuisine, carved pottery that embodies crafting techniques passed down from previous generations, artwork that depicts the importance of familial bonds, and clothing that incorporates wax print fabrics. 

If you want to shop small and support Black-owned businesses, there are countless Black-owned Etsy shops worth checking out. Here is a sampling of some of the site’s most popular sellers. Get to know what they do—and shop their creations below. 

Gee’s Bend Quilters

There are currently nine women quilters selling their works on Etsy—and more are coming. You’ll notice the shops are marked with the official Gee’s Bend Quilts logo on Etsy. For Kristin Pettway, one of the younger quilters at 23, this is an exciting opportunity to sell her quilts beyond just the small groups of people who make the trip to Gee’s Bend. She picked up quilting by watching her mom, her aunt, and her grandma, she told Glamour. Her inspiration tends to come from a color or fabric she likes, and she often uses old sheets or old clothes to fashion her quilts.

To facilitate this partnership—and ensure the Gee’s Bend Quilters have the resources they need to maintain and grow their own Etsy shops—Souls Grown Deep helped established the Gee’s Bend Resource Center, offering the first free public Internet access and laptop computers for the community. Nest’s support has also been crucial in getting the Etsy shops up and running—for instance, helping the women set up bank accounts to enable digital payment and offering personalized training on shipping logistics. Nest will remain active in the Bend, Isom Johnson says, to help with long-term strategy (including branding, product photography, and sales and marketing). 

Candice Luter

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Candice Luter’s macrame wall hangings. The artist uses natural cotton rope to create abstract designs that add texture to blank walls (or unexpected furnishings like mirrors). Each piece is handmade, and Luter works closely with customers at every step to create something that’s truly unique.

BluMint Studios

Industrial designer Blake Alexander plays with color and texture to create gallery-worthy home furnishings. His handcrafted squiggly coasters and candleholders are like mini works of art. 

Lovely Earthlings

If you like to shop for gifts on Etsy, Lovely Earthlings is a great place to find colorful prints, notecards, and tote bags. Whether she depicts a plant mom or a dog lover, graphic designer Karina Daniel Parris uses female caricatures to celebrate diverse hair textures, shapes, and skin tones.  

Omi Woods

For heirloom-worthy jewelry, look no further than Omi Woods. The founder, Ashley Alexis McFarlane, says her designs are inspired by her African heritage and its diaspora. Her gold coin chains are best-sellers on Etsy, with each piece handcrafted from sustainable materials using the traditional lost-wax casting technique.  

Secondhand Shawty

Vintage lovers, rejoice! From velvet jumpsuits to denim shackets, Carmen Jones’s Etsy boutique is like a time capsule for ’80s and ’90s fashion that feels equally on trend today. 

Maw Supply

Founded in 2012 by Rachelle and Norman Clark, Maw Supply is another Black-owned Etsy shop worth keeping tabs on if you love vintage. The Texas-based couple isn’t fixated on a particular decade. Instead they curate pieces based on what fits the current mood, like the vintage lace blouse below, which could totally work as a Zoom top.

Made by Rheal

Made by Rheal’s handcrafted pieces are a total win among home decor enthusiasts. You can find everything from painted throws to marbled coasters and crystal-filled hands to add a bit of intrigue to your space. (The shop’s wares would also make perfect gifts!)

Bespoke Binny

Look to Natalie Manima for vibrant African-inspired homewares—think pillows, throws, aprons, and oven mittens. Manima’s graphic wax-print lampshades also earned her a spot as a 2020 Etsy Design Awards finalist.

Patty Wack Vintage

Support the Black LGBTQ+ community—and really good fashion—by shopping with Sabine Maxine, a Black queer femme with a sprawling vintage Etsy boutique. Everything feels incredibly curated, even though Maxine sources pieces from different decades. 

The Crafty Swirl

Ilana Mayes, the L.A.-based woodworker behind The Crafty Swirl, is known for her two-tone shelves that allow you to create aesthetically pleasing vignettes of your favorite treasures. She took on woodworking a few years ago when she moved into her own space and had a small budget for decorating. She started staining, sanding, and repainting cheap furniture—and hasn’t looked back since. Check her boutique out for any home decor and smart storage needs. 

TW Aromatics & Co

Virginia-based Trenace Williams started selling handmade scented goods last June and has already gained a loyal following. Whether you’re into moody notes of plum and black cherry or prefer the freshness of tropical fruit and sage, “each scent has a purpose to bring about balance, peace, and motivation,” she writes on her website. 

Dorcas Creates

Dorcas Magbadelo is a U.K.-based artist who says she’s “passionate about representing and uplifting Black people—specifically Black women—through illustration.” Her designs (printed on totes, T-shirts, notebooks, and greeting cards) feature lots of bold colors and references to her Nigerian heritage.

Natalie Gaynor Designs

There are so many interesting embroidery designers on Etsy, and Natalie Blamire is one of them. Her hoops often feature pretty florals and inspirational messages (like “This too shall pass” or “You got this”). If you want to pick up a new hobby, Blamire also curates DIY kits that reviewers say are super easy to start with. 

Tal & Bert

Geode planters are to 2021 what crystals and plants were in 2020. These small vessels are perfect for housing air plants, succulents, or candles, or just sitting prettily on your desk. Husband-and-wife duo Ray and Val Talbert, launched their business last February and impressively expanded during the pandemic into a two-studio company with a brick-and-mortar storefront.

Sharon Chuter is relentless. Since launching her #PullUpOrShutUpChallenge in June 2020, the Uoma Beauty founder hasn’t slowed down or stopped demanding that brands create actionable steps towards equality for Black and Brown people. The Pull Up or Shut Up movement was a game changer, mainly because it made obvious just how little companies actually do internally to champion their BIPOC employees. For the first time, major brands and companies got real with consumers about their employment figures, revealing, for example, how many BIPOC work in boardrooms versus behind cash registers.

While the campaign sent shockwaves through many communities, most Black and brown folks weren’t surprised. We’ve known for a long time why offensive or exclusionary ad campaigns get through marketing teams to the public eye. We know why it took so long for shades that match our skin tones to become accessible to us, not just in production but actually stocked in stores. It’s because of a lack of representation in the upper echelons of businesses. 

What Chuter did with the #PullUporShutUpChallenge was make that knowledge the internet’s business. Brands were forced to respond with more than a pastel-toned Black Lives Matter Instagram or—worse—black square. It worked. Companies promised to do better, to be Blacker at the creative and executive levels, and to dismantle their internal racist structures by making diversity a priority. Now Chuter is yet again demanding more with the launch of a new campaign, Make It Black, and as usual, she means business.

Launching February 5, Make It Black is partnering with Ulta Beauty and nine major beauty brands to reimagine the packaging of their iconic and cult favorite products beautifully in all black everything. These limited edition products from Briogeo, Colourpop, Dragun Beauty, Flower Beauty, Maybelline, Morphe, NYX, PUR, Chuter’s own Uoma Beauty, and Ulta Beauty, are available for the duration of Black History month through Ulta’ and the brands’ webpages. 

“I hope it shows everyone who sees these products the transformative power of black,” Chuter says. “When we say black is beautiful, it’s not just something every Black person uses to console themselves. Black indeed is truly beautiful. When you take something that was any other color and turn it black, you know what it looks like: It instantly looks luxurious. It instantly looks beautiful. Absolutely sleek. Absolutely chic.”

Of course, the campaign doesn’t stop at optics. “We’re going one step further because we pull up for change,” Chuter says. “Everything we do has to have an economic benefit.” Which is why 100% of the gross profits from the Make It Black line will be contributed to Chuter’s Pull Up for Change Impact Fund, which provides capital to Black-owned businesses and Black business-owners-to-be who, historically, don’t get the same monetary backing as businesses launched by their white counterparts. 

If retailers learned anything from 2020, it’s that posting black squares on Instagram is not enough to support the Black community. After Sephora took part in the 15 Percent Pledge over the summer, Ulta Beauty is now stepping up in its own way. 

On February 2, the beauty retailer announced a slate of changes at both the retail and executive levels as part of its new MUSE platform to Magnify, Uplift, Support, and Empower Black people in the beauty industry. 

“As the country’s beauty retail leader, we believe we have the power to shape how the world sees beauty and as such, we have a responsibility to inspire positive change and drive greater diversity, inclusivity, and equity,” said Ulta Beauty’s CEO Mary Dillon in a statement. “We are deeply committed to leading purposefully with and for underrepresented voices across retail and beauty on our D&I journey.”

The first steps in that journey is a commitment to doubling the amount of Black-owned brands on shelves in 2021. The retailer is starting by rolling out lines including Mented Cosmetics, Keys Soulcare, Melanin Hair Care, Briogeo, and Black Girl Sunscreen starting this month. Ulta has promised not only to carry more Black-owned brands, but will invest $4 million in marketing support to drive brand awareness.

Actor and Pattern Beauty founder Tracee Ellis Ross will also be joining as the company’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisor to “provide counsel and insight and drive accountability to Ulta Beauty with a specific focus on BIPOC brand development, diverse leadership development and supplier diversity,” according to the company’s statement. Ross will join Ulta’s internal Executive D&I Council Summits quarterly, where executives will review D&I progress, gaps and opportunities.

It’s not just the top of the company getting a makeover. Ulta is committing to change on the sales floor too. The retailer is introducing quarterly inclusivity and unconscious bias training to all store and salon employees, as well as revamping its recruiting efforts so they’re more inclusive. Lastly, the company is also rolling out a Diverse Leaders Program, which will provide executive mentorship opportunities. 

It’s great to see retailers putting their money where their mouths are and committing to change. We’re looking forward to other brands following suit.

Bella Cacciatore is the beauty associate at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_.

In addition to donating to social justice organizations and educating yourself through anti-racism resources, shopping Black-owned businesses is one of the most powerful actions you can take to support the Black community. Not only can your money help small businesses grow, but it puts the power directly into the hands of Black creators, employees, and consumers. This can go a long way to redistributing resources and promoting generational wealth—especially since white business owners have always had easier access to capital and more opportunities for growth. 

Elevating Black-owned businesses and giving them the funding, recognition, and shelf space they deserve has been an uphill climb—and one that’s increasingly convoluted, with big and small companies latching onto solidarity as a marketing tactic rather than a catalyst for measurable impact. But despite countless brands taking to vague social media activism last year, powerful moves in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests have been made. Aurora James of Brother Vellies was one of the first to call on larger corporations to stock 15% of their inventory from Black-owned businesses, and many big-box retailers including Nordstrom and Sephora have joined the 15 Percent Pledge since. 

Dismantling systemic racism requires real action, and you can help make a tangible difference with your own buying power today. Seek out and support Black-owned businesses in your area, and look to our list below for brands you can start supporting now and always. 

Black-Owned Fashion Brands 

Pyer Moss

Founded in 2013 by Kerby Jean-Raymond, Pyer Moss is committed to making fashion a more inclusive and diverse space. According to its website, the label produces collections that combine storytelling, activism, debate, theater, and social commentary to challenge existing social narratives. In 2018, Pyer Moss was named the winner of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

Victor Glemaud

Since launching his label, Victor Glemaud has infused his collections with an inclusive, cross-generational spirit that can be seen in the inspiration for his designs (from Grace Jones and Diana Ross to Stephen Burrows) to the diversity of the models he casts, to the styling and art direction of his clothes.

Tier NYC

Tier NYC is an art-first creative label based out of Brooklyn. The CFDA/Vogue-funded brand is founded by Nigeria Ealey, Esaïe Jean-Simon, and Victor James—none of whom were technically trained in fashion, but in art and graphic design instead. The result? Streetwear-inspired clothes that tell stories about the Black community and its power on culture.  

Phenomenal Woman

From Thank Black Women to Phenomenally Trans and Electable, Phenomenal Woman makes socially-conscious shirts, sweaters, and hoodies that give back and make a statement. The lifestyle brand, which takes its name from a Maya Angelou poem, was founded as a way to bring awareness to various social causes by Meena Harris, author of Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea (a great book to talk to your kids about racism).

Brother Vellies

Aurora James launched accessories brand Brother Vellies in 2013 as a way to keep traditional African craftsmanship alive. Using sustainable materials like vegetable-tanned leathers, recycled tires, and hand-carved wood, each shoe or bag is handmade using techniques passed down from generation to generation.

Cushnie

Carly Cushnie is a fashion industry veteran, and her eponymous label Cushnie has been around since 2008. The brand is a mainstay for sleek and minimalist ready-to-wear that counts everyone from Michelle Obama to Gal Gadot, Lupita Nyong’o, Ava Duvernay, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Ashley Graham, and Padma Lakshmi as fans. Cushnie was a finalist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2011 and a nominee for the CFDA Swarovski Award in 2012.

Petit Kouraj

A few years ago, fashion stylist Nasrin Jean-Baptiste wanted to create a luxury handbag line full of personality. After a trip to Haiti in 2018, Petit Kouraj (Haitian Creole for “little courage”) was birthed—and now it’s available on her site and at Shopbop. Her bags are ethically produced by female artisans (more on that here), using organic cotton net bags, leather handles, and rayon fringe. Each piece is also a true labor of love: it takes 8-12 hours of manual work to complete a single bag.

Sami Miró Vintage

Vintage lovers, this one’s for you. Sami Miró Vintage is an LA-based brand that’s “pushing eco-conscious boundaries” with limited-edition clothing made entirely from vintage and recycled fabrics. The label was founded by multi-hyphenate creative and entrepreneur, Sami Miró, and counts numerous celebs as fans (Normani, Selena Gomez, Drake, Gigi & Bella Hadid, and Jasmine Sanders to name a few).

House of Aama

House of Aama is the brainchild of mother-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka who use fashion as a lens to celebrate and tell stories that explore the traditions and customs of African Americans. The brand recently won a $5,000 grant in a design competition hosted by Fred Segal and the Black in Fashion Council.

Chelsea Paris

African culture and art deco isn’t a combo you always see, but that’s exactly where Theresa Ebagua draws inspiration from for her shoe brand, Chelsea Paris. The Nigerian-born designer mixes unique materials in a subtle way to honor both her heritage and design influences. The Tux Loafer Boot (pictured) is a good example of that, featuring a metal buckle and patent and nappa leather. 

Lem Lem

Model-turned-designer Liya Kebede founded the resort wear label Lem Lem in 2007 as a way to preserve ancient cotton weaving techniques of her native Ethiopia while simultaneously creating jobs for local artisans.

T.A. New York

When Telsha Anderson’s design concept store launched last year, it gained a major following almost overnight. (Neither a pandemic nor national protests could get her to back down from her dream.) Check out T.A. New York’s online store if you’re in the market for under-the-radar but super cool brands like Maryam Nassir Zadeh, William Okpo, Ottolinger, and Barragán.

Galerie.LA

If you’re in the market for sustainably-made wardrobe essentials, look no further than Galerie.LA. Celebrity stylist, Dechel Mckillian, founded the marketplace as a way “to bring socially conscious fashion to the masses” from emerging brands around the world.

Jade Swim

Jade Swim designs high-quality swimwear through a modern, minimalist lens. The label was created by former editor, Brittany Kozerski Freeney, and her ribbed swimsuits and asymmetrical styles make regular appearances on influencer Instagram feeds and editorial shoots alike.

Nude Barre

Nude Barre is a Black-owned, female-founded label flipping the script on “nude lingerie” by offering top drawer essentials in a range of shades that actually match your skin tone. 

The Folklore

The Folklore is a New York City-based multi-brand concept store that makes it easier shop emerging designers from Africa and the African diaspora. The company, founded by Amira Rasool, sells exclusive luxury clothing, accessories, and home products from labels like Elle Est… and Third Crown.

4th Ave Market

4th Ave Market is the largest Black-owned beauty store in the US for people of color, carrying thousands of Black-owned hair, skin, and personal care products. The company also invests in BIPOC businesses and employees to give back to the community it’s built on.

Gilded

Gilded is a self-care company that believes “body care is a ritual that can be rejuvenating, re-centering, and restorative.” It sells candles and skin-care products that are “as beautiful to the touch as to the eye.”

Thirteen Lune

Thirteen Lune is a newly launched online platform putting Black- and brown-owned beauty brands front and center. The company came onto the scene in December and has already drawn major support from seasoned investors and entrepreneurs like Sean Combs, Naomi Watts, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Thirteen Lune is cofounded by Nyakio Grieco (founder of Nyakio Beauty) and Patrick Herning (cofounder of size-inclusive retailer 11 Honoré).

Klur

Get ready to clear some real estate on your top shelf because Klur is quickly entering cult status—and it’s not just because its products are effective (which they are) or have an appealing minimal aesthetic (which they do). What really makes this brand worthy of your dollars is that it’s all about giving back to the Black community and making sure it has access to quality skincare. Long-term sustainability is also top of mind for Klur’s founder Lesley Thorton, so she makes sure to work with local farmers and only source natural ingredients that are readily available (think dandelion, aloe vera, and sea kelp). 

Camille Rose

After years of making products for her own family, Janell Stephens launched Camille Rose—a line of clean skin and hair care products that you can find at Target, Walmart, CVS, Sally, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.

Range Beauty

You won’t come across any synthetic fragrances, talc, sulfates, or parabens in Range Beauty’s products. Instead, you’ll find only better-for-your-skin ingredients like calendula, vitamin E, and argan oil. Alicia Scott made this a priority for her brand after noticing the lack of non-toxic makeup options available to people of color. That, and of course, providing a wide range of shade for different skin tones at an available price point.

Melanin Haircare

Melanin Haircare was founded in 2015 by two sisters, Whitney and Taffeta White. The brand sources natural, safe ingredients to ensure each formula is not only shelf-stable but also kinder on Mother Earth.

Pattern Beauty

Tracee Ellis Ross’s hair care brand, Pattern Beauty, celebrates and addresses the needs of the curly, coily, and tight-textured hair community. The brand also gives back a portion of proceeds to organizations and programs that empower women and people of color.

Adwoa Beauty

Adwoa Beauty bills itself as a “highly effective, clean, gender-neutral beauty for kinky, curly and wavy textures.” It’s baomint collection, which is stocked at Sephora, is meant to make your scalp happy so your hair can be happy too. 

Mented Cosmetics

Creating a business founded by Black women for other women of color, Amanda E. Johnson and K.J. Miller launched Mented Cosmetics in 2017 with the goal of making the beauty landscape more inclusive. With offerings from foundation sticks to nail products and matte lipsticks, the cosmetics company works to provide women of color with more everyday makeup options to choose from.

KNC Beauty

Kristen Noel Crawley founded KNC Beauty after falling in love with lip masks on a trip to Tokyo but realizing that there were no natural lip masks to be found. KNC Beauty is the first brand to launch an all-natural collagen-infused lip mask—which everyone from influencers, supermodels, and celebrities now swears by.

Coloured Raine Cosmetics

Loraine R. Dowdy left a career in finance to pursue her dream of creating a cosmetics line that “encouraged self-expression and diversity, and included shades for people of color.” Seven years later, Coloured Raine Cosmetics has a dedicated following, thanks to its high-quality, pigmented products that b l e n d.

Briogeo

Nancy Twine is the founder and CEO of Briogeo, a best-selling plant-based hair care brand, available at major retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom, and more. Twine founded the company after becoming fed up with the big-name natural hair-care brands on the market—so she quit her job in finance and started Briogeo in her kitchen.

Black Opal Beauty

Black Opal Beauty was created “to celebrate the nuances of Black skin” and has been pushing for diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry since the ‘90s. It focuses on solutions for hyperpigmentation, oil control, and shade matching, and is available at Walmart, CVS, RiteAid, and more.

Black-Owned Home Decor Brands

Candice Luter

Ever shop West Elm’s local artist section? Then you may have seen Candice Lutner and her eponymous label among the ranks. She creates custom furniture and unique home accents “using remnant scraps of wood and fabric from her home studio.”

Goodee World

Goodee World is a global marketplace that sells items from minority artisans and “fosters transparent sourcing, upcycling, [and] ethical treatment of its employees.” It was founded in 2017 by twin brothers Byron and Dexter Peart, the designers and creative directors behind accessories brand WANT les Essentiels.

Bole Road Textiles

Interior designer Hana Getachew is the founder of Bolé Road Textiles, a home-goods store that sells one-of-a-kind textiles and fabrics (think soft towels, patterned pillow covers, and stitched throws) that are designed in Brooklyn and handwoven in Ethiopia.

Clare

Designer Nicole Gibbons set out to simplify the process of shopping for paint with her direct-to-consumer brand, Clare. Don’t know what colors to choose? Use the interactive Clare Color Genius guide. Feeling noncommittal? Clare’s paint swatches are mess-free. Can’t get to the store? Clare delivers straight to your doorstep.

Lolly Lolly Ceramics

Meet your newest ceramic obsession. Lalese Stamp from Lolly Lolly Ceramics makes everything in her Ohio studio, including these awesome conceptual mugs from her 100 Day Project.

Savoy’s Objects

Prepare to fall in love with Savoy’s Objects and its founder Reegan Savoy Houston who expertly curates vintage decor and shares them in drops on the brand’s website and Instagram. Houston says she the pieces she sources “resemble womanhood in its most glorious state—at the helm of luxury and sex appeal.” One look at those undulating candle holders and we couldn’t agree more.

Soukie Modern

With Soukie Modern, co-founders Kenya Knight and Taib Lotfi merge their two worlds—Palm Springs and Marrakech—to bring to you rug textiles, designs, and other vintage treasures. The company’s “Palm2Palm” vision signifies “a pair of trees, two hands pressed together in prayer, or a hand reached out to offer assistance or friendship.”

Oat Cinnamon

Nesters in quarantine are leaning hard into small decor trends with big impact, and dried flowers reign supreme. Ryan Norville of Oat Cinnamon is one of the floral designers responsible for the striking bouquets’ resurgence. She’s known for her pops of pastels and holographic accents, and her ethereal pieces are handmade, meaning no two arrangements are the same.

Bloom & Plume

Bloom & Plume is a celebrated Los Angeles floral design studio that makes museum-worthy installations and arrangements. It’s the brainchild of Maurice Harris, host of Quibi show Centerpiece (and upcoming Full Bloom for HBOMax). Harris opened Blume & Plume Coffee, an extension of his celebrated floral studio, in 2019. The shop is community-oriented and designed to “uplift people through aesthetics”—and really good coffee.

Marché Rue Dix

Marché Rue Dix is a “cultural concept store” that houses vintage clothing, jewelry, home goods, coffees, teas, and spices. PS: You can get a manicure there (with amazing nail art) when social distancing restrictions lift.

The Jungalow

What started as a design blog by Justina Blakeney in 2009 has since grown into a burgeoning lifestyle brand and store, known as The Jungalow. Whether you’re looking for designs by Blakeney or unique pieces from artisans around the world, it’s a one-stop-shop for feel-good art and eclectic home decor. (PS: For each order, The Jungalow will plant at least two trees.)

Rayo & Honey

Rayo & Honey hand-cuts, -presses, and -sews “goods with positive intent” like pennants, totes, and pins in Brooklyn that make for great gifts or decor. Phrases like I am rooted but I flow or You are magic are inspired by iconic hip-hop lyrics, Black and Latino pop-culture references, and literature—and go back to the idea of surrounding yourself with “things that speak to our collective past & socially conscious future.”

Black-Owned Lifestyle Brands

Ethel’s Club

Ethel’s Club is a Black-woman founded “social and wellness club designed to celebrate people of color both online and IRL.” It’s a social-meets-wellness-meets-creative hub for people of color—and until its Brooklyn venue reopens, you sign up for a digital membership to access to all kinds of wellness sessions, live-streamed healing classes, and other events. (PS: Shannon Maldonado, from Yowie, which makes an appearance below, co-designed the space.)

The Honey Pot Co.

The Honey Pot Co. is the first plant-based feminine care system, selling all kinds of menstrual-care products like tampons, pads, liners, cups, and sponges that are made with ingredients that are kinder on Mother Earth—and kinder on your body (meaning everything is free from chemicals, toxins, artificial fragrance, or anything synthetic). The products are all developed and tested by women, and are gynecologist-approved.⁣ You can find The Honey Pot Co. at local grocery stores and at Targets nationwide (check out its store finder here). According to its website, the brand also partners with Happy Period—an organization that provides menstrual hygiene kits to those who are homeless, low income, or living in poverty.

Golde

Passionate about holistic health, Brooklyn’s Trinity Mouzon Wofford launched Golde in 2017 with the intention of making the wellness space more inclusive and accessible—in the last three years, her turmeric-based lattes have gained national appeal. You can find her powdered tonics at major retailers like Sephora, Free People, Madewell, and Urban Outfitters. Bonus: Wofford runs an amazing blog named The Golden Hour where you can keep up with Golde’s latest or just check out cool recipes.

The Lit. Bar

Aka “the official bookstore of Wakanda and the Bronx.” The Lit. Bar was founded by Noëlle Santos and is currently the only indie bookstore to serve the approximately 1.4 million people of the Bronx borough after a local Barnes & Noble closed in 2016.

Dope Coffee

Caffeine lovers, come get your fix. Dope Coffee sells whole bean and ground coffee, as well as coffee-based skin care products and hip-hop inspired coffee merch. 

Harlem Candle Company

The Harlem Candle Company is a luxury home and fragrance company inspired by the Harlem Renaissance. Founded by travel and lifestyle expert Teri Johnson in 2014, the brand celebrates the legacy of Black icons like Billie Holliday and Langston Hughes with aromatic soy candles that can “transport you through time and place.”

Mahogany Books

Mahogany Books is a Washington, D.C., bookstore specializing in books written “for, by, or about people of the African Diaspora.” Place an online order or check out its blog, Black Books Matter, for staff recommendations, curated book lists, and information on (now virtual) events and conversations with authors.

Yowie

Calling all Philly residents—Yowie is a home and lifestyle boutique founded by Shannon Maldonado. In it, you’ll find all kinds of housewares, kitchen goods, and trinkets made by friends of the brand, independent artists, and designers.

Oh Happy Dani

Atlanta-based illustrator and social media strategist Danielle Coke uses art and colorful doodles to address social inequities and start difficult conversations about faith and racial injustice. You can further these conversations by sharing her work—and crediting it—on social media, as well as by ordering one of her prints, totes, or cards on her website.

Frolic and Sage

Found: Your excuse to buy yet another candle (but this time make it one with a cheeky phrase). Frolic & Sage’s founder Erin James says “we’re all about creating ‘feel good’ candles that radiate good vibes to our ‘friendstomers.’”