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For every Black woman starting a business, barriers are broken. More than 50,000 Black women are innovating in the United States, but it hasn’t been without uphill battles: denied bank loans, limited access to capital, and fighting systemic racism and sexism. . Despite the challenges, Black women are bringing their products and services to market.
I discovered some black-owned brands; know They are setting the stage for Black women around the world to feel good, look good, and stay embedded in the culture. Here are four of her Black woman-owned businesses that are breaking barriers and some of their business insights.
Related: The burden of breaking down barriers is pushing Black leaders to breaking point.This DEI expert reveals our mistakes
fitness snob
Fitness Snob is a Black and women-owned crew sock brand that helps foster and enhance the fitness lifestyle of all women. They’ve created perfectly tailored crew socks with a style that makes embracing your fitness journey easier and more stylish than ever.
Crew socks don’t seem like a wall-breaking product, but Really teeth. Because the apparel industry is dominated by companies run by white men, it’s difficult to get access to fashion items run by black women, especially crew socks, which are prized by athletes across the country.
When pressed about the challenges facing the growth of her business, Kim Turner, founder of Fitness Snob, said, “Being a Black-owned business means we are only catering to Black consumers. “We need to overcome stereotypes and obstacles, from the struggle to secure startup funding.” Combat doubts about quality and legitimacy. ”
Despite these challenges, by breaking down barriers in the apparel industry, Turner sees her company’s products transcending racial boundaries and empowering all women to prioritize health and fitness in style. I have found this journey to be extremely rewarding.
Related: 6 ways to help black entrepreneurs
Deseri
Among the many fashion brands emerging from Europe, DESERI is a Black woman-owned fashion brand that creates signature handbags and jewelry that are timeless, elegant, and undeniably current. Each product is handcrafted and is a true work of art, reflecting the craftsmanship and designer’s eye.
Deseri Kelley has created a brand that embodies affordable luxury with a deep appreciation and commitment to quality. Representation is important. There are a million handbag brands out there, but there are very few that are run by black women and cater to the mass market.
When asked about the qualities needed to create a Black-owned business that breaks barriers, Kelly said, “Integrity is the foundation of entrepreneurial success. Staying true to our values and respecting diversity.” By fostering positive impact within our industry, we’ve built not only a brand, but a community as well.”
Deseri emphasizes that embracing authenticity resonates with customers, which in turn creates loyal fans who are drawn to the passion and purpose of your business.
Related: 5 qualities of black talent that are overlooked in the workplace
Bontel
Vontélle is a luxury bespoke eyewear brand with an ethnic feel, using unique African, Caribbean and Latin print designs and textiles created by women of color. The luxury eyewear market is dominated by European brands, so it’s refreshing to wear Vontelle glasses that are handcrafted and made to fit a variety of faces.
Additionally, Vontelle is the first Black woman-owned and operated eyewear company to receive a licensing agreement from Nickelodeon. The brand is changing the narrative of who stylish eyewear is made for, putting the unique physical characteristics and cultures of Black and brown people at the center of its designs.
When asked about the lessons they’ve learned since launching their eyewear brand, Vontélle co-founders Tracy Vontélle Green and Nancey Flowers-Harris said, “We soft-launched with a small number of products. We launched 37 designs. In hindsight, we should have soft-launched 5-10 different eyewear styles.” According to these founders, when launching a direct-to-consumer brand, It’s important to start small.
Keith Moy
While the beauty and makeup industry is dominated by white male-owned businesses, Kee’ss Moi is breaking barriers with cruelty-free and vegan lip glosses inspired by iconic landmarks and neighborhoods . Founded by Mouna Deme, a French visionary with Senegalese roots, the company celebrates diversity and inclusivity in beauty with products that match darker skin tones and make black women look chic. I am.
When asked how creating a makeup line for women of color in a male-dominated space influenced her vision and purpose, Demme said: For more authentic moments and creative outcomes. ”
Deme also learned that delegating tasks is essential for optimal business performance. She knows that doing everything alone is not sustainable, and finding a work-life balance that suits her needs is the key to increasing business productivity.
final thoughts
For years, Black women entrepreneurs didn’t have a choice. From the clothes we wear to business meetings to the makeup we wear for photo shoots, many of us are looking for more inclusive and appealing options, culturally appropriate designs, and companies that are as purposeful as we are. I was anxious to see who was running the business.
We have come a long way in the past few decades, and many of us finally have access to Black woman-owned brands that truly “get” us and our aesthetics and values. I did. These are just four of the many Black women-owned businesses that are breaking down barriers and giving us options. We encourage you to support these businesses. We also hope you’ll take a look at other Black women-owned brands near you.
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