In the US, August marks National Black Business Month. Started by Frederick E. Jordan Sr. and John William Templeton in 2004, National Black Business Month is intended for people to be aware of Black-owned businesses, create positive exchanges, and patronize Black-owned businesses. Through these actions, it is anticipated we will facilitate in lowering the Black unemployment rate.
“…black consumer brand loyalty is contingent upon a brand’s perception as authentic, culturally relevant, socially conscious and responsible.”
Nielsen 2018
Research shows Blacks in America spend $1.2 trillion dollars annually. According to Nielsen, although only 14 percent of the population, Black Americans spend greater than our proportion (of 14 percent) in over 15 categories, with Ethnic Hair & Beauty Aids being over 85 percent.
This August, Pitch Brown Media wants to highlight eight Black-owned businesses and creative communities we all could support.
One: Soultree City
Soultree City is a lifestyle fashion brand by Danielle Garcia. Describing her business as a labor of love, Danielle was inspired to create Soultree City because of her love for style. Having sisters with different body types, Danielle wanted a brand that spoke to all women and were inclusive of their sizes. As a play on sultry, Soultree City launched in November 2018, expanding from clothing into jewelry. This fashion brand is meant to reflect the dynamic variety California brings: countryside meets city.
Two: Shami Oshun
Shami Oshun is a ready-to-wear and couture fashion brand based in the Bay Area. Named after its designer, Shami Oshun often uses 3D printing technology to design and create clothing and accessories for the brand. Launched in 2015, the brand most recently began selling its Bev Bag accessory at San Francisco-based Betty Lin Boutique. Shami Oshun, the designer, has been featured on Teen Vogue, Essence, POPSUGAR, Huffington Post, and Buzzfeed.
Three: Aspen Cierra Photography
Aspen Cierra Photography is all in the name. Describing it as fashion forward and friendly, Aspen launched her photography business in 2016 after graduating college. With an initial focus in fashion, Aspen Cierra Photography has expanded to shooting for personal branding, lifestyle, bloggers, and general advertising in the digital space. Based in Los Angeles.
Four: The Get My Life Tour
The Get My Life Tour is a new podcast by Lydia Blanco. In 2017, Lydia returned to California after leaving a toxic work environment in New York City. There is where she started her personal “get my life” journey. Navigating next steps, purpose and wholeness, Lydia decided it was time to take center stage in her own life. The Get My Life Tour podcast is about learning to show up for yourself and live with intention. Weekly, friends of the podcast share their stories about life’s failures and successes, and how those guests got to where they are in life and career.
Five: Luxe and Lavish Travels
Luxe and Lavish Travels is a luxury travel concierge service that helps plan a vacation with ease. Inspired by her own travels and planning for others, founder Camy Duff launched Luxe and Lavish Travels in August 2018. This Toronto-based service provides its clients the opportunity to worry less about travel needs and focus on what to wear. Luxe and Lavish Travels manages travel for small to medium-sized businesses and curates travel experiences to places like Tulum and Toronto.
Six: Ariel & Iphie
Founded by Pamela Belonwu-Ifedi and Chinwe Azikiwe, Ariel & Iphie is a luxury plus-size lifestyle brand catering to the everyday woman. Inspired by her own struggle with finding clothes that fit her personality, Pamela decided to embark on this fashion journey with her best friend Chinwe. Developing for eight years, Ariel & Iphie debuted January 2019. The business name was developed as a tribute to their late mothers and an arch angel from the Bible. The meaning behind both names guide their business innovation and legacy.
Seven: Little People Publishing House
Little People Publishing House is a new children’s book publishing company. Founded by Mercy B. Carruthers and daughter Caedence Baylee, Little People Publishing House launched to provide others with an opportunity to author and publish books. With as little as an idea, this publishing house has services to take your book from concept to print with an additional service for a customized web page. Between Mercy and Caedence, the two have authored close to 90 books.
Eight: The Brown Bohemian
The Brown Bohemian is a resource and community for freelancers, digital nomads, artists, and creatives. Created by Johnaé De Felicis, The Brown Bohemian’s mission is to “empower, equip, and support” other women in their business and life journeys. Introduced in August 2018, Johnaé got the idea for this community as a vision from God. She envisions for this community to cater to free-spirited African-American women.
Piece contributed by Brittnie Applon