Black Friday, alongside Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, stands out as one of the biggest sales events in the United States. Each year, following Thanksgiving, retailers rake in billions of dollars in revenue as eager customers hunt for the best deals. As you embrace the festive shopping spirit, remember to lend your support to small businesses and Black-owned brands.
According to the Pew Research Center, nearly six in ten Black adults (58%) consider supporting Black businesses, commonly known as “buying Black,” as an extremely or very effective strategy for advancing equality for Black people in the United States. Despite the growth of Black-owned businesses in recent years, they still represent a small portion of the country’s overall number of firms and revenue, according to Pew Research Center’s analysis of Census Bureau data.
In 2020, there were an estimated 140,918 U.S. firms with majority Black or African American ownership, marking a 14% increase from 2017’s 124,004, according to the latest available data from the Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey (ABS). These businesses generated an estimated $141.1 billion in gross revenue in 2020, reflecting an 11% increase since 2017.
Supporting Black-owned brands and businesses.
Many Black entrepreneurs establish businesses that draw inspiration from the richness of African-American culture, ranging from Black-owned clothing stores to hair care and makeup products, and even children’s toys. Some Black-owned businesses are created specifically to provide services tailored to the community’s needs, uplifting and instilling a sense of pride in the residents.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s digital platform for small businesses, CO, is committed to assisting business owners throughout the U.S. in starting, running, and growing successful companies. They have compiled a list of Black-owned business directories to facilitate people in finding and connecting with more Black-owned businesses. The ultimate goal is to enhance the visibility of Black-owned small businesses and help conscious consumers engage with minority-owned brands.
Here are 5 Black-owned brands to shop on Black Friday.
Beloved Box
Beloved Box focuses on self-care and relaxation, offering a diverse product lineup, including bath items and candles designed to evoke feelings of joy, faith, peace, and hope. When you shop on their website, you can choose the specific emotion you want to experience, whether alone or with someone else. The brand provides a curated collection to cater to various preferences and needs.
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Just So Dope
A brand created by and for kids, Just So Dope introduces a line featuring socks with affirmations and a stylish pattern called Niferan, a fusion of Nife and Feran, inspired by their designer parents. As per their website, the pattern originated from their Dad, a fashion designer, who incorporated it into one of his earlier collections. Their Mom, a graphic designer, played a key role in bringing this pattern to life.
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dOSA Naturals
Founded by three sisters and best friends, dOSA Naturals introduces a conscious and organic line of skincare products that prioritize being “good for body and soul.” Their website highlights that each dOSA Naturals product is crafted to provide a whole sensory experience, promoting a sense of calm for both the body and mind. Additionally, their commitment extends to using high-quality, ethically sourced, safe, and sustainable ingredients—excluding silicones, mineral oil, parabens, and other potentially harmful toxins.
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Good Vibes all Purpose Cleaner
Ymani Efunyale, the Founder and CEO, acquired the skill of crafting her own cleaning products when her toddler sprayed a household cleaner into his mouth. More than a decade later, the demand for the highly concentrated plant-based formula is thriving. The product has a short ingredient list, consisting of water, vegetable-based soap, vinegar, and cleaning salts. Additionally, customers can choose from various fragrance options.
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'Just Like Me' Book Box
The Just Like Me Book Box extends beyond a one-time gift, offering a subscription service. Subscribers receive two or three books featuring protagonists of color regularly. You have the option to customize the subscription based on the recipient’s age range, and you can choose between monthly payments or discounted pre-payment for a specified number of months.
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