February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and recognize the struggles of Black Americans. While there are many ways to celebrate and show support this month, backing black-owned businesses is one of the best. Be intentional with your shopping in February (and the other 11 months), by choosing black-owned businesses to make your purchases. Use directory sites like By Black and Support Black Owned to find online and local businesses to support. Whether you’re looking for a new book tracking platform, beauty, food, or anything in between, you’ll find something amazing from some of our favorite Black-owned businesses that we love and recommend.
Happy Shopping!
Story Graph
If you’re an avid reader, you’ll love Story Graph, a book discovery and tracking platform that helps you find your next read based on your mood, preferences, and reading goals. You can also join a community of book lovers, share your reviews, and discover new authors and genres. Story Graph is run and built by Nadia Odunayo and Rob Frelow, entrepreneurs who wanted to create a more personalized and inclusive alternative to Goodreads.
Melanin Haircare
Melanin Haircare is a natural hair care brand that aims to nourish, protect, and empower your curls, coils, and kinks. Founded by sisters Whitney and Taffeta White, Melanin Haircare offers vegan, cruelty-free products and is free of non-toxic ingredients. Their products include shampoo, conditioner, styling cream, oil, and more, all made with high-quality ingredients like shea butter, baobab oil, and quinoa protein.
103 Collection
103 Collection is another great option for natural and organic hair and skin care products, especially for men. Founded by Melinda Herron, 103 Collection is a vegan plant-based, clean beauty brand for sensitive skin. They offer products that are handcrafted, and cruelty-free, such as beard oil, shaving cream, body wash, moisturizer, and more. Their products are also affordable and eco-friendly, with recyclable packaging and biodegradable ingredients.
Donna’s Recipe
Donna's Recipe was founded by Tabitha Brown and Gina Woods. Together, they sought out the mission to exclusively offer vegan, high-quality ingredients that not only work but also products that you look forward to for a consistent hair care routine. The entire line consists of nutrient-rich, clean, vegan ingredients that will keep you coming back and staying consistent on your hair care journey.
Lip Bar
Lip Bar is a makeup brand that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, with products that are designed to suit all skin tones and types. They have maximum impact, and minimal effort beauty must-haves designed for your complexion. Founded and owned by Women of Color. Lip Bar offers products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Their products include lipstick, lip gloss, foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, and more, all in vibrant and flattering shades.
Major’s Project Pop
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack, you’ll love Major’s Project Pop, a popcorn brand that uses organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free ingredients. Founded by Chauniqua Major-Louis, a food and beverage entrepreneur and advocate, Major’s Project Pop offers popcorn that is vegan, dairy-free, and free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Local Favorites
Our very own black and woman-owned business Southern Roots Vegan Bakery is located in San Antonio, Texas which has allowed us to come to love several local black-owned restaurants that we want to share for the next time you’re in our part of the country!
Binge Kitchen
Binge Kitchen is a vegan restaurant in San Antonio, Texas, that serves comfort food with a healthy twist. Binge Kitchen offers dishes that are made with fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients, such as soul food, burgers, mac and cheese, and more. Their menu also features gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free options, as well as desserts, smoothies, and juices.
Jacked Potato
Jacked Potato is another vegan restaurant in San Antonio, Texas, that specializes in baked potatoes with a variety of toppings and sauces. Founded by chef and owner James Canter, Jacked! Potato, LLC, was founded in 2017 by Jacci Castille, a Disabled Army Veteran and native of San Antonio, Texas. Jacci stands as the visionary force behind Jacked! Potato is a fast-casual dining Spud experience that has redefined the way people approach the side baked potato. Jacked Potato offers potatoes that are baked to perfection and loaded with plant-based proteins, cheeses, and veggies, such as BBQ jackfruit, vegan chili, broccoli and cheese, and more.
Mo Better Brews
Mo Better Brews is a coffee shop and bakery in Houston, Texas, that serves specialty coffee, tea, and baked goods. Founded by chef and owner Monica Lewis, Mo Better Brews offers coffee and tea that are ethically sourced and roasted, as well as pastries, cakes, pies, and cookies made from scratch with quality ingredients. Their menu also features vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options, as well as seasonal and custom orders.
HoustAtlantaVegan
HoustAtlantaVegan is a vegan catering and meal prep service in Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia. Founded by chef and owner Tiffany Haddish, HoustAtlantaVegan offers dishes that are inspired by soul food, Cajun, and Caribbean cuisines, such as gumbo, jambalaya, jerk tofu, and more. Their mission is to create a culinary atmosphere that welcomes all individuals from different walks of life and connects them through the infusion of two popular cultures, Houston and Atlanta – VEGAN STYLE! Packed with bold flavors inspired by Southern culture, their mouth-watering menu is exceptionally appetizing and sure to satisfy your taste buds.
We hope you enjoyed our (small) list of Black-owned businesses to support this month. By shopping from these businesses, you’re not only getting amazing products and services, but you’re also supporting incredible entrepreneurs, who are making a difference in their communities. So go ahead and treat yourself or your loved ones to something special from these businesses, and don’t forget to share your feedback and experiences with us. We’d love to hear from you!
