As we eagerly embraced a new decade almost a year ago, full of positivity and aspirations for the year ahead, we were blissfully unaware of what lay ahead. No one was prepared for 2020...
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Christmas this year is going to be a challenging and surreal experience, there’s no denying that – it is, after all, only following the trend of recent months. 2020 began with wildfires suffocating the Australian wilderness and the looming threat of WW3, and catapulted us through COVID, Kobe Bryant’s death, BLM, something called “murder hornets”, the Beirut explosion, and more. Perhaps the most devastating of all of these (bar COVID, naturally) was the murder of George Floyd, kickstarting protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement all over the world.
The BLM movement may have lost a little bit of momentum, but it’s still an incredibly important movement because, shockingly, black lives STILL matter. But with a cause this revolutionary, and this globally widespread, it’s difficult to know what you as an individual can do to help. Which is where we come in.
We’ve rounded up 10 black-owned businesses in the UK for you to give your hard-earned cash to this Christmas. Shopping at independents is a win-win anyway; bespoke items, made with care, no mass production, often better for the environment, and you’re supporting actual people rather than huge corporations – what’s not to love?
Launched by blogger-turned-entrepreneur Freddie Harrel, Rad Swan is an ethically conscious hair extension brand. Harrel herself describes it as “the conscious beauty brand built with, and for, the Global African Diaspora”.
It’s sportswear with a purpose, all created by supermodel Leomie Anderson. It’s designed specifically with young women in mind, and its athleisure range aims to “represent not only their style but their issues”.
It’s hand-painted, wearable art; and it is sustainable. All that, and the clothes themselves are vintage. Seriously, do we need to say anymore?
Christmas is the card-giving season, which makes greeting card company Kitsch Noir the perfect place to shop. Designed to represent “the love, joy and humour within the black British experience”, it’s the perfect vessel to say Merry Christmas this year.
Know someone who just really loves succulents? Pop down to Prick and pick them up the perfect little cactus in unique terracotta pots. It’s also London’s first ever boutique dedicated entirely to cacti and other succulents.
These London-based floral designers offer a range of events, from terrarium making to wreath workshops and even flower pressing tutorials. A more unique gift for the plant lover in your life.
Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen by Zoe Adjonyoh
Everyone loves a little bit of cooking every now and then – some more than others, granted. That’s why a cookbook is such a great gift, because it gives people the chance to try something new – like Zoe Adjonyoh’s cookbook that shares traditional Ghanaian recipes with a little bit of a remix. Zoe herself said that she just “wants to see a world as well acquainted with Jollof as they are with tacos”.
There’s nothing better during the winter than lighting a candle and getting snuggled up under a blanket, so why not buy your candles from Our Lovely Goods this year? A family-run business that stocks handcrafted natural wax candles – and botanical skincare – all made by a selection of talented artisans in Nigeria.
Founded by Mariam Aduke Abass, a Nigerian fashion stylist and, surprisingly, ex-pipeline engineer, Luxe Reloaded is a platform selling pre-owned, luxury designer items. Entirely sustainable, it’s the easiest way to treat yourself to a bit of designer, while making sure these clothes don’t end up in landfill.
Manchester-based designer Meme creates handmade, one of a kind, sexy designs to get anyone and everyone loving their body and feeling confident. Plus, 10% of profits are currently being donated to Black Minds Matter UK.
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