There is no doubt that 2020 has been a rough year for all of us but it has been especially difficult for Black people across the world with the state-sactioned violence against Black people in the United States. It has been a spiritually, mentally and physically fatiguing year but in that grief and chaos, it has brought the world’s attention to Black-owned businesses. The amplification of Black-owned businesses opened my eyes to so many different businesses. As I am based in Switzerland, I have been focusing most of my efforts in supporting Black-owned businesses in Europe and the UK. Today I am sharing the businesses that I have supported and will continuously support.
CocoBeans Giftbox was my first purchase. They are a subscription giftbox brand that showcase small Black-owned brands and small global inclusive brands in their themed giftboxes. The first one I received was CocoCare, their self-care and wellness box (Check out my Instagram highlight “Unboxing” to see the contents of that box, the Afrobox Lux and their CocoSkin box). The second box I recieved was their CocoTech box and I have been using my Echo Dot with Alexa so much.
I stumbled on Mafeah Tableware when I was doing research into Adinkra symbols early in lockdown. I became fascinated with these symbols that orginate from Ghana and The Ivory Coast, so when I found Mafeah Tableware I had to but their mugs. The brand is owned by two sisters who create tableware characterising the beauty of African patterns and the spirtual meaning of Adrinkra symbols. I bought the Duafe mug, which means beauty and cleanliness; and the Aya mug, which means endurance and resourcefulness. I aim to buy the whole collection soon and have part of my tea cupboard filled with Adinkra mugs.
I’ve known about Ofuure for a couple of years now but never purchased from them as I could never decide what item to buy first. I made my first purchase and bought their Lami African Print Maxi Infinity dress. I’m not sure where I’m going to where it to right now but I did a home photoshoot in the dress. Hopefully I can wear it to an event next year. I already have my eye on another dress and some swimwear. Ofuure is an African fashion brand that creates bold patterns and vibrant prints for everyday Queens.
Since being in lockdown, I’ve had my natural hair out and given it time to breathe and thrive. I decided to buy some more satin bonnets as you can never have too many. Yeye Mi is an Afro-wellness brand that reconnects identities through self-care, well-being and culture.
I discovered this brand through a beauty and fashion podcast that I listen to regularly. When everything shut down, it was very difficult to buy Black hair products here in Switzerland. I decided to buy the Marula Oil Leave-In Conditioner and my hair smells amazing when I use this product. Equibotanics is a family-owned company that started from not finding products that worked well with their hair and decided to create products that did.
I’m in love with their products. I have searched for years for nude clothing that matches my skin tone and Sincerely Nude created that and more. I bought their Ebony Lace Bodysuit, their Sofia Knotted Bandeau top in Dusk and their Draya Midi Skirt in Ginger. Sincerely Nude create clothing for women that empowers them to feel beautiful and sexy in their skin tone no matter what shade or size. It truly is an exclusive brand and I’m going back for more.
I started to dabble into other make up products aside my usual and I’ve been trying to get into lipsticks and lipgloss. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and bought their Liquid Velvet Lipstick in Voodoo and their lipgloss in Venetian. ByJessD create make up that is inclusive and suits all skin tones. Their products are also cruelty-free.
That’s all for now. I do have a lot more products coming through and I have a long list of other businesses I want to start supporting. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more powerlifting, mindset, health and lifestyle posts. Follow me on Instagram while you’re here to see a lot more content.
