Want to shop goods from black artisans? Among Etsy’s “editor picks” is a curation tool that features Black-owned shops, showcasing one-of-a-kind creations from independent creatives with handcrafted items ranging from beautiful home decor (think: mirrors fringed with macrame) to pendant necklaces made with African coins.
Already, the coronavirus has underscored the importance of shopping small as the pandemic has threatened to shut down independently owned shops. But COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black business owners in America. The number of African-American business owners dropped over 40% amid the coronavirus, which is a more drastic decrease compared to other racial groups, deepening the already existing racial inequalities in the marketplace.
This compounds the fact that historically there’s been a racial disparity in lending practices that has made it more difficult for minority-owned business owners to access small-business loans and capital.
In addition to donating to racial justice organizations, you can also be an ally by seeking out and supporting black-owned businesses. Etsy makes it easy to do so with its editor spotlight on Black-owned illustrators, jewelry makers, designers, furniture makers, custom cookie bakers and more. Here are 10 Black-owned shops on Etsy that are stocked with unique products you’ll want to buy.
Omi Woods
In an artist profile featured on Etsy, Toronto-based jewelry designer Ashley Alexis McFarlane says she’s always been drawn to the ancient jewelry collections at museums. As she creates beautiful heirloom jewelry for her own collection at the Omi Woods shop, she uses cowrie shells and African coins, incorporating ancient history into her otherwise contemporary designs.
Shop The Egyptian Coin Necklace Stack II ($216) here.
Godly Gorgeous
Tackling to-do lists from here on out will be a lot more fun thanks to these happy notepads from Oklahoma-based artist Andrea George. For an extra dose of inspiration, George also sells stationery, cards, apparel and prints that dispense some great life advice, like one that says “Know Your Worth Then Add Tax” in her shop GodlyGorgeous.
Shop the Boss Lady Notepad ($15) here.
PentUp Cookie Company
These cookies are almost too pretty to eat. We said almost. The PentUp Cookie Company creates Instagram-worthy cookies around themes, inspired by everything from The Oscars to woodland creatures to vegetable trays.
Shop the Carnival Theme Cookie Set ($47) here.
The Pink Locket
The Pink Locket’s handmade creations will convince you minimalist jewelry can cross over into the statement piece category. From bronze hoop earrings hammered into an irregular shape to stud earrings shaped like arrows, this collection of jewelry from creator Kamilah Campbell is like wearable abstract art.
Shop the Wishbone Sterling Silver Necklace ($44) here.
BluMint Studios
At Blake Alexander’s BluMint Studios you’ll find candle holders and coasters, but with an avant-garde twist. Not only will they add a pop of color to your living space, but their squiggly lines are unexpected and can a bit of whimsy to any old mantelpiece.
Shop the Contemporary Candle Holders ($69.90) here.
xN Studio
xN Studio, from creator Nasozi, marries elements of African-inspired textile design with authentic Brooklyn flair. The result is a collection of pillow covers, painted pots and benches that can pop global patterns into your living space. The studio is also selling masks made in Uganda with special prints sourced from the fabric markets of Kampala.
Shop the Kitenge African Print Cotton Face Masks ($14) here.
Patrina’s Paperie
Gold foil thank-you notes and address labels from Patrina’s Paperie will give your stationery a glamorous upgrade. But the paperie’s cheery holographic stickers are attention-grabbers, too.
Shop the Holographic Rainbow Sticker ($6) here.
Made by Rheal
Crafted with concrete, the pots, catch-all trays, ring holders and coasters stocked in the Made by Rheal shop are elevated with subtle yet stunning design details. Concrete coasters dipped in gold? A just-right juxtaposition.
Shop the Concrete Coasters with Gold ($28) here.
Candice Luter | Art + Home
Pop one of the macrame pieces from Candice Luter | Art + Home’s shop into your home and your space will look like it’s straight from a design magazine. The fiber art pieces in her collection are light and luxe. Luter, in an Etsy profile written about her shop, says she’s inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian influences and is drawn to boho, modern, and mid-century decor. Clients can custom order dip-dye pieces as well.
Shop the Fringe Mirror: “Svara” Arch Mirror with Brass Accent ($300) here.
Aromaology
We’ve all been spending a lot more time at home these days. Spruce up your space with some products from Daisy Kimbro’s Aromaology shop, which sells items like eucalyptus room spray, dried rosemary bundles and various diffuser sets.
Shop the Mahogany Teakwood Reed Diffuser ($29.99) here.
Happy shopping!
Written for Simplemost by Brittany Anas
