Every time you spend money, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want. —Anna Lappe
Last Friday was World Environment Day and this past Monday was World Oceans Day. I intentionally chose not share any content on here nor my social media channels in order to #AmplifyMelanatedVoices.
As I slowly return to my regular publishing schedule, I must say that my content is going to evolve. In the past, I said that I will always be open to changing my content as I evolve as a person and influencer.
And have I grown in such a short amount of time! For the last week, I’ve been watching, reading, listening, and learning about (systemic) racism and how to be a better ally not just to the black community, but to my own (Asian) community in addition to standing up for other races.
That said, my focus right now is on my black brothers and sisters.
And I wouldn’t be an ally to my black friends nor an advocate of the environment if I didn’t share black-owned sustainable brands you can support with your money to celebrate World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, albeit a several days late.
To be clear, racism and taking care of our planet are NOT political issues. Both are basic human rights. Yes, there is a connection between climate and race. To be able to live in a clean world and freely live your own life should be rights we all deserve, am I right?
Before I dive into today’s post, I’m intentionally sharing black-owned business brands in today’s article because it’s important to know that where you spend your money speaks volumes.
Speaking of, I wanted to share black-owned sustainable brands that are contributing to a better, greener world. I hope you’ll love them as much as I do!
BENEATH YOUR MASK
I met Dana, founder of Beneath Your Mask three years ago this October. If you have not read her story on how she started her skincare line, you need to because you’ll think she’s a #BossBabe for sure!
The story of how she created her skin soufflé product was a reason why I included her brand on my Small Business Saturday article last year!
THE ESTABLISHED
The Established is an amazing clean skincare brand I discovered this last week. Their products are made without formaldehyde, phtalates, silicones (which blocks your pores), parabens (which is what I always look for when it comes to body lotions/oils), sulfates, synthetic dyes, and nut-based oils/ingredients (yay for those who have nut allergies!) and it makes me so happy!
I have my eye on the elixa bath and body oil (which is sold out) and am waiting for a restock!
ISLAND TRIBE
I discovered Island Tribe, a sustainable fashion brand, this past week too. I think they are quite possibly the perfect black-owned fashion brand to support with their summer vibes. My heart skipped a beat with their Pemba Bohemian baxi dress and rightfully so!
I love that they also have a sustainability mission too!
JADE SWIM
Jade Swim is a luxe eco-friendly swimwear brand that also caught my attention this last week. If you’re looking for minimal style swimwear with UV protection, Jade Swim is it! Their pieces are also made to resist chlorine and suntan lotions/oils to ensure long-term wearability. How’s that for sustainability?!
You know what the problem is with summer coming? Picking a suit! For me, it’d be a tie between their coast top and bound bottom in white and the halo one-piece.
KLUR
Klur is another black-owned sustainable brand that I was thrilled to discover this past week. It was important to founder, Lesley Thornton, to create a clean skincare line, but also more important to create formulas that work on diverse skin conditions and ethnicities. Talk about inclusion!
I’m eyeing the Brilliant Light multi-correctional repair serum (I need a vitamin C) and the Gentle Matter daily moisture cleanser when I run out of my current cleanser.
LURELLY
Lurelly is a new sustainable fashion brand I also discovered a few days ago.
I’m eyeing this luxe pantsuit and this butterfly gown. If you know me in real life, you’d know that I’ve always believed in being extremely casual or extremely dressed up!
MISCHO
If you’re looking for 10-free, cruelty-free/vegan nail polish, Mischo (pronounced mis-sho) is it! Did I mention I need all four colors in the 3rd to the last row? Yep. All neutrals, ha!
PAT MCGRATH
When Pat McGrath’s line first came out, I was so excited to try her products as I heard so many good things!
I have her lip gloss in Flesh Fantasy and it’s such a stunning nude if you’re looking for a new, flesh-colored lipgloss this summer!
PEAR NOVA
Throughout this pandemic, I’ve been searching for gel polish to do my own manicures at home. I’ve had no luck as most brands (CND, OPI, etc.) don’t allow gel polishes for public purchase. I’m very happy to have found Pear Nova during the BLM movement. And I’m pretty sure they’ll quickly become one of my favorite black-owned sustainable beauty brands!
I’ve already ordered their gel top and base coat along with a stunning nude gel polish called Still Life. I cannot wait because my nails are looking pretty naked, ha!
SHANI DARDEN SKINCARE
I heard about Shani through Marianna over the years. Most recently, Shani collaborated with Marianna to do an IGTV segment on skincare. I tuned in to the recording afterwards and I’m telling you, Shani is extremely knowledgable on skincare. Her skin is just stunning!
As someone who suffers from milia (textured skin), Texture Reform would be the first product I would try first from her skincare line! Did I mention her line is now available to shop at Sephora?! Yasss!!!
I hope you enjoyed today’s article and found great new brands you can support while knowing you’re contributing to better the future of our planet.
If we do not fight to have the right to live along with a place to live, we will ultimately lose. Click To TweetOn a similar note, in my sustainable development class I’m currently taking from Columbia, I’ve learned that race, class, and poverty levels have a lot to do with environmental impact. And one of my goals is to share more black-owned businesses in addition to businesses founded/owned by women. Stay tuned for more content on these topics!
To my fellow creators, please don’t share black-owned businesses because you feel guilty. Support black-owned businesses because you care to help introduce brands you use/love. And because it’s part of your MO to love watching others succeed.
What are some black-owned sustainable brands you love or have recently discovered? I’d love to know your favorites!
Please note that there are no affiliate links in this post as I find it inappropriate to profit off of this important movement. Should you see anyone else doing so, please call them out and correct their behavior with love.
Kathy Boykin
July 2, 2020Oh, I just purchased a few skin care products from KLUR and if they are as good as I’ve been hearing, I’ll be a regular. Thanks so much!
Huong
July 3, 2020No, thank YOU, Kathy! I’m so happy that my article helped and to know you’re supporting black-owned businesses just warms my heart. Your purchase means a lot more than you think. I’ll be sharing more brands in the future as well! x
Kathy Boykin
July 2, 2020Thank you for supporting the BLM
Huong
July 3, 2020Absolutely, Kathy! Thank you for reading!
Lisa Autumn
June 11, 2020YES YES YES! Thank you for sharing girl. I will have a little shopping spree now x
Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Huong
June 12, 2020Yay! Let me know what you end up getting! x