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Black-Owned & Worth Knowing
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items I wanted a place on my page dedicated to showcasing Black excellence. Some of these products and brands I use myself and can tell you exactly why they earned a spot. Others I haven’t tried yet, but the product, the brand, or the story behind it deser...
Sections
6
Hair & Beauty
Home & Fragrance
Desk & Creative
Tea Time
Raise a Glass
Style
Hair & Beauty
On My Radar: A styling product that understands definition does not have to mean helmet hair? Yes, please. This is one of THE DOUX products I'd start with because curls deserve hold, movement and shine.
Doux MOUSSE DEF Texture Foam, 7 oz
On My Radar: Moisture, definition and elongation all in one jar sounds like exactly the kind of multitasking I appreciate. Especially for twists and coils that need softness without losing their shape.
Doux C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream 8 oz
On My Radar: Flexible hold gets my attention because I do not want my hair crunching before I do. 😂 If it can keep frizz in check without making curls stiff, I understand the appeal.
The Doux BIG POPPA Curl Defining Gel 16oz
On My Radar: Heat protection and humidity defense? Now you're speaking my language. Anything standing between a good hair day and Chicago humidity deserves consideration.
Doux DROPS Bonding Polish Spray 4 oz
On My Radar: A good leave-in can change the entire mood of wash day. This one keeps coming up for softness, slip and moisture, so naturally it made my Black Excellence list.
Camille Rose Curl Love Leave-In Conditioner
On My Radar: Definition without the crunch is always going to win points with me. This looks like one for the woman who wants her curls styled but still touchable.
Camille Rose Curl Maker Defining Gel 12oz
On My Radar: When a product is talking about moisture, strengthening and breakage, I'm listening. This feels like the kind of deep-conditioning treatment you bring out when your hair needs some serious attention.
Camille Rose Black Castor Oil & Chebe Conditioner
On My Radar: The words "5-minute deep conditioner" alone earned this a look. Because I love a ritual, but I also appreciate a product that understands I have other things to do. 😂
Camille Rose Rosemary Oil Hair Mask 8.5oz
On My Radar: A mauve pink that gives polished without trying too hard? That's an easy everyday kind of shade. And I love seeing a Black-owned beauty brand build a signature product people genuinely seek out.
The Lip Bar Nonstop Liquid Matte Lipstick Curlfriend
On My Radar: Now this is more attitude. A deep burgundy lip has a way of entering the room before the rest of you does, and sometimes that is exactly the assignment.
The Lip Bar Nonstop Liquid Matte Lipstick - Rebel Deep Burgundy
On My Radar: First of all, the name. Rich Auntie. Say less. 😂 Deep berry, strong pigment and a name that already understands the energy? It deserved a spot.
The Lip Bar Nonstop Matte Lipstick, Rich Auntie
On My Radar: Sometimes you don't need a whole lip production. Give me shine, a little shimmer and something that feels good on the lips. Trophy Wife looks like that easy finishing touch.
The Lip Bar Lip Gloss Trophy Wife Champagne
On My Radar: This is the "I don't know which one I want, so give me options" solution. 😂 I also like sets like this as an introduction to a brand before committing to full sizes.
The Lip Bar Perfect Pout Mini Lip Trio Set
On My Radar: Sunscreen created with melanin-rich skin specifically in mind is exactly why representation matters in product development. No one should have to choose between protecting their skin and walking around looking ashy.
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 Face & Body 2oz
On My Radar: I especially love the idea of Black children growing up with sun protection made with their skin in mind instead of being treated like an afterthought.
Black Girl Sunscreen Kids SPF 50 Face & Body
On My Radar: Spray sunscreen is already convenient. Add a formula designed to disappear instead of leaving that chalky residue behind, and I understand why this one gets attention.
Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Glow Spray SPF30
Home & Fragrance
On My Radar: Now this sounds like a mood. Bourbon, Palo Santo and 1920s Harlem jazz-club energy? This isn't just "make the room smell nice." It's storytelling through fragrance.
HARLEM CANDLE CO. Speakeasy Soy Candle 11oz
On My Radar: A candle inspired by Josephine Baker already has my attention before I even get to the fragrance. Rose, jasmine and amber sound appropriately glamorous for the woman behind the name.
HARLEM CANDLE CO. Josephine - Luxury Soy Candle 11oz
On My Radar: Billie Holiday interpreted through fragrance is such a beautiful concept. Gardenia and jasmine with a softer creamy note feels romantic, soulful and a little nostalgic.
HARLEM CANDLE CO. Lady Day Luxury Soy Candle
On My Radar: I love that Harlem Candle Company doesn't just sell fragrance. They turn Black history and culture into an experience. A candle inspired by the Savoy Ballroom belongs in that story.
HARLEM CANDLE CO. Savoy - Luxury Soy Candle 11oz
On My Radar: Bergamot, saffron, bourbon vanilla and oak sounds like the candle you light when company is coming and you want them asking, “Wait…what smells so good in here?”
HARLEM CANDLE CO. After Dark - Luxury Soy Candle, 11 oz
Desk & Creative
On My Radar: Obviously the words "Move With Confidence and Trust" caught my attention. A beautiful notebook made by a Black woman-owned company and created with women of color in mind? That belongs on the desk.
Be Rooted Empowering Notebook for Women, Affirmation Ruled Journal, 7.5 x 10, 192 Pages
Tea Time
On My Radar: You already know the name got me. 😂 But moringa, mango and rooibos makes this more than clever packaging. This is exactly the kind of tea I'd pull out when I want something different.
Sophia Chang's Baddest B!tch in The Room
On My Radar: Whoever named this knew exactly what they were doing. Some evenings require tea and a very deliberate decision to stop dealing with everybody's foolishness. This feels made for that moment.
Relax. Relate. Release.- 12 Sachets per Box
On My Radar: Earl Grey with vanilla sounds like a classic getting dressed up just enough. Familiar, comforting and a little more indulgent.
Cream Earl Grey - 12 Sachets per Box
On My Radar: Sometimes simple wins. Ginger tea is one of those things I want in the cabinet when I'm not looking for fancy, I just want something warm and straightforward.
Ginger
On My Radar: Black-owned and Chicago-based was already enough to make me look twice. Hibiscus, ginger and honey sounds refreshing, but I especially love being able to spotlight excellence coming right out of my own backyard.
Experience Ruby
Raise a Glass
On My Radar: This is bigger than putting another whiskey on the shelf. The Nearest Green story is an important piece of Black American history, and I appreciate a brand making sure that legacy has a name attached to it.
UNCLE NEAREST 1856 PREMIUM AGED WHISKEY
On My Radar: If 1856 is the introduction, this feels like the "okay, now let me see what else you've got" bottle. One for people ready to go a little deeper into the Uncle Nearest lineup.
UNCLE NEAREST 1884 SMALL BATCH WHISKEY
On My Radar: I can appreciate a bottle that has a clear job. This one sounds built for the person who wants that sharper rye character or wants to give a familiar cocktail a different personality.
UNCLE NEAREST STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY
On My Radar: This is the one I'd point toward the serious whiskey person. Single-barrel variation makes it feel less like simply buying a bottle and more like choosing an experience.
UNCLE NEAREST SINGLE BARREL WHISKEY
On My Radar: The founder story alone made me want to know more about Anteel, but the Reposado being the standout traditional expression gives me somewhere to start. Black women building award-winning spirits brands? Absolutely worth knowing.
Anteel Tequila
On My Radar: And now we bring the excellence right back to Chicago. I love discovering brands with roots close to home, and an aged expression feels like the right one to spotlight when introducing people to Jon Basíl.
Jon Basil Tequila
Before you tell me another story about Jack Daniel, let’s put some respect on Nearest Green’s name... the Black man who taught him the craft deserves more than a footnote in whiskey history!
Uncle Nearest 1856
Beyoncé went digging into her family roots and came back with a whisky honoring her moonshiner great-grandfather... now THAT is how you turn family history into a legacy business!
SIRDAVIS AMERICAN WHISKY
Three Black brothers making Kentucky bourbon history... I love a family business, especially when the family starts opening doors that weren’t exactly being held open for them!
Brough Brothers Bourbon
Salted caramel whiskey sounds like somebody took dessert, gave it a promotion, and told it to start hanging out with the grown folks!
Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey
Named for Tulsa’s historic Black Wall Street... this is one of those bottles that deserves a conversation about Black excellence, entrepreneurship, and the history too many people never learned!
Shop Greenwood
50 Cent went from making records about getting rich to putting his name on cognac... say what you want, but that man understands the importance of having more than one income stream!
Branson VSOP Grande Champagne Cognac
Nayana Ferguson made history as a Black woman in the tequila business... and I do love seeing us claim space in industries where nobody thought to save us a seat!
Anteel Blanco Tequila
Tiffany Capri Hainesworth built her own tequila brand... not asking to join somebody else’s table, but setting one up with her own name on the invitation!
TCapri Tequila Blanco
Kevin Hart has a tequila brand now, because apparently being everywhere on television, in movies, and in commercials wasn’t keeping that man busy enough!
Gran Coramino Cristalino Tequila
With a name like Black Momma, I already know somebody better behave themselves... because you KNOW she isn’t about to tell you twice!
Black Momma Vodka | Total Wine & More
A Black-owned distillery with vodka served on Delta flights... I call that taking Black entrepreneurship to new heights, quite literally!
Du Nord L'Etoile Vodka
Du Nord is giving gin its own moment, and I appreciate a Black-owned business that doesn’t stop at one good idea when there’s a whole bar left to conquer!
Du Nord Fitzgerald Gin
Snoop Dogg made a strawberry-infused gin... because apparently the man decided his contribution to happy hour should come with a soundtrack and a little extra flavor!
Indoggo Gin
Harlem Renaissance inspiration in a bottle... now that’s the kind of gin that makes me want to put on something fabulous, cue the jazz, and tell everybody to use a coaster!
HH BESPOKE GIN
Marc Farrell brought Caribbean rum culture to the table and Ciara joined the party... I appreciate a bottle with some island heritage and business ambition behind it!
Ten to One Caribbean White Rum
Named for abolitionist and author Olaudah Equiano... this is the kind of bottle that can open a conversation about history while reminding us how much more there is to learn!
Equiano Rum
Two sisters, a wine empire, and a bottle called Black Girl Magic... I mean, sometimes the assignment is simply to celebrate ourselves without waiting for somebody else to give us a reason!
Mcbride Sisters Black Girl Magic California Sparkling Brut
Marvina Robinson built a Black woman-owned champagne house... because why should we always be the ones buying luxury when we can be the ones creating it!
Grand Reserve Brut | Stuyvesant Champagne
Isiah Thomas went from basketball championships to the champagne business... apparently retiring from the court doesn’t mean retiring from the celebration!
Cheurlin Champagne Brut Speciale
Issa Rae has her own prosecco, and somehow that feels appropriate for a woman who turned being awkward into an empire... I’ll raise a glass to knowing your lane and building your own highway!
Viarae Prosecco DOC by Issa Rae
Mary J. Blige gave us the soundtrack for heartbreak, healing, and getting our lives together... now she’s bringing the bubbles for the part where we finally celebrate ourselves!
Sun Goddess Prosecco by Mary J Blige
Listen... if somebody’s bringing out that gold Ace of Spades bottle, I expect an occasion worthy of all that shine, because that’s not a casual Tuesday-night pour!
Armand de Brignac Ace of Spade Champagne
Now THIS is my kind of bottle name... good times, good friends, and a Chicago Black woman founder I actually know, Chrishon Lampley, giving me another reason to support my people!
Love Cork Screw Good Times Good Friends Pinot Grigio
Chrishon named this one Head Over Heels, and I’m thinking a nice glass of Riesling sounds a whole lot less complicated than some of the people we’ve fallen head over heels FOR!
Love Cork Screw Head Over Heels Sweet Riesling
We’re Movin’ On Up? Now Chrishon, you KNOW I love a wine that sounds like it comes with a promotion, a corner office, and somebody finally recognizing your worth!
We're Movin On Up Cabernet Sauvignon
With a name like Hard Knock Life, I already know this wine understands that some weeks deserve more than a motivational quote... sometimes you just want to sit down and enjoy your evening!
Hard Knock Life - Concord
When they go low, we go high... preferably with a glass of rosé from my Chicago girl Chrishon, because maintaining your standards should still leave room for a little enjoyment!
We Go High Rosé
No more drama, no more foolishness, and absolutely no auditions for a starring role in somebody else's chaos... Chrishon, this bottle is speaking my language!
No More Drama Moscato
Be the light, darling... but don't let anybody mistake your shine for an invitation to drain your electricity, because even the brightest woman needs to recharge!
Be The Light - Sauvignon Blanc
The Morning After? Now, Chrishon, what exactly happened the night before... because that sounds like a story requiring coffee, sunglasses, and at least one trustworthy girlfriend!
The Morning After Chardonnay
Tiffany Capri Hainesworth is showing us that Black women belong in the tequila business too... and this reposado is the sophisticated older sibling who has learned that everything doesn't require an immediate response!
TCapri Tequila Reposado
Now we're getting into the grown-folks section of Tiffany's tequila collection... the kind of bottle that says pull up a chair, slow your roll, and appreciate what patience can produce!
TCapri Tequila Anejo
LeBron James invested in this tequila brand, and I appreciate the distinction... because there's a difference between building the business and recognizing one worth putting your money behind!
LOBOS 1707 TEQUILA, REPOSADO
Chris and Shanelle Montana keep expanding Du Nord's collection... and I do love watching Black entrepreneurs prove that the first seat at the table was never supposed to be the last!
DU NORD PROMINENCE GIN
Harlem Renaissance inspiration meets the home bar... now all I need is some jazz, fabulous company, and a bartender who understands that vodka deserves better than an accidental science experiment!
HH BESPOKE VODKA
Gin, vodka, and now rum... this Harlem family clearly didn't come to the liquor business to play musical chairs with one bottle, and I respect that kind of ambition!
HH BESPOKE RUM
Black Girl Magic in a bottle from two sisters who built a wine business... because sometimes celebrating Black women should be as simple as gathering around the table and pouring a glass!
Black Girl Magic Red Blend California 2020
A Riesling wearing the Black Girl Magic name... because we contain multitudes, darling, and nobody said our wine preferences had to fit inside somebody else's little box!
Black Girl Riesling California
Robin and Andréa are building the kind of wine collection that makes me want to host a proper grown-woman dinner party... real conversation, beautiful glasses, and absolutely no folding chairs!
McBride Sisters Collection Chardonnay, Central Coast California 2025
Two sisters building something together instead of competing for the spotlight... I'll raise a glass to that, because there's more than enough room for all of us to shine!
McBride Sisters Collection Red Blend Central Coast 2020
A Black family built a legacy in Napa Valley and named one of their wines Chaos Theory... which sounds about right, because sometimes the most remarkable things emerge from circumstances nobody could have predicted!
2023 Chaos Theory Red Blend
Napa's first Black-owned estate winery, built on family legacy... now THIS is the kind of ownership story I want accompanying my dinner conversation!
2023 Napa Valley Zinfandel Vintage No. 28
André Hueston Mack named a wine P-Oui... because apparently the man decided excellent wine and a little wordplay could occupy the same bottle, and who am I to argue with creativity?
Maison Noir Wines 2023 "P-Oui" 375ml — Maison Noir Wines
Other People's Pinot Noir? Oh, I see what André did there... and now I've got a certain '90s song stuck in my head while trying to decide whether we're sharing this bottle or minding our own business!
Maison Noir Wines 2023 "Other People's Pinot Noir" — Maison Noir Wines
Style
On My Radar: THAT RED. Sometimes the bag is the outfit. The Kendrick silhouette already has presence, but in red leather it is not interested in quietly blending in.
Kendrick Trunk
On My Radar: Forest green with brass hardware feels rich without automatically reaching for black or brown. Small bag, grown-woman energy.
Mini Kendrick Trunk
On My Radar: This is not your "goes with everything" bag. This is your everything else needs to get out of the bag's way bag. 😂 And sometimes we need exactly that.
Kendrick Trunk
On My Radar: Red leopard ponyhair? Subtlety was clearly not invited, and I respect that. This is the bag for the woman who considers "too much" a challenge rather than a warning.
Mini Kendrick Trunk
On My Radar: This one feels completely different from the louder Kendricks. The lace over nude satin gives it an elegant evening feel while still keeping that recognizable Brandon Blackwood shape.
Kendrick Trunk