In light of everything going on right now, not just in our country, but worldwide, we wanted to put all of our content on hold this week, to stand in solidarity with our black community and to mute ourselves so we could amplify melanated voices. We wanted to take this week to listen and learn how we can be better allies, use our voices to be vocal anti-racists and put together an action plan of what we can do to help. To you, our community, we acknowledge our lack of diversity, in not just our content, but within our own team and for this, we are deeply sorry. It should not have taken such extreme circumstances for us to educate ourselves and take action. Over this past week, I, Julia, have been reading, listening, donating and taking the time to figure out how I can better use my platform for good.
We want to make a commitment to be better. A lot of words and images have been posted, re-posted and shared this week, but we know that the power of change comes from action. On the blog here, we want to be more aware of being inclusive and spend even more time researching and discovering a vast array of brands owned by a diverse group of people. It’s a small step, and one we are very excited about.
Today we are highlighting small businesses owned by women of color, some recent finds and others, past favorites, regardless, they’re all beautiful, unique discoveries and ones we are delighted to share with our community! I had featured a few of these on my IG stories earlier in the week, and we received a huge repeated request to save them here on the blog. We encourage you all to share any businesses that you love or support within our comments, too.
Estelle Colored Glass
Estelle Colored Glass is a Charleston-based brand that makes hand-blown colored glasses and cake stands. I love the soft green of the stemless wine glasses that I just ordered, perfect for adding a pop of color to your table.
Brother Vellies
Brother Vellies creates the most gorgeous handmade shoes. These ruffled mules are a Victorian-era style lover’s dream come true.
Monroe NYC
Monroe NYC makes stunning, hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind hats in a variety of shapes. One of my favorites is this woven straw hat, complete with a pink satin band for a feminine twist on a summer staple.
Lemlem
Lemlem makes beautiful swimsuits, as well as dresses and kaftans that are perfect as cover-ups or worn on their own. I love the tie details of this swimsuit–they have a matching kid’s style as well!
KNC Beauty
I have heard amazing things about these retinol-infused eye masks from all-natural beauty brand, KNC Beauty. I am also eyeing their rose lip balm.
Aliya Wanek
Each piece by Aliya Wanek is hand-dyed in the Bay Area, with careful consideration taken toward reducing the brand’s environmental impact. I love the versatility of this handmade midi dress, which can be styled for countless occasions.
Oui The People
Built to apply just the right amount of pressure, this razor from Oui The People provides a close shave without causing irritation or razor burn, even on sensitive skin. It is just as beautiful in your shower as it is functional.
Selva Negra
Selva Negra’s collection is fully produced in downtown Los Angeles using ethical and sustainable practices. Their cotton and linen tent dress is exactly the type of style I love throwing on with a pair of sandals on hot summer days.
Ronni Nicole
Ronni Nicole creates beautifully unique floral plaster pieces, as well as hand-painted pastels on paper. I just ordered four of these botanicals to create a gallery wall and can’t wait to display them in our home.
A A K S
A A K S was founded with the goal of introducing the world to weaving techniques done by the women of Ghana, while also creating and igniting sustainable jobs within Africa. This vibrant basket bag adds a pop of color to any neutral summer outfit.
Madame de la Maison
Madame de la Maison is a curated shop of vintage linens and antique tableware, available to purchase or to rent, to bring elegance to your home. These pink wine glasses circa 1980-1990 would add a lovely, feminine touch to any table.
GALERIE.LA
GALERIE.LAÂ curates the finest selection of sustainable fashion from emerging brands worldwide. I love this feminine mini dress with ruffle details. Pair it with white sneakers for an effortless everyday look.
HarperIman Dolls
These handmade linen HarperIman dolls come in a variety of inclusive sizes, hairstyles, and skin tones. I just ordered this one for Clementine.
Hope For Flowers
Each Hope for Flowers piece is ethically sourced, and 10 percent of sales go to the Detroit Dirt to offset environmental impact. This rosebud-print tied shirt would look perfect with white denim. It also comes in a dress version.
KLUR
KLUR is a botanically based collection of high-performing skincare and multi-purpose self-care products. I am eager to try their Elements of Comfort botanical oil (which sounds like it smells heavenly, thanks to neroli orange blossom, rose, and lavender) to help combat my dry skin.
Stella Jean
Each season, Stella Jean’s collection intentionally and thoughtfully bridges Italian design with the artistry of women in a developing country. You can find her bright and playful pieces at various online retailers, including Shopbop.
BLK+GRN
BLK + GRN is a curated, one-stop beauty shop for natural products created by black artisans. I have heard amazing things about this best-selling Tumeric Wellness Powder from Golde.
Salt & Stem
Salt & Stem is a Charleston-based wandering flower truck that gives customers the chance to put together their own bouquet, or have one expertly created for them. Follow their Instagram for a schedule of where to find them around town.
The Tiny Tassel
The Tiny Tassel, based here in Charleston, is known for their classic tassel earrings, as well as cheerfully colorful dresses and skirts.
Le Petit Organic
Le Petit Organic focuses on unique eco-friendly, handmade, and vintage-inspired clothing and accessories for children. This linen dress with a double collar is one of the sweetest little girls’ dresses I have ever seen!
SIKA
All SIKA garments are designed in London and handmade in Ghana. I just order this geometric-printed dress that I can’t wait to wear this summer.