Did you know that October is Black History Month in the UK? The theme this year is “Saluting Our Sisters”, so it’s a perfect time to celebrate five Black-owned small businesses, run by five inspiring Black women that I’m proud to know.

mindful roots tea

Mindful Roots Tea is an award-winning loose leaf tea company, inspired by traditional remedies from founder Elle’s Jamaican roots. She’s also my bestie! Elle blends artisanal teas in small batches, using natural ingredients, with health and wellness benefits. Her limited edition Pumpkin Spice blend is a comforting companion as the nights draw in, a real seasonal favourite! Don’t ask me when I met Elle though… it’s a touchy subject!! But let’s just say we have been besties since school!!

telle moi

Natel set up Telle Moi after she tried (and failed) to find the perfect nude nail polish shade for her skin tone. Since then, Telle Moi has gone from strength to strength, even appearing on Dragons Den earlier this year. All Telle Moi’s products are vegan, handcrafted and cruelty-free, with an inclusive range of both colourful and nude polishes to suit everyone! Elle and I virtually met Natel when we were running a gift box company together, and really loved her ethos.

more than swim

Sandra’s swimwear brand, More Than Swim, creates glamourous, sustainable and size-inclusive swimwear. Each design even features an endangered species, to raise awareness about environmental issues. More recently, Sandra has also used her design skills to branch out into body-positive artwork, some of which even features drawings of her IRL swimwear! Sandra and I met in an online business community, and I really admire the values she brings to More Than Swim.

skiniri

SKINIRI is a natural skincare brand set up just over two years ago by Lettica, who decided to make her own products after taking note of the additives and chemicals used commercially. Each product is made from vitamin-rich, premium-grade natural ingredients, to improve skin health and encourage self-care as part of our daily routines. I met Lettica at a market last year, and have tried (and love) all of her products. Note to self: stock up on the Twilight Recovery Oil immediately!

untld project

OK, perhaps this blog should read “6 Black-owned businesses to support” because not only does superwoman Nerrisa run indie PR agency, Untld Project, she also has her own craft business, The Bargello Edit, selling sewing kits and her own fabrics inspired by retro Bargello patterns. I took a virtual PR course Nerrisa ran over lockdown, and have been a massive supporter ever since. Oh and she’s also a published author, and runs sewing workshops on the side, NBD.

You know I’m an advocate of shopping small, and it’s more important than ever to support Black-owned businesses not just this Black History Month, but EVERY month. According to recent research, Black-owned businesses in the UK turn over 29% less on average per year than white-owned businesses. This entrepreneurial pay gap can only be addressed by uplifting Black-owned small businesses.

But even if you can’t shop small right now, please share your favourite Black-owned businesses on social media, or you can write a review of a Black-owned small business you’ve bought from in the past. And drop your faves in the comment section below, too, I’d love to hear them!

Happy Black History Month!