August is Black Business Month. Today, we highlight businesses consumers can support this month and beyond. It’s the perfect time to bring awareness to these flourishing Black-owned beauty businesses in our community that span worldwide. Check out a list of our favorite Black-owned beauty businesses to support this month inside.
In 2024, Black business owners make up about 4 percent of United States businesses and less than 30 percent of all minority-owned businesses. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, that comes up to approximately two million companies owned by African Americans. In that number, nearly 40 percent of Black-owned businesses are in health care and social assistance, repair and maintenance, and personal and laundry service industries. Other industries include advertising firms, auto dealerships, consulting services, restaurants, barbershops and beauty salons, and of course, clothing companies.
The city which houses the most Black-owned businesses in the U.S. is New York, and Atlanta follows closely behind it. The highest ration of Black-owned businesses is in Washington, DC where 28 percent of all businesses are Black-owned. In recent years, the growth of Black-owned skincare line Topicals has become explosive. With a multitude of products and partnerships like their most recent campaign with multi-hyphenate creative and director Teyana Taylor.
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As you’re doing your holiday shopping, be sure to consume with the good of our communities in mind. The most important way is to support and encourage Black-owned businesses in your community. Depending upon where you live, it may be difficult, but challenge yourself to only spend with local Black-owned businesses in your neighborhood. If you’re shopping online for something specific, maybe ditch mainstream retailers and find a Black-owned business that sells the product you are searching for and shop within the community instead.
Little things like this make a world of difference for a small business and especially, a Black-owned business, which makes up a small percentage of businesses across the nation.
Check out our list of Black-owned beauty businesses to support:
1. Black Girl Sunscreen
In 2016, Shontay Lundy created Black Girl Sunscreen, a 30 SPF lotion formulated for women of color.
Alice Lin Glover and Marie Kouadio Amouzame founded the skincare brand back in 2018.
18. KNC Beauty
Kristen Noel Crawley founded the brand in 2016.
19. Briogeo
Nancy Twine created the haircare line in 2013.
20. The Honey Pot
The plant based feminine hygiene brand was founded by Beatrice Dixon in 2014.
21. Eazy-Bead Z
The hair accessory company was founded by Madelyn, who’s a mom of two daughters, who sought out an easier way to accessorize and protect their hair. She started the company in 2021.
