10 Black-Owned Businesses Founded & Run By Women

As promised, the year has been sprinkled with a lot of Black girl magic.

We saw 16 black models light up the runway at the Victoria's Secret show in Shanghai, we watchedGirl's Tripmake a historic debut at the box office, and we watched Black women show their impact at the polls.

But, our most important asset is not just our ability to vote, but our ability to spend. Consumerism drives advertising, which drives corporations which in turn drives our government. It's a pretty obvious chain of events and we are the most important link. In cosmetics, we saw what happened after Fenty Beauty launched their historic 40-shade concealers and foundations. It was named by TIME Magazine as one of the best inventions of the year.

Just recently, Neilson published a report titled, "Black Girl Magic and Brand Loyalty is Propelling Total Black Buying Power Towards $1.5 Trillion." According to the report, Black women are trendsetters, and brand loyalists who are self-made and self-reliant, and the number of businesses majority-owned by Black women grew 67% between 2007 and 2012, more than all women combined.

Now that the industry is hip to the demand by darker complexions, everyone is clamoring to rethink their business model.

Cause, meet effect.

This year, I'm reclaiming my Black power and steering my coins back into the community by buying Black. So, I have been deep diving into the hashtag universe of social media and scouring the Internet in search for Black women-owned businesses that I can support by spending my coins.

Scroll below to learn which Black women-owned businesses deserve your coin.

 LIT Brooklyn.

LIT Brooklyn

Founded by Denequa Williams in Brooklyn, New York. LIT Brooklyn offers a line of hand-poured soy wax candles in rich, homey scents that are sure to warm up the vibes indoors.

Le’Chanteur.

Le'Chanteur

Another Brooklyn-born creation with two Black women at its helm, Le'Chanteur features a line of unique accessories. The founders, Soull and Dynasty Ogun (twins), have created a collection of items that vary from eye wear to metal and stone jewelry.

hanahana beauty.

Hanahana Beauty

Hanahana beauty was founded by Abena Boamah who was taught by her mother at a young age to experiment with Shea butter. She is an educator and a strong advocate for wellness education. Her product line includes Shea butter sourced directly from the Katariga Women's Group in Ghana.

Iwilla Remedy.

Iwilla Remedy

Iwilla Remedy is a Brooklyn-birthed, now Atlanta-based, wellness brand. They offer sacred herbal medicine, natural body care, and spiritual self-care consultations, practices and classes, all aiming to help you along your journey of reclaiming wholeness. The 100% woman-owned and 100% Black-owned company has been in business since 2012. "Plant your best foot forward" and check them out at iwillaremedy.com and on FB and IG @iwillaremedy.

Folie Apothecary.

Folie Apothecary

Co-founder of Urban Bush Babes, doula, and mother of one, Nikisha Brunson is also known around these parts as a wellness extraordinaire. Her line of skincare products, Folie Apothecary, is available on Etsy and features natural glycerin soaps, facial serums, and hair oils in small batches.

Woman's Touch Apparel.

Woman's Touch Apparel

If you are looking for a feminist driven clothing brand with strong powerful statements to describe the woman you are, Woman's Touch Apparel is it. Founded by Jenesis Laforcarde, the brand designs include messages that are sure to remind young women of their individual importance and power.

Gypsy Bruja.

Gypsy Bruja

Another small-batch woman alchemist is Trae Harris, otherwise known as Gypsy Bruja. The indie film actress and performer hand-makes healing organic serums with all-natural ingredients, including pure gold. This serum soothes the skin and the soul. You can find her posting on her Instagram account when her supply is up, so be sure to pre-order as soon as possible – they go quickly.

Adele Supreme.

Adele Supreme

Carole Adele Williams, or "Adele Supreme" as she's known in the cyberworld, is the genius behind The Series of Relatable Circumstances and other original art that is sure to satisfy your favorite collector. Shop her collection of t-shirts and prints that include her incredible intricate labyrinth pieces.

Lace By Tanaya.

Lace by Tanaya

What about the sexy vixen on your list? Lace by Tanaya is a luxurious line of body jewelry made by Tanaya Henry. From lip lace to ear lace to body chains, her line of dazzling pieces will brighten up the jewelry fanatic's New Year's Eve.

 The Wrap Life.

The Wrap Life

Because 'tis the season to wrap that hair up, check out The Wrap Life founded by Nnenna Stella in Brooklyn, New York that has been changing the game in protective styles and creative up-dos. In delicious colors and patterns, not only is this collection sure to brighten anyone's wardrobe, their website also features wrap tutorials to expand your skill set.

Featured image by Getty Images.

Originally published December 2017.