There are so many amazing black-owned businesses in Toronto and the GTA to discover that offer such unique and one-of-a-kind products. From fashion brands that infuse African heritage into its designs to Caribbean cuisine that introduces robust flavour and excitement into the community, there is so much to explore and support. Without a doubt, there is no better time than now to uncover these black-owned gems in the community!
Here are black-owned businesses to support in Toronto and the GTA.
Cup Of Té
Because who doesn’t love a Cup Of Té? With a selection of the best organic teas and teaware, you will be happy to join this community of happy steepers. You can find caffeine-free, green, herbal, black, white, rooibos, and oolong teas that are naturally enriched with antioxidants. Whether you are drinking these teas hot or cold, these natural refreshing flavours are perfect for any time of the day. Available for delivery and free shipping on orders over $50.
Claredon Trading Company
Claredon Trading Company is a super cool vintage shop that just opened this year in Yorkdale Shopping Centre. It already opened its first spot at the Scarborough Town Centre, so it’s great to see that it’s expanding! You’ll come across Levi’s jeans, Carharrt beanies, leather jackets, Nike sweaters, and more in-store, as well as online. The owners, Colette Liburd and Johnnel Francis, buy the items rather than taking donations therefore they can build a carefully curated collection. So, you know that shopping here you’ll definitely grab some great vintage finds.
Girl Gang Strong
This mother-daughter duo recently launched Girl Gang Strong which is a bi-monthly subscription box that includes around 5-8 age-appropriate products for young girls. These products may include phone accessories, beauty or health products, cute stationery, unique jewellery, educational products, and hair accessories. Each box is packed full of love for the young girl that is receiving it and encourages every girl to just be herself. The Girl Gang Strong community encourages self-love, female empowerment, and embracing our differences.
Charm Berries
Charm Berries creates treats that are simply stunning. These treats are dipped in your choice of colour and can even be infused with Bacardi, Appleton, Baileys, Smirnoff, Jack Daniels, or Malibu Rum. You also have a choice of premium liquor such as Hennessey or Cîroc at an extra cost.
Cherry Gardens
Cherry Gardens is named after a neighborhood in Kingston, Jamaica, and offers divine, high-quality basics. The brand combines a minimal aesthetic with an athleisure feel that you’re sure to absolutely love. Designed with comfort in mind first and foremost, plus everything is Canadian-made!
Dr. Liza
Dr. Liza was the first-ever Black Canadian female to have both designed and owned a shoe business brand, dr. Liza shoes, has experienced success since launching in 2017. Featuring heels, flats, sandals, and most recently slippers and sneakers, the 12-hour wear-anywhere and everywhere shoes are loved by stars like Kate Winslet, Edie Falco, and Emma Thompson.
Kaela Kay Boutique
The designs at Kaela Kay are the embodiment of designer Catherine Addai’s Ghanaian roots. There is an emphasis on colours and prints, as she uses Ankara textiles, which represent Africa. Likewise, Addai also incorporates her North American upbringing with designs that are feminine and classic. Clearly, Kaela Kay’s designs are made for every woman who wants to feel bold and beautiful in the clothing they wear. Shop the brand’s amazing clothing and join her growing fanbase which includes high-profile celebs like Tracy Moore and Busy Phillips!
A Different Book List
A Different Booklist is a locally owned bookstore bringing you literary gems from Canada’s cultural mosaic. The store offers novels from the South to the North, from Africa to the Caribbean, and Asia to South America, and is dedicated to curating literature written by black authors. Importantly, A Different Book List has become a space for young black students to learn the difficult history of their ancestry, as well as a haven for young black authors who want to learn more about how to get their work published. Without a doubt, this store is a terrific resource for all Canadians to explore topics that are missing in mainstream bookstores and media.
Get Fresh Company
If you aren’t yet familiar with Get Fresh Company on Queen Street in Toronto, then it’s time to get acquainted. This streetwear boutique and black-owned business not only offers the freshest takes on streetwear but the owner and founder Jebril ‘Fresh’ Jalloh takes participating in his community seriously! That’s why he founded the E Project which gives a platform for creative minds to showcase their talent. So, from the fit down to the quality, if you’re looking for clothing that makes a statement, you will not be disappointed by the selection here.
Classic Juice Co.
Classic Juice Co. is a vibrant juice bar located in the east end of Toronto. The shop creates immunity shots, cold-pressed juice, smoothies, wraps, and other options that support your health and wellbeing. The menu of juices changes daily and uses raw, local, and seasonal produce to ensure freshness. The handmade, cold-pressed juices provided by Classic Juice Co. are a labour of love that we can happily indulge in while supporting a black-owned business!
Rahyma
Founded in 2010 by Rahyma Awanife, Rahyma is a fashion brand that specializes in luxury African print fashion. Sold online, Rahyma’s designs fuse African and Western styles. In the collection, which is designed in Toronto, you’ll find pieces for every aspect of your life. From wardrobe staples like t-shirts and jackets to jumpsuits, shorts, skirts, dresses, and head wraps, each item makes a statement with its eye-catching prints and colours. For those who dare to stand out, check out Rahyma.
Adrift
Located in downtown Toronto, Adrift has been catering to Toronto’s skate and lifestyle enthusiasts for over 10 years. It carries a diverse selection of urban lifestyle brands from all over the world. The inventory is constantly updated with new products from each season, so keep your eye out for awesome pieces!
Kids Swag
Kids Swag is an online Canadian company founded by Kim West. As a mother of two, she wanted to ensure that her daughters grew up with love for themselves and life, which is something she felt could be reinforced by seeing positive images of children that look like them. Today, the online marketplace features a large variety of different products from kitchenware like plates and apparel that feature black superheroes and astronauts, to Nana Dolls, Tru-Colour Band-Aids, swim caps, and bonnets, West has curated an amazing range of products that aren’t easily accessible in big box stores.
CurlShoppe
CurlShoppe believes that length shouldn’t always be the sole goal when it comes to your hair, but rather the health of your locks and in turn, self-love. The wonderful black-owned business hopes to see all men, women, and kids embracing their own unique hair and not be afraid to be different.
Tribal Eye
Located in the heart of Kensington Market in Toronto, Tribal Eye is a shop that is well known and loved by the community for over 30 years. Owner Anthony Richards has built a shop that is not only celebrated for the products it carries but for the reggae music that adds life to the neighbourhood. Here you’ll find handmade natural skincare products for men and women, with properties to heal and clear common skin troubles. There is so much more to discover at Tribal Eye, it’s no wonder it has become a staple destination for so many.
Pro League Sports
Since 1991, Pro League Sports prides itself on offering only the best-licensed apparel from nearly every professional sports league. From jerseys to hats to collectibles and everything in between, Pro League can help you find what you’re looking for.
Blooming Flower Bar
Located in Toronto’s Cabbagetown, Blooming Flower Bar is a destination for all things fresh and green. The black-owned business carries a wide assortment of fresh-cut flowers, which you can pick and DIY from the shop’s flower bar, or lean on Blooming’s friendly staff to put together for you. In addition, you’ll find plant accessories such as pots, plants, flower-themed gifts, and more. It’s a one-stop shop for all things beautiful and magical. There’s no wonder why it has been dubbed “the happy place” by shoppers in the community.
Omi Woods
Omi Woods creates contemporary heirlooms that celebrate connections to Africa. The jewelry is individually and ethically handmade with fair trade African gold and globally sourced fine metals. Omi Woods jewelry is intended to be worn every day, gifted for special occasions, and passed down to future generations.
The Green Jar
The Green Jar, located in midtown Toronto, was created by sisters Tannis and Mara Bundi who grew up in a minimal-waste household and found it difficult to carry on the lifestyle in adulthood. Here you’ll find reusable and sustainable goods including silicone food pouches, reusable stainless steel straws, and bamboo utensils. Plus, the shop is a go-to for lifestyle goods for the whole family and also features a refillery for a selection of personal care items. There are also to-go meals like salads and juices from Village Juicery, and so much more to explore at this eco-conscious hot spot.
Beryl’s Pepper pot
For authentic Jamaican cuisine in the GTA, Beryl’s Pepper Pot has your cravings covered. That’s because Chef Beryl Ralston’s menu includes classic flavours and styles of cooking that are celebrated parts of her heritage. That being said, menu favourites include Jerk Chicken, Curried Goat, Stewed Oxtails, and Fried Chicken. For those lucky enough to order take-out or delivery from their Ajax and Pickering locations, this joint is a must.
pABA Cosmetics
Paba Cosmetics is a makeup brand that is totally cruelty-free and offers beauty for all skin tones. The shades are formulated to seamlessly match individuals’ unique undertones. The founder and CEO, Felicia Sarpong, created Paba Cosmetics because she was done being disappointed by not finding her correct makeup shade and wanted to make a major change.
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