For a long time, the beauty industry was lacking in options for BIPOC consumers, and although it still has a long way to go, there is now a variety of amazing black-owned beauty brands on the market that are leading by example and raising the bar for what is acceptable in terms of beauty inclusivity. Some of these brands cater specifically to the BIPOC community, providing products that were previously non-existent or non-accessible, and others are beauty brands offering a wide variety of products for all skin/hair types. All began with thoughtful origin stories.
Here are 12 black-owned beauty brands to have on your radar
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
One of the most notable black-owned beauty brands is none other than Fenty Beauty by Rihanna. Rihanna was inspired to create Fenty Beauty after years of experimenting with the best-of-the-best in beauty—and still seeing a void in the industry for products that performed across all skin types and tones. The brand is known for its wide selection of makeup and extensive shade range.
KNC Beauty
KNC Beauty, named after its founder Kristen Noel Crawley, was inspired when she saw a wall of lip masks while in Tokyo! She then realized that there were no natural lip masks on the market, so KNC Beauty was born. Kristen created the first all-natural, collagen-infused lip mask, which has since blown up on social media. The brand now also offers eye and face masks, too!
Mented Cosmetics
All too often you hear people refer to “nude” describing a light beige colour. But the reality is, “nude” can be a whole range of different colours and pigments. Enter Mented Cosmetics, co-founded by KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson. The duo created Mented with the mission to make beauty truly inclusive. The brand’s first product was a nude lipstick that was pigmented for their own skin tones – which the market previously lacked. Since then, Mented (short for pigmented), has grown to offer all kinds of different makeup products!
Beauty Bakerie
Beauty Bakerie was founded by Cashmere Nicole in 2011 with the mission to “be sweet and sweeten the lives of others.” As implied in the name, if you aren’t yet familiar with Beauty Bakerie’s products, a heavy theme of baking is instilled. Cashmere Nicole’s passion for high-quality and healthy ingredients was driven by a battle with Breast Cancer. Now the cruelty-free, all-inclusive cosmetic brand is sold in over 1000 locations! You can read more about Beauty Bakeries’ impressive initiatives here.
Ami Colé
Ami Colé, named after its founder Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye’s mother, is a beauty brand offering essentials for melanin-rich skin! On its website it states “Beauty created for us. By us. Because before, there was nothing out there that really saw us.” Some of the brand’s best-selling products include its Skin-Enhancing Tint, Lip Treatment Oil, and Skin-Enhancing Concealer.
Briogeo
Nancy Twine, the founder and CEO of Briogeo, previously worked in finance but decided to pivot after the loss of her mom lead her on a soul-searching journey. She found herself reconnected with past memories including those of creating custom beauty treatments using natural ingredients, alongside her mom in the kitchen. This ultimately inspired Nancy to make a larger impact in the natural beauty world with Briogeo, a haircare brand catering to all hair types. Briogeo has since created quite the name for itself and has a massive cult following!
BREAD Beauty Supply
The founder of BREAD, Maeva, traces the brand back to when she was a child spending a lot of time in her mother’s braiding salon. She says the braiding tutorials, storytelling, familiar faces and close-knit community of women with curly, coiled, and textured hair was her Mum’s own version of BREAD. Now, the brand offers the essentials and must-haves – just like bread, except for hair.
Bevel
Tristan Walker created Bevel with the vision to enhance the grooming experience for people of colour, creating products that specifically cater to curly hair. He grew frustrated with the grooming products on the market leaving razor bumps and irritation, and the idea of Bevel was born. The brand now carries everything from razors to body wash!
Pat McGrath Labs
Pat McGrath Labs was founded by none other than makeup artist Pat McGrath herself! While setting major global beauty trends within the fashion and beauty industry, Pat McGrath has been formulating and perfecting her must-have collection of high-performance cosmetics since 2015. She was even dubbed “..the most influential makeup artist in the world” by Vogue! The brand is known for its high-quality, innovative formulas, trusted by designer fashion houses and celebrities alike.
Keys Soulcare
Did you know that aside from making waves in the music industry, Alicia Keys also has a lifestyle beauty brand? Keys Soulcare is all about simultaneously nourishing the skin as well as the soul. “Honouring the connection between skin
and soul, every offering is infused with intention — from symbolic icons and affirming mantras to recommended
rituals — to transform the time we spend caring for our skin into a moment of personal ceremony.” While shopping the collection, you’ll find everything from face oils to candles!
Blair&Jack
Founded by Dr. Bimpe Ayeni, a board-certified Plastic Surgeon and her husband, Ade Ajayi, Blair&Jack is a Canadian, physician-backed skincare brand created specifically for men’s skin. Its simple product line creates a straightforward yet effective routine, keeping skin healthy and hydrated. Every product is uniquely formulated and perfectly thought out to target various skin concerns like texture, oil and hyperpigmentation.
LYS Beauty
Conceptualized by Tisha Thompson, LYS Beauty provides clean, inclusive, skin-loving formulas that redefine the definition of beauty. Proudly the first Black-owned Sephora Clean Makeup brand, LYS Beauty aims to provide affordable makeup with a skincare-first approach! You’ll notice triangular packaging throughout its lines, meant to signify change, which is an important pillar for the brand.
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There are so many amazing black-owned businesses in Toronto and the GTA to discover that offer 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 year-round. 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.
Girl Gang Strong
This mother-daughter duo 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 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 neighbourhood 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, slippers, and sneakers, the 12-hour wear-anywhere and everywhere shoes are loved by stars like Kate Winslet, Edie Falco, and Emma Thompson.
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.
Classic Juice Co.
Classic Juice Co. is a vibrant Toronto-based juice bar providing healthy, fresh juice to the community. The shop creates immunity shots, cold-pressed juice, and more to support your health and wellbeing. 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 has been 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 jewellery 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 as well as a refill service to refill your fave products and save packaging.
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.
Blair&Jack
The brainchild of Dr. Bimpe Ayeni, a board-certified Plastic Surgeon and her husband Ade Ajayi, Blair&Jack was created after Ade struggled to find a skincare solution that soothed and healed painful irritation and bumps from shaving. After consulting with a pharmacist and creating a unique formula together, the brand and its hero product, the Anti-Bump Treatment, were born.
TAKEUPSPACE
TAKEUPSPACE is an independently Black woman-owned and operated lifestyle brand rooted in black womanhood. While shopping the brand, you’ll find a variety of high-quality printed garments with meaningful messages like “Black Women Save Lives”.
Rhapsody
Step inside Rhapsody on Ossington for an unforgettable night out with carefully selected music, food, and creative cocktails. “At Rhapsody, we know that music is the heartbeat of any great evening. That’s why we offer an eclectic array of tunes, inviting you to lose yourself and move to your own rhythm. Our music selection is carefully curated to cater to all tastes, from sultry hip hop to electrifying rock and everything in between.”
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Today is International Women’s Day, so what better way to celebrate than to shout out local women-owned businesses? Browse through clothing, accessories, beauty, lifestyle, and more, all from brands that are owned and operated by awesome females. Support the creativity and drive that these women possess by supporting their incredible ventures, so we can make sure that they stick around and thrive!
Here are women-owned businesses to support in Toronto and the GTA.
Clothing
Ease
Knix
mini mioche
Pretty Denim
FAWN
Love & Nudes
Horses Atelier
Accessories
Bluboho
Mejuri
RETYCHE
Omi Woods
Beauty
Pivot Skincare
Miracle 10
Evio
Calyx
Province Apothecary
The Green Jar
Tips Nail Bar
Food & Drink
Cocktail Emporium
Charm Berries
Lifestyle/Decor
Norquay
Likely General
Souvenir
The Lake
ByNessaLilly
Girl Gang Strong Inc.
Message us on Instagram @styledemocracy if we missed any of your fave women-owned businesses that should be added to this list!
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Supporting small businesses is so important, especially in these weary times. Forunately, there are so many amazing black-owned Etsy shops that offer such amazing products from jewelry, home goods, clothing, and more. Easily explore these unique and creative shops and discover some of your new fave brands!
Here are black-owned Etsy shops to have on your radar.
Omi Woods
Omi Woods creates contemporary heirlooms that celebrates 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 everyday, gifted for special occasions, and passed down to future generations so its meaning can live on for generations to come.
LouLou Art Studio
LouLou Art Studio offers such beautiful digital prints for everyone’s style. From portraits to abstract, there’s so many to browse through. If you want a custom print, then check out the Custom Family Portrait section of the shop.
Toup Ceramics
Looking for some quirky home decor or dinnerware? The unique Etsy shop, Toup Ceramics, has just what you need. The minimalistic designs are so stunning. The owner specializes in ancient hand building techniques including slab building, pinch pottery, and coil building to create the pieces.
Its All Culture Jewelry
If you’re in the market for one-of-a-kind jewelry to spice up your collection, check out this shop. All of the accessories are a curation for the bold, beautiful, and statement makers.
Tees & Tiaras
Want to make a statement on your tee? Tees & Tiaras has you covered. From spiritual quotes, to BLM messages, to custom pieces, you can seriously have it all!
Mind The Cork
Explore plant holders, hanging planters, and vegan leather cardholders. The coolest part? Everything is made from cork, so the beautiful neutral colourway will match seamlessly in any room. Plus, the cardholders come in a variety of colours like turquoise, red, cobalt blue, and more.
Adorness Jewelry
Dare to bring a touch of originality to your style with colourful and lightweight earrings. Adroness Jewelry creates hand-crafted jewelry with recycled leather, metal gold plated hooks, and brass rivets.
Kingsley Leather
These leather goods are so elegant and chic. This shop sells handcrafted leather wallets, bookmarks, personalized cuff links, belts, mousepads, key chains, and so much more.
Gabe Jade Accessories
Looking for that captivating accessory and pop of colour? Then look no further than Gabe Jade Accessories. The designer uses African fabrics full of bright and fun patterns to create ties, headwraps, and even bandanas for your puppy. Plus, if you need matching accessories for your significant other, kids, or relatives, and it’s not listed in the shop, contact the shop owner and she can make it happen!
Lovely Earthlings
From greeting cards, art prints, calendars, Lovely Earthlings offers such an abundance of quirky and fun designs that are sure to make you smile. Soon your walls will be covered from the prints of this shop!
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Being a young teenage girl can be rough sometimes, especially in today’s society. It can feel overwhelming and like every single day is a new battle, to the point where you struggle with self-love and care. What if I told you there was a subscription box that can help fuel both positivity and girl power while creating safe community for girls? Guess what, there is!
Girl Gang Strong is a perfectly curated bi-monthly subscription box that was created for all girls.
This Black-owned business was created by Toronto-based event planner Kennishia and her tween Kyree. The goal is to help create a community that inspires and empowers young girls everywhere.
This mother-daughter duo recently launched these bi-monthly subscription boxes and they include around 5-8 age-appropriate products. 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.
No matter your hair type or the colour of your skin, the subscription helps address difficult subjects like puberty, race, and self-confidence While celebrating individuality and building a strong community for young girls.
Girl Gang Strong provides a safe place online to help girls to love who they are. When you get your first box, you’ll find a special code inside that gives you access to join the Girl Gang Strong app. This way you will forever be a part of the Girl Gang VIP Community. This community encourages you to be your true self while discussing ideas and offers inspiration every day.
When you subscribe to Girl Gang Strong, you’ll be joining a community that encourages self-love, female empowerment, and embracing our differences!
Girl Gang Strong is currently donating proceeds from the box subscriptions to the George Floyd Memorial Fund.
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