am·pli·fy : to increase the strength or amount of; to make larger or greater
Over the past few months, one of our main focuses has been to amplify the voices of Black women around the world. With a diverse community of our own, we reached out to you on Instagram to share YOUR favorite Black, female-owned small businesses that you know and love!
This is part of an incredible round-up series featuring some of these women and small businesses that you can support online now and in the future…in so many different industries from podcasters and fashionistas to designers, finance experts, fitness brands, and more!
Our mission has always been to empower women to chase after their entrepreneurial dreams – and now more than ever, it’s time to amplify our support for our Black community. Plus, it’s just one small way we can all do our part towards bridging the gap and supporting small!
So without further adieu, here are six incredible Black, female entrepreneurs who have turned their passions into a successful online skincare business!
Get ready to support Black women, shop small and look amazing while doin’ it…
Akilah Releford | Owner of Mary Louise Cosmetics
Business:
Mary Louise Cosmetics: 100% organic skincare products
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About the Founder:
Akilah loves playing with skincare products, traveling, binge-watching 90 Day Fiance, and Pesto Gnocchi.
Quote:
“Mary Louise stands for making natural skincare products accessible for everyone. We make the idea of having clear skin something that not only a few can have, but something everyone can achieve.” — Akilah
What We Love:
23-year-old Akilah launched Mary Louise with just $200 after her tweets on DIY oatmeal masks and detox water went viral!
Vanessa Headley | Owner of Sincerely Made
Business:
Sincerely Made: Natural, artisan skincare products whipped in sunny Florida, made in small batches, and packaged in recyclable labels and containers
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Instagram:
About the Founder:
Vanessa loves family time by the pool, reading self-development books, and drinking coffee while bird watching.
Quote:
“It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.” — Vanessa
What We Love:
Not only does Sincerely Made have amazing products, but they have also created a space for women to feel loved, accepted, appreciated, and empowered!
Chris Cabrera | Owner of Naturally London
Business:
Naturally London: Botanical-based, artisanal, non-toxic footcare and handcare products handcrafted in Maryland
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About the Founder:
Chris is a mother, wife, career woman, soldier, and athlete. She is passionate about creating products for women who wear many shoes.
Quote:
“I wanted to create a beneficial foot care regimen that was easy-to-use, multi-purpose, but most importantly didn’t make me smell like a medicine cabinet.” — Chris
What We Love:
Naturally London is always doing their part to give back. From donating products and teaching the importance of proper foot care to donating financially, they are passionate about assisting military veterans, helping decrease landfill waste, and bringing awareness to sexual assault.
Avielle Amor | Owner of Skin Seeds
Business:
Skin Seeds: A holistic, boutique skincare line sold only during specific Harvest Times
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About the Founder:
Being bullied for her skin at an early age led Avielle to discover and create her own natural homemade skincare remedies. She’s taken and grown these remedies throughout her journey in the military, as a digital media influencer, and now as a small business owner!
Quote:
“Mindfully sow to reap the glow.” — Avielle
What We Love:
Since Skin Seeds holds such high standards of producing quality products, they only sell their products during scheduled harvest times!
Abena Boamah | Owner of Hanahana Beauty
Business:
Hanahana Beauty: All-natural, handcrafted skincare brand set to disrupt the global beauty industry through transparency, sustainability, and accessibility
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About the Founder:
Abena is a Ghanaian American who is passionate about sustainable mental health practices and working with marginalized black women.
Quote:
“We’re serious about producer-to-consumer transparency and remaining cruelty-free. We’re committed to creating sustainable ways of access while learning and sharing the stories of black women globally!” — Abena
What We Love:
Hanahana’s mission for giving back! The Hanahana Circle of Care is a social realignment cause that serves 60 Katariga women by providing Hepatitis B vaccinations, health education classes, and healthcare checks. Plus, they pay 2x the fair trade price for their shea butter sourced directly from Tamale, Ghana!
Kiara Hampton | Owner of Chiara Skin
Business:
Chiara Skin: Natural, organic skin and bodycare products.
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About the Founder:
Kiara had always dreamt of being a business owner, but was never sure what kind of business she actually wanted to own. When COVID-19 came along and closed down her full-time job, she decided to transform her passion for skincare into a new source of income.
Quote:
“I wasn’t expecting this to completely take off, but I’m so glad it did. I started this out of boredom and curiosity and I’m so eager to learn more!” — Kiara
What We Love:
At 21-years-old and unemployed, Kiara launched Chiara Skin for fun and to make a little bit of income in the midst of the pandemic. In less than a month of launching her business, she had to restock her products not only once or twice, but three times!
