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 skincare products, to podcasters, designers, foodies, finance, fitness 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 10 incredible Black, female entrepreneurs who have turned their passions into successful fashion brands!
Get ready to support Black women, shop small and look amazing while doin’ it…
Carmen Alexandra | Owner of She The Collection
Business:
She The Collection: For the modern woman, the curvy, girly, edgy, and trendy girl of the current generation. All items are handmade and made to order in Los Angeles, California.
About the Founder:
After years of blogging and recycling fashion, Carmen decided to produce the clothing that she received numerous inquiries about selling.
Quote:
“I took a leap of faith to be where I am, and I am forever blessed to be self-employed and doing what I love. I think life is way too short to waste working a job that you don’t like or anything that makes you unhappy. You have to make yourself happy and proud in everything that you do, feed your soul and live your best life. Speak peace, love, happiness, health, and wealth over your life and they will be brought to you abundantly!” — Carmen
Shop These:
Instagram:
What We Love:
She the Collection’s signature was created when Carmen was designing a DIY leather skirt in 2013. The cut (often seen at the bottom of their clothing or incorporated into their designs) was an accident as she was aiming for a different style and got a little scissor friendly.
Chinero Nnamani | Owner of Chinero Nnamani
Business:
Chinero Nnamani: A fashion brand grown from world travel, vintage styles, colorful garments, delighted eyes, vivacious appetites, and the influence and love of African cultures. It is the embodiment of multicultural experiences that exemplify beauty and the power of self-expression.
About the Founder:
Before starting her brand, Chinero worked as a freelance graphic designer, illustrator, and web designer. She also worked as the Practice Manager of a Mental Health clinic.
In her search for a calling, Chinero learned computer science and graphic design in Sweden, creative writing and public policy in California, philosophy and psychology in London, statistics and data management in India, anthropology and human anatomy in Nigeria, and so much more.
Quote:
“Each print is made to be striking on its own, yet complementary enough to create a show stopping designed vintage garment. My brand’s palette features stark colors that reflect deeply pigmented and embedded African cultures, creating vibrant, classic and joyful visuals and feelings that like vintage styles, will last throughout the ages.” — Chinero
Shop These:
- Kofi Halter Pencil Dress African Print
- Inye Vintage-Style Dress African Print
- Reversible Ulo/Ife Head Wrap African Print
Instagram:
What We Love:
Chinero’s patterns, prints, and clothing designs are born from her love of technology, mathematics, and art!
Pamela Adewoyin | Owner of Lola Ade
Business:
Lola Ade: A jewelry line with delicate and bold pieces infused with West African influences in a modern setting.
About the Founder:
Since 2010, Pamela has been handcrafting jewelry locally inspired by the things she has seen and places she’s been. By day she’s an entertainment lawyer, and by night she’s a jewelry designer.
Quote:
“The biggest struggle has been overcoming the fear of judgment and realizing you can be a successful corporate professional and a creative. Once you find something that makes you happy, feel the fear and do it anyway. Even if that means turning a hobby into a business.” — Pamela
Shop These:
Instagram:
What We Love:
Lola Ade’s jewelry selection is so diverse! They have pieces for your minimal, everyday wear, but also for your glamorous nights out!
Christelle + Michelle Nganhou | Owners of Grass-fields
Business:
Grass-fields: High quality and ethically-made African inspired fashion, offering a range of modern African print dresses and clothing for women, men and kids that are all sourced and made in the UK and Cameroon.
About the Founders:
Christelle and Michelle are Cameroonian twin sisters. Christelle is in charge of organizing photo shoots, overseeing designs, executing marketing strategies, and looking after the financial side of the business. Michelle oversees all aspects of design, customer service, and operations. Plus, their mom is the one who sources all their great fabrics!
Quote:
“I arrived home with £50 in my pocket and no retail experience, but it didn’t matter because my sister and I had a strong desire to succeed.” — Christelle
Shop These:
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What We Love:
On Grass-field’s website, they feature the men and women who actually make their clothes! It’s so cool seeing the faces and reading the stories of those who are impacted when you buy from this business.
Dionne Teddie | Owner of Shop Style Shark
Business:
Shop Style Shark: Provides high-quality trends to women around the world at an affordable price point.
About the Founder:
Dionne began her career selling used clothes on Poshmark, and in just three years grew a loyal fanbase from 1,000 followers into a powerhouse audience representing over 100,000 followers on Instagram. She then launched Shop Style Shark as a hobby.
Quote:
“Fashion is really about the magic and mystery of transformation and evolution. There is a powerful energy in changing your look, or styling yourself in a certain way using clothing, accessories, makeup and hair. It’s a whole language that’s conveyed through objects.” — Dionne
Shop These:
Instagram:
What We Love:
Not only does Shop Style Shark have great items at a great price, but their blog, Diary of a Style Shark, also shares beauty hacks, style tips, and latest fashion trends!
Jerusalem Taylor & Jessica Willis | Owners of State of Wild
Business:
State of Wild: Unique accessories made with hand-selected, fair-trade textiles and fabrics, handmade by its founders and their tribe.
About the Founders:
Jerusalem and Jessica are total boss babes, free spirits, women of God, sisters in the faith, and absolute best friends.
Quote:
“I still have a hard time owning the fact that I get to do something where I get to express my love for fashion, creativity, and making a difference out into the world. It’s been quite the journey and I wouldn’t trade it for a second. From late night sew sessions, art walks, pop-ups, laughter, tears, connecting with other makers, and a lot of coffee and Jesus of course. I can’t wait to see where God takes us next! Make sure to shop small y’all! You’re supporting someone’s dream more than you know.” — Jessica Willis
Shop These:
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What We Love:
For each SOW item purchased, a portion of the proceeds go to a non-profit foundation or social cause. Currently, they are providing handmade face masks to local Orange County Healthcare Professionals!
Lisette Ffolkes | Owner of Jam + Rico
Business:
Jam + Rico: A fashion jewelry company providing bold, unique and colorful designs getting their inspiration from the people, culture, music, and terrain of the Caribbean and Latin America. Each piece is handmade in India or New York.
About the Founder:
With immigrant grandparents from both islands of Jamaica and Puerto Rico, Lisette was always curious about their upbringing and traditions that were formed from her grandparents’ homeland. Once she got older and was able to travel to both islands, the fascination and love of her heritage grew even stronger. The colors, carnivals, art, beaches and language all inspired her to create and design. That’s when she knew she needed to design to bring her closer to the cultural connection of her ancestors!
Quote:
“I started my business with a leap of faith. I self-funded and started by designing only 5-6 pieces that I felt confident would sell. I thought if I would wear it someone else would too!” — Lisette
Shop These:
Instagram:
What We Love:
With each collection, Lisette travels to one Caribbean country and connects with the people, experience, and culture of each island while finding inspiration from her trip. Once she gets back, she starts sketching and developing a collection!
Chioma + Uchenna Ngwudo | Owners of Cee Cee’s Closet NYC
Business:
Cee Cee’s Closet NYC: A go-to destination for fashionable women who love to add meaningful color to their looks with a pop of West African prints, accessories designed by them and handmade by artisans in Nigeria.
About the Founders:
Before starting their fashion brand, Uchenna was working in asset management in Delaware, while Chioma was a strategy consultant in Manhattan. Unhappy and lost, the duo knew they needed a change.
Quote:
“We’re hoping that this line will bring African prints and aesthetics to the forefront of everyday street style. We want people from around the world looking to add African inspired pieces to their wardrobe.” — Chioma & Uchenna
Shop These:
Instagram:
What We Love:
Chioma and Uchenna decided to expand into clothing because they felt the market seemed to be divided between expensive extravagant dresses and cheap Chinese-made ready-to-wear pieces. They wanted to give fashionable women an alternative that was well-priced and perfect for everyday wear and special occasions!
Zoe Ruddock | Owner of RUDD.
Business:
RUDD.: A minimalistic streetwear brand that launched early April 2020. The current collection consists of 7 t-shirts that have the word “humble” printed on the top center (Zoe’s favorite word to live by).
About the Founder:
Zoe graduated from the University Of West Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Grateful for her education and college experience, she always knew a “normal” job wasn’t for her. So, she decided to invest more of her time into her true passions — fashion and beauty.
Quote:
“Be great, liberate others, win your race, and be humble.” — Zoe
Shop These:
Instagram:
What We Love:
Zoe’s one goal is to help and contribute something in some way. She uses not only her new clothing line, but also her Instagram, Youtube channel, and Blog as a platform to inspire, teach, and connect!
Mimi Striplin | Owner of The Tiny Tassel
Business:
The Tiny Tassel: A not-so-tiny and oh-so-gorgeous collection of earrings, where each pair is made by Mimi in Charleston, South Carolina. Her designs are bold, brightly colored, and undeniably fun!
About the Founder:
Mimi, a College of Charleston graduate, left life in the haberdashery world behind and founded The Tiny Tassel in the summer of 2015. She is also the co-founder of Cannonborough Collective, a balloon and gift shop located on downtown Charleston’s Peninsula that allows local brands to rent space and sell their merchandise.
Quote:
“If you’re looking to start your own online business, take everything day by day. Stop and enjoy all of it, soak it all in, and bathe in the cool thing you’re creating and doing. Take a step back and look at it from the outside and truly appreciate and enjoy what you’re doing.” — Mimi
Shop These:
Instagram:
What We Love:
The Tiny Tassel is a family affair! Mimi’s mom handmakes all of the garments and her older sister is her accountant.
