When making effective and impactful change, actions speak louder than words!
The wealth gap between UK’s Black small businesses and their counterparts will require a reckoning of personal and policy resolve. Having the money is only one tier of the solution when there are long-standing exclusionary practices that still lock us out of the business arena. The market must be willing to recognise the historical impact of inequality stalling Black economic growth to ensure economic equity.
Supporting Black-owned businesses uplifts the diaspora in a plethora of ways. The action creates meaningful opportunities to save pounds and supports both entrepreneurship and small business. This serves the economy by evenly dispersing funds that more easily go to large, white-owned corporations. It also promotes generational wealth and future opportunities for younger community members.
What more meaningful way to spread holiday cheer than to give the gift of Black-owned? Below, we’ve listed a variety of curated brands that will help you express your feelings or appreciation to others. Also, to show kindness when people need it the most. All while doing your part to support the Black diaspora.
Natural Biankha
Charlotte Francis, a single mother to an only daughter, noticed the shortage of ethnic dolls coupled with the low self-esteem of the young girls she worked with. This sparked the creation of Natural Biankha, the black doll with a realistic, wash-day-friendly afro. In addition to her physical appearance, Biankha is an advocate for Black history, science, entrepreneurship, natural black beauty, black love, and spirituality. The brand includes accessories like lunch bags and backpacks, drinkware, doll outfit changes, and more.
CUMO London
This African Fashion and Lifestyle brand has the perfect gift for your trendy friends and family. The brand was born out of a love for celebrating Nigerian heritage and culture through fashion. Find everything from hoodies and sweatshirts to trousers, headwraps, and an assortment of accessories for men and women. CUMO also has a beautiful array of holiday dresses and gifts ranging from €10 to €50.
Very Puzzled
Bring the entire family together with fun, interactive puzzles exploring the diaspora’s vastness. Each jigsaw puzzle includes a variety of landmarks, monuments, and attractions. Very Puzzled stimulates imagination and curiosity in children and adults as they learn cognitive, physical, and emotional skills through 23 different Afro-Caribbean-inspired puzzles and activities.
Thirteen Months
Give the gift of consciously crafted home decor with Thirteen Months. This UK-based luxury homeware brand is hosting a 40% off Festive Flash Sale on their blankets, throws, rugs, table linen, and cushion covers. Simone, Sophia, and Leah, London-born Ethiopian sisters, curated the brand to celebrate a part of their heritage. They weave the traditional Ethiopian crafts meant for the modern home with bold, beautiful colours. Sustainability is also critical, as they upcycle materials and provide recyclable packaging to deliver these masterpieces to you.
Exclusive discount for Black in Carnaby
Black in Carnaby is a community empowerment platform curated by My Runway Group to offer Black businesses from under-represented backgrounds the commercial visibility they deserve. Birthed during the most eventful Black History Month ever, where lockdown and post George Floyd’s death saw various kinds of support for Black-led small business, they went against all odds to launch the very first Black physical concept store in London, West End.
We have a special discount for BYP members! Use BYPINCARNABY at checkout to secure a 10-15% discount.
Influential creative business and cultural strategist, Kojo Marfo FRSA, the founder of Black in Carnaby, is also a speaker at BYP’s New Year New Network event.
BYP understands that we are powerful together. Start today if you want to join our work to change the narrative! Help us do our part by shopping Black.
If you want to find out how else you can change the narrative, get in touch to work with us.
