WHERE TO SHOP FOR BLACK POUND DAY THIS FEBRUARY
We’re now firmly into 2021 but whilst I’m sure many resolutions have been forgotten, I’m still on my mission to continue supporting Black-owned brands. This Saturday (6th February) is also Black Pound Day — a monthly community event and campaign on the first Saturday of every month to drive support and raise awareness for Black-owned businesses. This is an important part of shopping ethically and working towards bridging the racial divides in Britain. Black business owners often have far less financial support available to them, which makes it difficult for them to open a business in the first place, let alone keep it thriving for the long term. Below I’ve highlighted some of the brands that I know, or have discovered of late, whose products and ethos I admire.
Courtesy: Glow
Founded by Comet Chukura, Glow is a Not for Profit Social Enterprise supporting four of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They work with local women who've faced socio-economic disadvantages, providing them with a source of income and utilising their skill sets to self-empower with traditional crochet and knitting techniques that stimulate mental health and wellbeing. The brand is well-known for its reflective knitted hats and scarves (a must-have for cyclists) bridging the gap between functionality and design.
Courtesy: We Are KIN
Co-founded by Ngoni Chikwenengere, We Are KIN is an emerging sustainable label focused on creating pieces with.a sense of sartorial refinement, aided by strong silhouettes, clean lines and statement pieces that will elevate any wardrobe. The brand aims to make classic pieces which will last a lifetime and beyond to reduce waste and increase wearability. The brand works with end of line and sustainable fabrics at its local factory in Bow, London.
Courtesy: Sancho’s
Founded by Kalkidan Legesse, Sancho’s is a one-stop shop for sustainable pieces across fashion, accessories, jewellery and home. The brand aims to support a community of like-minded individuals who want to know the truth behind their clothing and the effect it has on our planet. As part of its commitment to making sustainability accessible for all, Sancho’s has a “transparent pricing” section on the site giving consumers the opportunity to choose from three prices and pay what they can afford.
Courtesy: Bouclème
Founded by Michele Scott-Lynch, Bouclème is a haircare brand designed for curly hair. The brand is built on sustainable principles using fair trade, naturally derived and biodegradable ingredients, recyclable packaging, an eco certified preservative and zero animal testing.
Courtesy: Flo
Co-founded by Susan Allen, FLO is an organic femcare brand that believes what we put in our bodies should be as natural as possible and not horrible for the planet. The brand’s current range includes bamboo pads and liners and cotton tampons — wrappers are made using biodegradable and compostable plant cellulose or sugarcane biopolymer.
Courtesy: Daughter of a Bohemian
Founded by Nuala Ferrington, Daughter of a Bohemian upcycles existing garments to create beautiful one-off pieces. The brand’s ethos is based on caring for people, a conscious approach to consumption and an appreciation of the maker.
Courtesy: Kemi Telford
Kemi created her brand to encourage and empower women to take up their rightful place. Using her Nigerian heritage as a design influence, and giving pieces a Western twist, the brand’s colourful collections are bright, bold and trans-seasonal.
Courtesy: Selfmade Candle
Founded by Ricki Lawal, Selfmade Candle offers natural soy wax candles and candle-making kits. Made with essential oils and hand-poured in London, the brand's products are eco-conscious and totally vegan-friendly.