WHAT TO BUY ON MAY’S BLACK POUND DAY AND BEYOND
Kamso/Aff&Jam
The 1st of May is Black Pound Day — a community event and campaign on the first Saturday of every month to drive support and raise awareness for Black-owned businesses. To mark the occasion, I’ve put together some of my favourite products as well as products I’m coveting from Black-owned brands that are committed to sustainability, across beauty, food, fashion and wellness.
Cocoa Skincare
COCOA SKINCARE’S COCOA SHEA BODY BUTTER IN VANILLA
Cocoa Skincare are a UK-based brand committed to the health of the planet and our skin. Specially formulated with Black and Brown skin in mind, their products are handmade in the UK using organic ingredients including raw shea butter ethically sourced from Ghana. Their Cocoa Shea Butter, which smells good enough to eat, is luxuriously formulated with rosehip oil, tamanu oil, and of course shea and cocoa butters to help regenerate damaged skin.
CHIKA’S
CHIKA’S LIGHTLY SALTED PLANTAIN CRISPS
CHIKA’S, named after the company’s founder, creates a range of planet-friendly snacks inspired by Nigerian and African food. They are dedicated to doing good, championing education for girls and imagining delicious snacks that are all-natural and plant-based. I’m a huge fan of their slightly sweet, slightly salty plantain crisps, which are also vegan and gluten-free.
Luxemore London
LUXEMORE LONDON SHEA BUTTER SHAMPOO BAR
Luxemore London creates all-natural products for all hair types, using ethically sourced ingredients. Founder Annie Beatson’s aim was to fill the gap in the market for toxin-free haircare for Afro hair. This shampoo bar is made using only three ingredients and is gentle enough for daily use, whilst avoiding unnecessary plastic packaging.
Aff&Jam
Behind Aff&Jam are two London-based artists who find inspiration in their Ghanaian and Jamaican roots as well as their curiosity for “arts, music and life” to create conscious and sustainable clothing and accessories. This pre-loved fleece was hand-painted with a minimalist design that’s as cool as it is unique.
Kamso
Seyi Sokoya founded Kamso in an effort to create the authentic children’s clothing she wasn’t seeing when she had her first child. Kamso is an ethical brand that utilises the skills of African artisans to create beautiful and durable pieces for children, whilst empowering local communities in Nigeria. This gender-neutral romper embodies the Kamso spirit, made from 100% waxed cotton and featuring a beautiful two-coloured print.
Leyelesi
Leyelesi designs bags handcrafted by artisans in Nigeria, using handmade materials, traditional printed fabrics and locally sourced leather. Expect graphic prints with fluro colour pops and mixed textures. This brightly coloured bag features a signature Leyelesi split flap, top handle and detachable chain.
Organic Principles
ORGANIC PRINCIPLES RENEW CANDLE
Organic Principles was founded by Anna Marie Hopewell, a certified holistic therapist who wanted to turn her love for essential oils into a range of products that could benefit anyone. The Renew candle is made from soy and coconut wax and contains a blend of beautiful essential oils: orange, mandarin, jasmine, nutmeg, patchouli and lavender. The all-natural candle is designed to help manage stress during the day.
For more Black-owned businesses to support, head over to my previous round-ups:
Black-Owned Natural Beauty Brands