Well Hello there, if you follow me on Instagram you would have known that my Christmas tree is very much UP!!!! But not only is it up I have been doing a lot of thinking. Since the start of COVID19, with all the quarantining and social distancing, the world has changed.
Another thing happened also; online sales went through the roof this year, the world gained a couple new billionaires and millionaires. This upcoming holiday season we are expected to see record breaking online sales. The holidays are typically a very important time of year for retailers, they make bank on Christmas gifts and all the holiday parties. According to some reports this year those sales will be even bigger.
As someone who takes great joy in the holiday season and all its glory, the over indulging, the meaning being lost behind all the materialistic stuff (yes, yes, blah, blah. I’ve heard it all). It gave me an idea, I want to do a BLACK CHRISTMAS, what does that mean?
What is a Black Christmas and Why you should join me.
I have decided to try my best and make sure 80% of the gifts I pick up this year are from Black or Immigrant owned businesses or those people own a large amount of the company if that makes sense. I figure if this Holiday season is promising high sales, then those sales need to reach the black community. Yes MA’AM!!!! So I want you to be a little more conscious as you shop for the remainder of the year, together we can do this. 2020 doesn’t have to be all gloom and face masks, we can come together and end this on high note.
I’m so excited about this initiative, I’m pumped and ready to start Christmas shopping. I’m also making my wish list of things I want to pick up for myself and overall I feel really good about where this is going. There are a few Black Owned businesses I wanted to highlight, since we’re on the topic.
Shop Milked Artisan Soaps – A female run business Kathy crafts aesthetically pleasing soaps and skin care products that boast an impressively beneficial ingredient lists. The founder Kathy who is a high school friend of mine has always been driven and creative. She creates all products in super small batches, using the highest quality ingredients. Not only are they pretty but they are so good for your skin. (Take a look around Here)
MKNE, My Knowledge Now is Eternal – A fashion brand started by one of the most amazing women I follow on Instagram. She embodies the term “women supporting women”. Kimberly is hilarious, never takes herself too serious and is beyond smart and refreshingly educated. Honestly a perfect being in my world. Kim is originally from Waterhouse, in Kingston Jamaica. Not only did she come to the United States on a mission but she is doing the dam thing. Her line consists of athleisure that you can wear out the house when you’re feeling trendy and want to be relaxed at the same time, but also not want to look homeless. You have to check out her pieces. (Take a look around here)
Everything Mahogany, Shop Em Now – Also owned by another kim from Jamaica. Kim resides in Atlanta and Shop EM is an online boutique that has today’s trendiest pieces for all occasions. Her store has been in business for years, and she has happy costumers all over the globe. She recently relaunched so If you’re looking for a vacation piece a party dress or just some cute lounge pieces to work from home. Check them out. Kim is an amazing soul, she has always supported me and my many projects, she is extremely business savvy and an all around super woman. (Take a look around here)
Likkle Tea – Hello you better get on this tea wave honey child because its so much better for you. This is another Black female owned business. I got the opportunity try some of her loose teas and they were amazing. Likkle Tea was founded by Patrice and the story behind it is simple and something every Jamaican must know. If you were feeling ill, hungry, tired or you got hit by a truck, the elders would tell you to drink “likkle tea it will make you feel better”. This is the concept behind this brand, she also created a literary series dedicated to all the books we read in our Jamaican school curriculum, pure genius if you ask me, as these books helped shape who we grew up to become. (Take a look around here)
Lewks Chic Design – I feel like I’ve known her forever, but we’ve never met in real life. A faithful supporter of mine and just all around beautiful spirit I met online. She stared a T shirt design online store, with empowering hoodies and shirts and I couldn’t be more proud please check her out when you get a chance. It will make a really nice addition to someones Christmas gift this year. (Take a look around here)
Fro-Ology – I found this little shop on Etsy that specializes in black hair care products and I’m hoping to grab a few things before she sells out. I want to grab some of her rice water products for sure. She has a lot of amazing products and I can’t wait to introduce some of my friends to something new and exciting like this . (Take a look around here)
Vulgar New York– Started by a very good friend of mine Rashade St Patrick has always been a creative genius.He has more good ideas than the world has resources. He first dabbled in clothing years ago with some pretty unique amazing shirts and Vulgar is back with the same unique yet stand out and minimal clean look I personally love. It’s a piece you wear to stand out but you won’t be shouting. Do you see what I’m saying Check out his Instagram here and take a look around.
Sologence Body Butter – Oh lawd where do I begin I love this stuff. It’s part butter, part body oil but it’s all amazing. Depending on where you are it’s going to start getting cold, I suggest using this at night after you shower and your skin is still a little damp. It honestly smells like Heaven, The consistency is whipped but once you rub it in and activate it with your hands it becomes an amazing oil like texture, but not super greasy. I had a coupon with them – (Goodbody10). If you do make a purchase don’t forget to us it. (Take a look around here)
Redbubble – A community for artist and creatives of all races. It’s no secret I love this company. They are a champion for artists big and small, minorities, Micro-influencers and big influencers. I have had the privilege of doing several collaborations with Redbubble but I was a costumer long before that. They have amazing wall art, tech accessories you name it they have it. They have a very wide selection of awesome things and they have their finger right on the tip of pop and current culture. Redbubble is like the MTV of the art world, you know back when MTV played music videos and stuff. (Take a look around here)
Stay Golden Cosmetics – I did a collaboration with this company last year and I was shook by the pigment and moisture in their lip products, especially their lipglosses. They are Caribbean owned brand so obviously they had to make my list of Black Owned businesses. (Take a look around here)
Are there any other Black/Immigrant owned businesses you wold like to highlight, come on you know what to do – SOUND OFF BELOW!!!! Let’s get this money. If we all stand together we can do so much. Also make sure you guys go out and VOTE if you are an American citizen who is registered and able this Election Day BE HEARD!!!
xoxoxo Lauren
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