Why I Choose to Support Black Designers and Business Owners
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I value supporting Black designers and business owners. It’s not just about wearing a dope outfit or using the latest product—it’s about investing in our communities, empowering creators, and helping close the gaps that have been built by years of systemic challenges.
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In today’s interconnected world, the choices we make as consumers can significantly impact the communities we engage with. Supporting Black designers and business owners for me is a conscious decision to foster diversity, equity, and economic empowerment. As someone who has started multiple businesses and now runs Roze Gold, my marketing agency, I’ve seen firsthand how much effort it takes to grow and sustain a business, especially when the resources just aren’t there.
I realized that many Black-owned businesses are doing incredible work, but often struggle to get the support or recognition they deserve—especially when it comes to marketing. That’s why I made it my mission to focus my agency on helping minority owned businesses elevate their brands, even when budgets are tight. These businesses are underrepresented, undervalued, and need more support to reach their full potential.
The Importance of Supporting Black Designers and Business Owners
1. Economic Empowerment and Wealth Building
Supporting Black-owned businesses is about more than just helping individual companies thrive—it’s about strengthening our economy, creating more job opportunities, and ensuring that Black communities have the resources to grow. As consumers, we can help shift the narrative. We can help Black business owners build wealth, employ people from their own communities, and ultimately drive economic change.
Black-owned businesses are vital contributors to the U.S. economy. In 2022, there were approximately 194,000 Black-owned businesses, generating about $211.8 billion in gross revenue (Source: Nchstats) . Supporting these businesses helps bridge the racial wealth gap and promotes economic equity.
But even with those numbers, there are still barriers like limited access to capital and marketing resources. That’s why your support—whether it’s through buying their products, promoting their work, or hiring their services—can make all the difference.
2. Job Creation and Community Development
These businesses employ over 1.6 million people, providing jobs and fostering community development. By supporting Black-owned businesses, we contribute to local economies and create opportunities for economic mobility within these communities.
3. Cultural Enrichment and Diversity
Black designers and entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives and creativity to their industries. Their work enriches our cultural landscape, offering products and services that reflect diverse experiences and histories.
4. Addressing Systemic Challenges
Black business owners often face systemic barriers, including limited access to capital and resources. For instance, only 18% of Black business owners report receiving assistance from loan officers in completing business loan applications. Supporting these businesses helps mitigate these challenges and promotes a more equitable business environment.
My Favorite Black-Owned Brands
I’ve always been intentional about supporting Black designers and business owners, and it’s something I take seriously. Here are some of my favorite Black-owned brands across various industries, all of which I truly love and believe in:
Hair
• Mielle Organics: The best in natural hair care. Their products keep my curls popping!
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Makeup
• The Lip Bar: Bold, beautiful, and empowering. This is the *only* brand I use for my Clear Lip Gloss, it’s not sticky and it lastsss. (Now 30% off Sitewide!)
• Beauty Bakerie: Bold, beautiful, and empowering. Their makeup makes me feel like the best version of myself.
Skincare
• Skin by Brownlee & Co.: A game-changer for skincare. Their products are perfect for keeping my skin looking fresh.
• ROSEN Skincare: Obsessed with their products—effective and perfect for all skin types.
• Mielle Organics (again): They’ve got skincare on lock too, I swear by their face wash – it’s the only morning cleanser I can use that doesn’t upset my acne prone skin.
• Glo Melanin: High quality skincare and body products – use my code ROSALYNNGL78899 for 15% off
Fashion
• Hanifa: I have to stay off of Hanifa’s website at times, because every time I visit, I’m bound to make a purchase. She just “gets it”, I love how unique and highly crafted her pieces are.
• Sergio Hudson: A designer I’ve always had my eye on, Sergio’s designs are so effortless and classic, and to me highlight the true pieces of a classic woman.
• Brandon Blackwood: His bags are everything! Chic and timeless./
• Telfar: I’m in love with their inclusivity and their bags are iconic.
• The Brand Label: Minimalist fashion with a statement.
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Designers
• That Trendy Guy: Based in Miami, FL – I go to Joe anytime I’m looking to create a unique custom piece, and he OVER delivers every time! We created the piece below for the RENAISSANCE Tour and it was a HIT!
• Vision Stylez: She’s been sewing for years, most popular for her prom dresses, located in Tallahassee, FL
• The Cry Style Collection: Fun fact: I actually taught Crystal the basics of sewing, and she literally took it and ran with it! So proud of her!
• Shop Mere Designs: Shelbie has also been a designer for years, and her styles just get better with time!
• Selena Knights: If you’re looking for a unique twist on a classic, from her blazers and denim – you’re sure to stand out!
The Need for Support, Especially in Challenging Times
In recent years, Black-owned businesses have faced unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturns. These events have disproportionately affected minority-owned businesses, highlighting the urgent need for support. They’re often working with fewer resources but still putting out products and services that are top-tier. Supporting these brands doesn’t just help them survive—it helps them thrive. By choosing to support them, we contribute to their resilience and sustainability, ensuring they continue to thrive and enrich our communities.
These businesses need our support, especially in times like these. With the economy in flux and many small businesses struggling, your dollars, support, and advocacy can make a massive difference. Whether you’re buying from them, shouting them out on social media, or telling a friend about a product you love, every little bit counts.
