Why It's Important to Buy Black Every Day

Black History Month (BHM) is upon us. Things have shifted a lot in just one year and to kick off The Pink Elephant newsletter, I thought it was important to briefly highlight why it's imperative to buy Black every day and not just during BHM.

Prior to Covid-19 Black-owned businesses were thriving, despite disparities in venture capital funding and other systemic barriers. Once Covid hit however, nearly half of all Black businesses were shut down. Black businesses are slowly starting to pick up the pieces and navigate our new normal. It was important for me to highlight Black businesses that you should not only support just for BHM month but on a daily basis. I've also included a list of some podcasts you should listen to that highlight Black professionals and entrepreneurs.

1.  Kahmune is a luxury footwear company that specializes in crafting products that match people’s various skin tones. The brand currently has ten different colors to cater to customers of different complexions. Inspired by the diversity of different shades, Kahmune’s mission emphasizes the importance of representation, diversity, and inclusion. The company prides itself on a commitment to creating quality products that are ethically sourced. To browse Kahmune’s footwear options, click here.
2. Puzzle Huddle is a company that makes jigsaw puzzles for children. After frustration with the lack of representation featured in jigsaw puzzles, Matthew Goins along with his wife Marnel and their three children, decided to be the change they wished to see, and Puzzle Huddle was born. The puzzles focus on several different themes including education, culture and achievement, with a diverse audience in mind. The company has now expanded to include wall decorations, t-shirts, pillows and blankets. To browse products from Puzzle Huddle, click here.  
3. Founded by award-winning interior designer Nayoka Simone, NyRai Interior Designs is a company that specializes in assisting “both residential and commercial clients in creating timeless spaces.” The perfect option for anyone looking to revamp and spruce up their home office with the prevalence of remote work. On Black Friday, the company is dropping a line of custom-made vegan leather duck feather pillows that will add a pop of color to any space. To enlist NyRai Interior Designs for your home organization and declutter needs, click here.
4. For The Jawns is a unisex apparel brand was launched with the goal and mission of celebrating the “boss jawn” who is living in her purpose. Jawn is a Philadelphia slang term meaning a person, place or thing. From hoodies and t-shirts to mugs and jewelry, For The Jawns also provides custom-made options to suit your unique needs. Customers can also find zodiac-themed items for every sign. A portion of the proceeds from sales go to support at-risk youth in Philadelphia. To learn more about their products, click here.
5. The Silver Room is a Chicago-based institution created in 1997 by Eric Williams with the purpose of cultivating a “global community through art and culture.” The Silver Room is a hybrid between a showroom, a shop, and community center and customers will find a unique collection of apparel, fragrances, footwear, and other items. Shoppers will also find an assortment of books from different Black authors. For those outside of Chicago who cannot get the in-person experience, a number of different items can be purchased through their online shop. To learn more about The Silver Room, click here.
6. Adorned Abode is the brainchild of Benita Smith, who has cultivated her passion for gift-giving into a unique business. Those looking for creative items for friends and family will find a wide array of locally made fair trade products ranging from greeting cards and crystals, to stationery and home fragrances. Plant parents and aspiring plant parents will be excited to find different plants and plant accessories available on their website including Aloe Vera, snake plants and peace lilies. Anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind gift will not be disappointed with the Adorned Abode selection. To find out more about Adorned Abode, click here.
7. Created by Sianni Dean in 2017, Cranky Granny’s was founded with Dean’s grandmother and mother in mind. The company specializes in crafting mouthwateringly sweet cinnamon rolls that leave customers craving more. Shoppers can choose from a variety of options from strawberry shortcake crunch cinnamon rolls to peach cobbler cinnamon rolls. Baked to perfection, Cranky Granny’s ships to consumers and also caters custom orders to satisfy the most serious sweet tooth. To learn more about Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls, click here.

Some podcasts to support that highlight the experiences of Black professionals and entrepreneurs:

•  Living Corporate is a podcast that features a who’s who in the corporate diversity and inclusion space. The podcast highlights the experiences and perspectives of different professionals of color. The episodes feature interviews from Black and brown professionals as they discuss their interest in diversity and inclusion, their career journey and their professional development. Guests have included entrepreneurs, influencers, executives, and consultants.

Why you should listen: The podcast gives great insight into the perspectives of people of color as they traverse the corporate space and ascend in their careers. Each episode offers unique insight which can help to reaffirm our experiences. This podcast is a great resource for non-minority professionals looking to understand their colleagues of color better.

•  Code Switch is a podcast hosted by journalists who examine the intersections of race, ethnicity and culture and how these themes impact our lives. The podcast, which is from National Public Radio (NPR), features a diverse group of hosts who discuss current events, examining how race, ethnicity, culture and politics collide. Each episode allows for deeper discourse. The episodes are packed with empirical data and scholarly research to support each episode. The podcast often features short audio clips from industry leaders, experts and professionals, which adds a nice educational aspect to each episode.

Why you should listen: Each episode prompts listeners to probe deeper and think critically. The hosts offer practical suggestions for how empirical research can be applied to our everyday lives. Gems of knowledge are sprinkled throughout each episode, with best practices being given in an easily digestible format.  

• Side Hustle Pro is a podcast that focuses on Black female entrepreneurs and how they manage to juggle their corporate jobs while scaling successful and profitable businesses. The host, Nicaila Matthews Okome, chats with Black business owners who have followed their passion and guests offer great insight into the secret sauce to their success. Nicaila also frequently shares her own journey of turning her passion into a paycheck. Nicaila’s warm, friendly demeanor allows listeners to feel like they are part of a casual conversation among friends. 

Why you should listen: Each episode features side hustlers from nearly every domain one can think of, from a Bed & Breakfaster owner to the founder of a mineral sunscreen company to a home-based popcorn business owner. This podcast showcases how diverse Black female entrepreneurship can be. The podcast is also great resource for those looking for Black and female-owned businesses to support.