Shit I Bought and Liked: Happy Black History Month, 2024!
Featuring some of my favorite black-owned brands to support all throughout the year
Shitters! Happy Black History Month! As has become tradition around here, I like to take a little time each February to share a few black-owned businesses that I love or have caught my eye, and are worth supporting all through the year. This time around we have everything from body care to cocktail garnishes (and more than a couple things to pick up the next time you’re at Sephora)—I hope you all find something you love and are excited to support!
Didi Rose Jewelry: Starting strong at the top of my wishlist! I’ve been wanting one of Didi Rose’s Fancy Chains since stumbling across the brand on jewelry TikTok a few months back (h/t Rae, aka @justaregularwhitegirl). The founder, Benedicta, hand makes her pieces in Buford, Georgia, but thanks in part to social media, it seems like she’s growing a legion of fans all over the country. Jewelry (especially with real gold, natural gemstones, and the ensuing high price points) isn’t the easiest of industries to break into, but I love that the world is finding Benedicta’s pieces! Her gemstone pendants are also beautiful—they make the perfect accompaniment to the Fancy Chain or any chains you already wear. I’m heading to Georgia a few times later this year, so I’m hoping to pay her store a visit in-person!
BlueHenry Cocktail Garnishes: We humans are visual creatures. We tend to like beautiful things! And BlueHenry’s dehydrated fruit garnishes have made my at-home cocktails/mocktails decidedly more beautiful. They offer a several different options, ranging from the standard (lime, lemon, blood orange) to the exciting (spicy mango, dragonfruit, lotus root), plus a collection of flavored salts and sugars for your glasses. I picked up some of their blood orange slices at the beginning of the year and they’re the perfect finishing touch on a drink. Once the temperatures are up and I’m drinking tequila again, their hibiscus lime sugar will also be heading my way. Highly recommend if you’re looking to step up your hosting or at-home cocktail game!
Danessa Myricks Blush: There are a LOT of cream blushes out there, especially lately, but up until now, I’ve never really been impressed by anything in the category. But I was really pleasantly surprised after trying this! It goes on super easily, it stays on for HOURS (huge if you’re like me and your blush is halfway gone by the time you’re out the door), and I’ve seen my shade of choice (Rosé & Brunch) on people with lighter and darker skin tones than mine and it looks great on all of them! I swipe this multi-purpose brush across the product once and then buff it in—a little goes a long way. I haven’t tried her skin blurring powder yet, but after seeing Tracy Chapman at the Grammys earlier this month, that’s next on my list!
Hanahana Shea Butter: When most brands call a product “body butter,” it’s because it’s a thicker-than-usual cream. But Hanahana’s shea, sourced directly from the Katariga Women’s Shea Cooperative in Ghana, is like actual butter. The texture is unlike anything I’ve tried before—it goes on solid (it’s almost solid when you scoop your fingers into the jar) and as you work it into your skin, the finish becomes like a super rich body oil. My skin feels SUPER hydrated after—oftentimes I wake up the next morning still feeling freshly moisturized, which, when you’re up against NYC radiator heat, is truly an accomplishment! Highly recommend for anyone dealing with dry skin or ashiness. They offer a few different scents—I went with lavender, and often use it at night before bed, but there’s an unscented option too. The company is also in the middle of raising capital via crowdfunding, so if you’re interested in becoming an investor, here’s your chance!
Élan Byrd x Lulu and Georgia: Artist and textile designer Élan Byrd teamed up with L&G (one of my favorite places to shop for decor and furniture!) on a gorgeous, natural-toned collection of lighting, rugs, and home accessories. I’m waiting for a restock of this runner rug, but if I had a bigger place, I’d also check out this textural wallpaper and this area rug. For those of you in the market for wall art, she also has a few original pieces for sale—they don’t come cheap, but they’re so dynamic and unique.
Other forever favorites: I still drink all my coffee and tea out of this little cutie by The Coy Collection daily. I returned an order of Sephora’s bestselling foundation after trying this one by Pat McGrath—it is quite literally the best event foundation I have ever (ever!) used. La Botica upgraded their candle vessels to this stunning travertine, which would make such a luxurious gift. My favorite scent is Casablanca (also available on sale in their previous packaging!). I use this hair oil by Mielle before hot yoga every Sunday for some pre-wash scalp hydration. Ron Robinson of BeautyStat makes such an incredible, effective eye cream—I recommend it to anyone who asks! Ami Colé added more colors to their lip oil assortment, though “Excellence” continues to be my favorite. Ebi was one of my favorite brand discoveries last year—they create plant-based postpartum products that would make great gifts for pregnant or new moms. Looking forward to adding this coffee table book from Blk Mkt Vintage in Brooklyn to my collection (available now for pre-order!).
Those are my favorites, but I’m so curious to hear yours! Drop a line (or leave a comment!!) with the black-owned businesses you love—I’d love to give them a try!
xx,
Priyanka