Believe it or not, it has only been three years since Juneteenth became recognized as a federal holiday. But there’s hundreds of years of history behind this important day. It’s a second Independence Day, where we can all come together to collectively celebrate the achievement of freedom that was so long delayed for so many Americans.
So today, we take the opportunity to showcase some of the outstanding Black-owned businesses that make up our Indie Business Network membership. If you’ve got an entrepreneurial dream, but are caught up in negative self-talk reminding you what you can’t do, let these six inspiring women light the pathway to your dream business.
6 Black-Owned Maker Businesses to Celebrate This Juneteenth (And All Year-Round!)
RareGlo Organic Shea Products (MD)
Maker: Rhonda Walters
Feel like you never have enough time for yourself? Rhonda has one thing to say to you: “self care is not selfish!” As a runner, traveler, and naturalista, she’s a stickler for eating well—and wants to introduce the same level of mindfulness to the products we use on our skin. RareGlo Organic Shea Products is all about making it easier to nab a little “me-time,” backed by plant-based, ultra-hydrating ingredients that feed your skin from the outside in.
Nyah Beauty (NJ)
Maker: La Shonda Tyree
After working long hours in the banking industry, La Shonda needed a way to express her innate love of making things with her hands. What began as a fun way to combine endless colors, scents, and shapes into soaps became something bigger—a complete line of skincare products free of phthalates, detergents, and other icky ingredients. La Shonda is also passionate about giving back to her local community—she donates a percentage of soap sales to non profits that support individuals experiencing homelessness.
Nineteen68 Candle Co (NJ)
Maker: Kimberly Sumpter
Entrepreneurship is one ship that never stops! During the pandemic, Kimberly took a fresh look at her business and decided it was time for a rebrand. Her new venture (opening June 24!) is a new take on her love of a candle’s therapeutic powers. Expect dreamy, peaceful scents hand poured into gorgeous concrete vessels you can repurpose into planters and decorative home accents.
Xpressive Mocha (IL)
Maker: Vivian Jamison
Vivian started her skincare line embracing the oh-so-nourishing power of shea butter, a golden-ticket ingredient she discovered while shopping at an African festival. What drew her to it? An endless hunt for care products that’d suit her family’s sensitive skin. So she began whipping and mixing shea with other herbs and oils to fine-tune her formulations. Now, this “Body Butter Barista” works with all kinds of plant-based ingredients certain to get your glow on!
Arbria Creations (CA)
Maker: Ayanna Jackson
Ayanna credits her three daughters for lighting the flame of her entrepreneurial spirit—and she uses her businesses as a torch of inspiration to pass to others! At the root of her beauty line is one mission: to encourage all women that they can do anything they set their mind to. Body washes, scrubs, moisturizers, and body oils not only brighten your skin, but set up the soothing self-care moments that keep your dreams glowing bright too.
Toushea Skincare (NC)
Maker: Shanon Kindred
Exhausted by aisles and aisles of big-box products that irritated her children’s skin, Shanon took matters into her own hands—literally. She began handcrafting shea butter skincare blends for her and her family. Marveling at the ingredient’s skin-soothing superpowers, she decided to expand beyond her inner circle. Today, almost 8 years later, she boasts a full collection of soaps, lotions, body butters, and more—all jam-packed with luscious, super-rich, yet all-natural ingredients your skin will love.
Tuck this Simply Soft lotion stick in your bag for a quick kiss of on-the-go hydration!
Get an early start on summer with sun-splashed products from American makers! ☀️
- Time Travel to Summertime With These 9 Sun-Soaked Scents
- Sunshine Yellow Self-Care Ideas That Will Light Up Your Summer
- Bask in The Great Outdoors With These Spring-Scented Candles
- Summer Foot Care That Will Get Your Feet Flip-Flop Ready
Love to shop from handmade brands? Find more of your favorite makers on Instagram and TikTok!
Join us on Instagram or TikTok to explore even more makers of handmade candles, soaps, and skincare!
