This is Why I’m Passionate About Supporting Black Owned Brands and Creators

Black business owners often face more challenges than their white counterparts, including limited access to capital, networks, and resources.

Studies show that Black entrepreneurs are often turned down for loans at a higher rate than white entrepreneurs and may have to pay higher interest rates when they are approved.

According to a 2024 Goldman Sachs survey on small businesses:

Black small business owners are more inclined to apply for new loans or lines of credit than the national average, with 44% of them seeking financial support, compared to 35% of all small business owners.

However, they are also less likely to be approved for the full amount they request. Only 32% of Black business owners receive the total funds they ask for, while the national average is 40%.

As a Black business owner myself, it’s my duty to support my community in their efforts to build small, and large scale businesses.

I’ve been a business owner for more than a decade, and supporting my community is vital for the long-term sustainability of my business, and others within the black community on a global scale.

I hear this often:

“My people don’t support me, I work so hard and I don’t get the recognition and credit from my own community”

While this might be true in many cases, I believe that black communities are increasingly recognising the need to support each other for the long-term growth of the black economy.

Here’s an example of a prominent African American entrepreneur encouraging members of his community and business circle to support another black owned business:

In 2024, entrepreneur and content creator Nehemiah Davis, Influencer David Shands heard the pleas of Atlanta-based store owner Aisha Taylor Issah utilized the power of social media to save her store.

The Sistah Shop is an Atlanta-based concept store owned by Ms Taylor Issah, and at the time, her store was about to go out of business. However, Aisha’s story caught the attention of Davis and Shands, and they pulled their resources and leveraged their influence to support the store.

Support came in the form of a massive flash-mob where entrepreneurs and members of the black community in Atlanta came together to purchase items from the store, and donate to her business to keep the store open.

People were impressed by the community spirit and generosity of these strangers however, I believe that this should be the norm rather than the exception.

We should support businesses within our communities anyway. I understand, businesses fail, and sometimes, there’s nothing we can do about it. However, in Aisha’s case, most of the items available in her store, black people would happily purchase from Target or Walmart. So why not make the conscious effort to support a local black business instead?

It makes sense right?

I’ve always been in awe of the solidarity unwavering support within the Jewish community, and I’d love to see more of the same in the black community.

Years ago, I lived in North London, UK and I was surprised by the fact that Jews had their own security teams, schools, supermarkets, and more. You rarely see them shopping in the chain supermarkets, bakeries or clothing stores. The keep their money in their own community, and while it’s upsetting that as a human race, we focus on race and ethnicity so much that we often separate ourselves, that’s the stark reality of it.

So, at this point, I’d rather support a black-owned business than any other. If I had a choice between a black-owned beauty supply store, and a Chinese-owned one, I’d choose the black-owned one.

The truth is, the Chinese profit heavily from Afro beauty products, such as skincare products, haircare items, and hair extensions.

Beauty Supply Stores: In the United States, a large percentage of beauty supply stores—many of which specialize in products for Black hair care—are owned by Chinese immigrants.

According to a report by The Guardian (2020), Chinese-Americans own a significant number of beauty supply stores, especially in predominantly Black neighborhoods, and cater to the Afro hair care market. These stores sell products like hair relaxers, oils, shampoos, conditioners, and wigs.

Yes, even the black-owned stores purchase from Chinese suppliers, however, purchasing from black-owned stores helps, because every little helps right?

Here’s what I’m advocating for right now:

• Encouraging black entrepreneurs to create sustainable skincare and haircare products
• Boycott harmful skincare and haircare products and utilise ingredients such as unrefined shea butter and cocoa butter.
• Support independent black owned haircare and skincare brands within the African diaspora and on the African continent.

• As a black content creator, utilise your platform to support black creators and black-owned brands
• Remember that supporting black owned businesses goes beyond Black History Month and other prominent months or days.

Here are some valid reasons why I’m supporting black owned businesses daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly:

1. Economic Empowerment for the Community

By supporting Black-owned businesses, you are helping to empower the Black community economically. These businesses often reinvest their profits into local neighborhoods, creating more jobs and economic opportunities for those in need. This cycle of reinvestment helps to strengthen the local economy and creates a more sustainable future.

2. Promoting Diversity in Business

Many industries are dominated by large corporations or businesses that don’t reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Supporting Black-owned businesses helps to ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are represented in the marketplace. This leads to a broader range of products, services, and ideas that reflect the richness of society.

3. Addressing Historical Disadvantages

For decades, Black entrepreneurs have faced systemic barriers to starting and growing businesses. These barriers include discrimination in access to capital, resources, and networks. By supporting Black-owned businesses, you’re helping to address the economic disparities that exist due to historical and ongoing inequalities, which contribute to a more equitable society.

4. Building Wealth for Future Generations

Supporting Black-owned businesses contributes to building generational wealth in the Black community. Small businesses are a significant way for families to create long-term wealth. When you choose to spend your money at Black-owned establishments, you are helping create a foundation for future generations to thrive financially.

5. Celebrating Black Culture and Innovation

Black entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives, innovation, and creativity to their industries. From food to fashion, technology to beauty, Black-owned businesses often reflect the rich cultural history and creativity that is deeply ingrained in the community. Supporting these businesses is a way to celebrate and elevate Black culture.

6. Contributing to Social Change

Supporting Black-owned businesses is also a way to actively participate in the broader movement toward social change and racial equity. Every dollar spent in a Black-owned business helps challenge economic inequality and promotes a more just and inclusive society. It’s a small but powerful way to make a tangible impact.

7. Encouraging Inclusivity in Entrepreneurship

By supporting Black-owned businesses, you send a message that entrepreneurship should be inclusive and that everyone, regardless of race or background, should have equal opportunities to succeed. Your support helps to challenge barriers to entry for future entrepreneurs, making it easier for more diverse individuals to pursue their business dreams.

8. Personal and Community Impact

Many Black-owned businesses focus on building strong relationships with their communities. By supporting these businesses, you're not only helping the owners but also fostering a sense of unity and connection within the community. These businesses often prioritize customer relationships and community engagement, ensuring that your support has a positive local impact.

9. Creating a Ripple Effect

Supporting one Black-owned business can create a ripple effect. As these businesses grow, they often create new opportunities for others, whether through partnerships, collaborations, or hiring more people. Your decision to shop at a Black-owned business can help create a chain of positive events that extends beyond the initial transaction.

10. Access to High-Quality, Unique Products

Many Black-owned businesses offer products and services that are innovative, high-quality, and unique to their cultural and creative backgrounds. Whether it's handmade goods, locally sourced food, or specialty services, you’re often supporting craftsmanship and quality when you shop Black-owned. Plus, you'll likely find something that stands out and adds diversity to your personal or home collection.

11. Building Long-Term Relationships

When you support Black-owned businesses regularly, you build a lasting relationship with business owners who deeply value your patronage. Many Black business owners are committed to providing personalized, attentive service that you might not find in large corporate chains. This helps foster a sense of connection and trust.

12. Being Part of a Movement

By choosing to support Black-owned businesses daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly, you are actively participating in a larger movement for racial justice and equality. Your continued support can contribute to a larger shift in the market, encouraging other consumers and businesses to recognize the importance of equity and diversity.

Supporting Black-owned businesses is a powerful way to help create a more just, inclusive, and vibrant economy. Each time you make the decision to spend your dollars in ways that support these businesses, you’re making a lasting impact not only on the businesses themselves but on society as a whole.

As part of my mission to support black owned businesses on a global scale, I built 1 Million Black-owned brands to support black owned businesses and creators. The proceeds of the sale of digital products and donations will go towards supporting vulnerable women and children in Ghana, West Africa. Support the movement by purchasing digital products or donating.

You can also donate directly here.

Thank you ❤️