Black-Owned and British: 7 Businesses to Support in October and Beyond
As a small business, it’s hard to ignore how overwhelmingly white the space we exist in is. Black entrepreneurs – and especially black entrepreneurs within the wellness space – witnesses time and time again the unique difficulties of business for people of colour.
There’s no denying that there aren’t enough black-owned brands out there.
In fact, just looking at London, whilst 12% of its population is black, only 4% of its businesses are. We suspect that these statistics may be even more shocking elsewhere in the country. And that’s before we look at other minority races too!
With Black History Month upon us (and since it is tradition now!), we wanted to shout about and share 7 brilliant brands who are carving a space for themselves on the British business scene.
Whether you’re looking for wellness rituals, organisation help or even kids toys, we’ve got a company for you to show some extra support to this October and beyond…
Take Note Healing
Faced with the overwhelm of modern life, it’s no surprise that many of us are seeking out alternative ways to find calm. Ya know, methods that don’t just involve sitting in front of the TV after a hard day at work!
Take Note Healing offers mindful and carefully crafted services, to help you tap into your inner strength and find your flow. How? Through the power of sound.
Offering sound healing, sound baths and energy alignments, founder Patrice is a certified Sound Healing Therapist and Meditation Practitioner with years of experience under her belt. Speaking from experience, her sessions are such a powerful way to make positive shifts in your life.
Next month, we’ll be collaborating with Patrice on a sound bath, exclusively for the Halcyon Naturals community. Make sure you’re following us on Instagram to be there!
https://www.takenotehealing.com/about
West Twelve Paper Company
Personalised. Luxury. And gloriously diverse!
What’s not to love?
As every entrepreneur out there knows, staying on top of your business and life to-dos can be a struggle to say the least. That’s why we’re such huge fans of West Twelve Paper company, who offer amazing planners and matching accessories that are perfect for busy life.
Whether you want a planner, stunning additions for your tech arsenal or even travel accessories, they’ve got you covered.
Our personal favourite pick is their United Colours Personalised Planner. Not only can you have your name pride of place on the cover, but you can decide the month you want your planner to start on, whether you want to plan horizontally or vertically and what size you want your pad to be.
https://westtwelvepaper.com/product/united-colours-personalised-planner
The most exciting news? We may or may not have a partnership lined up for the New Year… Watch this space!
Lisa Bent
Lisa Bent is the definition of “multi talented” (and also of “powerhouse” for that matter!). Author of Symona’s Still Single, counsellor and presenter featured on the BBC and CBC, she’s a true inspiration to us.
Her book, Symona’s Still Single, follows the story of a 37-year old Jamaican British woman living in South London. As Symona tries to find love – with plenty of frustrations along the way! – the book explores what it means to be a black woman trying to exist, date and find Mr. Right.
In her counselling work, Lisa works with single women who are over the age of 30, who feel stuck within the world of love. In her own words, she holds “therapeutic space should you want to look at the past to let go and move through old stories that no longer serve you.”
Cherelle Creates
Cherelle’s artwork isn’t just afrocentric, it’s bold, bright and simply beautiful!
Whether it’s her digital prints or hand-painted artworks, every piece carries a distinct style that we’re just obsessed with. Each piece is created in London and puts the black community at centre stage.
Cherelle also runs London-based painting and crafting workshops. So if you’re looking for an alternative form of fun this autumn/winter, they’re the perfect place to be for kids and adults alike.
Flip The Script Coaching
We all have beliefs and past events that hold us back in life. But, with the help of a coach, it’s possible to overcome them and rewrite your story!
That’s just what Dee helps her clients with.
She works with people who know that they are the lead characters in their own lives, but want to change the way their script is going. Her brilliant work can help with gaining clarity and focus on goals, overcoming a fear of failure, letting go of reactivity and so much more.
This kind of help is beneficial for everyone, but especially those dealing with the physical and mental implications of race.
http://www.flipthescriptcoaching.com/
Naked Clay Ceramics
Natural colours and textures combine in Clara’s ceramics. Handmade in bedfordshire, we’d happily get our hands on each and every piece!
These peaceful designs are minimal and tactile, ranging from mugs and bowls, to platters and plates. By bringing together fired clay and glaze, Clara aims to help you to “pause, breathe and savour a small moment in the hustle and bustle of life.”
We think it’s the intentionality that we love most.
They also offer workshops, if you want to have a go at making your own mug and side plate.
https://www.nakedclayceramics.com/nk0p6y2052yxagxx6vqbwe6s8vsx9m
Philly & Friends
Every child deserves to feel loved. And representation is a huge part of that.
At Philly & Friends, they create children’s lifestyle products that aim to add “a drop of colour” to the world of kids products. Their books, dolls, puzzles and cards are all carefully created to help young people build self-love, through the undeniable power of representation.
Vese has created an amazing array of kiddie must-haves, but we are particularly in love with her handmade linen black fairy doll.
https://phillyandfriends.com/products/handmade-linen-black-fairy-soft-doll
BONUS BRAND: Halcyon Naturals
You didn’t think we’d get through this without mentioning us, did you?!
Sarah launched this brilliant black-owned business to help anyone and everyone create freedom through the power of aromachology. Our core collection and astrology-inspired Illustrious Elements collection each bring together the amazing scents that Mother Nature has to offer, to help you shift your mood and up-level your space. Our hand-poured luxury candles, room mists and diffusers are formulated with 100% essential oils and are the elegant touch your daily routine is looking for.
Hopefully you’ve uncovered some absolute gems to show your small business love to this Black History Month. As alway though, we’re looking for new black-owned businesses to support! Send us your favourites over on Instagram, @halcyonnaturalsuk
Sources
Mayor of London: Ready for Business: The contribution of black businesses to London’s economy.