February marks Black History Month, a time to reflect on the vast contributions made by the Black community to society. In addition to donating, listening to and amplifying Black voices, another way to honor the Black community is by bringing more attention to and supporting the amazing Black-owned businesses we are fortunate to have in our communities. Supporting Black businesses is a holistic approach to help level the economic playing field and bolster communities of color.
We’ve rounded up a selection of local Black-owned brands in our four regions: Vancouver, Seattle, Newport Beach and Austin.
VANCOUVER
- Kasandy
Kasandy is a fair trade store, where customers can buy handmade products made by artisans in Kenya, East Africa as well as local artisans and other groups from around the world. They work closely with artisan entrepreneurs to improve, introduce or advance their product design and quality to meet the current market trends, build their businesses, and sustainably increase their income. - Batiqua is a handmade textiles brand where contemporary style meets culture. Founder Linda Adimora comes from an artisan family and community and is directly involved in the design process, bringing textiles inspired by her rich African heritage.
- Salt and Sear Catering
Salt and Sear caters out of the Lower Mainland, with fresh ingredients grown right from BC’s backyard to ensure an authentic culinary experience. Executive Chef, Jean Jacques, discovered a love for cooking at the age of 5 when he and his mother moved to Canada from Lusaka, Zambia. Jacques’ mother loved to cook, and he grew up with the intoxicating scents of famous South African dishes filling his home. He now brings that passion, knowledge and experience to every dish he creates for Salt and Sear today.
SEATTLE
- Communion
Chef Kristi Brown and her son Damon Bomar Communion restaurant in Seattle in the middle of the pandemic, following through on their dreams to open a Black-owned restaurant on the site of the first Black-owned bank in the Pacific Northwest. The restaurant sits on the ground floor of the Liberty Bank Building.Brown’s unique variations of soul food are what draw the crowds to the Central District, which is part of the restaurant’s mission to “foster community through the cultivation of fresh food and fine cooking.” - Fat’s Chicken & Waffles
Fat’s is a southern style, New Orleans-influenced restaurant focusing on authentic & natural ingredients in the heart of the Central District. The chill and vibed-out atmosphere features a handpainted mural and handmade furniture made by local artists. The comfort food, art, sports & movie filled tv screen, and soulful sounds brings you right back to your family’s get-togethers growing up. - Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry
Valerie Madison is a Black Latina and proud to be diversifying the jewelry industry with her Seattle small business. She merges contemporary technology with skillful artistry to create elegant designs inspired by classic styles. With her keen eye for detail and passion for individuality, her designs celebrate not only the beauty of life and love but also the natural world and the stunning gemstones that come from it.
NEWPORT BEACH
- Made by Yub
Raven (aka “Yub”) is the 30-year old “Bakestress” and creator of Made By Yub – a bakery providing homemade, soul satisfying treats for everyone. “Yub” is a nickname given to Raven by her mother when she was 3 months old. Her mother was one of the first to encourage Yub to bake and taught her how to bake with love. The incredible feeling of people enjoying her desserts eventually led to the creation of Made by Yub, serving delicious treats to people (and pups!) across the LA and Orange County area. - C|DOBBS boutique
C|DOBBS boutique was founded by Carol Dobbs and is located in Newport Beach. They creatively merge with other fashion experts from international European designers to national artisans, crafters and designers across the country to offer unique high-end women’s apparel, men’s wear, jewelry, shoes, handbags, art and specialty gifts. - Post 21
Post 21 was created by a Mother-Daughter duo who, for years, wanted a comprehensive marketplace that focused on modern and design-forward products from black-owned businesses. Their e-store features a collection of beautiful home, wellness and fashion products.
AUSTIN
- Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls
Founder of Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls, Sianni Dean, grew up with both Grannys and mother’s cooking/baking bringing all of the family together to create happy moments. From this admiration she Created Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls in dedication to these very special and loving women. From peach cobbler, to chocolate peanut butter, Cranky Granny’s has a sweet roll for every craving. - Word of Mouth Catering and Bakery
Word of Mouth has set the standard for excellence for catering in Austin, Texas, for over 30 years. They bring artistic flair and logistical expertise to their work, from sophisticated event design to creative culinary feats, stellar presentation and service. - Black Pearl Books
Black Pearl Books is an Austin-based independent black-owned book store. Their mission is to provide an array of books to a multi-cultural, multi-generational, multi-socio-economic community.