As we look forward to the holiday season, we also look forward to the busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
According to the latest research from Finder, an estimated 140 million Americans plan to shop this year, and an average spend of $362 will part with roughly $51 billion trying to score a deal this year.
With so many choices of where to spend your money, we’re encouraging our readers to buy Black and support an HBCU-owned brand or business. Here at 10 HBCU-owned brands that you can support this Black Friday!
Dosso Beauty
Founded by Hampton alumna Kadidja Dosso, Dosso Beauty is a Black-owned organic beauty brand & wholesaler. Dosso Beauty is a one-stop shop for several beauty needs, selling everything from skin products and cosmetics to braiding hair, durags and hair products. Its pre-stretched braiding hair is hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, and anti-itch. Dosso Beauty’s best-selling items include, their pre-stretched hair, whipped shea butter, organic edge control, and their fresh face skin care products (detoxifying charcoal mask, perfect 10 oil cleanser, hydrating face moisturizer.) According to Dosso Beauty’s website, the company’s mission is more than selling organic beauty supplies, it’s about providing a platform for people of color to reinforce the confidence that they have within themselves. Dosso Beauty products can be purchased through their official website, Amazon Prime, Walmart.com, Gopuff, and Faire.com.
The Proud Black Brand
The Proud Black Brand is a multi-media, clothing, and lifestyle brand that focuses on “Representing Black Culture With Positivity and Taste.” It was created in 2019 by North Carolina A&T alum, Jalan Ward, who told CBS17, that the company is “dabbling into everything.” “It’s not apparel. It’s not clothing. We are trying to convey experiences and show these kids for sure about what it means to be a proud black person,” he said. The company does everything from storytelling to clothes to books. According to the website, The Proud Black Brand’s goal is to connect all generations of black people through unique concepts, designs, and visual broadcasting, while aiming to tell the story of what it means to be ‘Proud Black’.
Talley & Twine Watch Company
Talley & Twine is the largest Black-owned luxury watch company according to The Atlanta Voice, and was co-founded by Albany State alum Randy Williams. Williams is the president of Talley & Twine and formed the company to increase the representation of African-Americans in the watch industry. According to the company’s website, the goal was to create a quality, detailed, attention-grabbing timepiece that spoke to a market that has been ignored by mainstream companies. “We like to operate outside of the “norms” and away from the long-standing gatekeepers of the watch industry.” Talley and Twine sells Men’s and Women’s metal, leather, and canvas watches with a unique design on the face of the watch with only the number seven showing. The company says that the number seven is used on their watches because it represents completion in that there are 7 days in a week, and serves as a reminder to finish what you start.
More Life Clothing Brand
More Life is an up-and-coming clothing brand created by Bowie State University student, Jaivien Kendrick. As the idea for More Life was born during the pandemic, Kendrick was motivated by the lack of hope, intellect, and motivation across the youth in his community and decided he wanted to create a brand that would empower and embrace young minds. Through More Life’s clothing, Kendrick seeks to spread the message that “you have the power to do anything you put your mind to.” Right now, the company sells hoodies and graphic tees that don the name of the company as well as other motivational messages. They are releasing their Winter 2022 ‘Dreamers Division’ Collection soon.
Kimbria’s Kollection
Kimbria’s Kollection is a top-quality hair supplier that sells luxury wigs, bundles, frontals, and closures. Florida A&M University student, Kimbria Michel is the CEO of Kimbria’s Kollection and the hairstyling business, Kimbria’s Kreations in which she acts as a popular hairstylist on FAMU’s campus. All of Kimbria’s Kollection products have been tested and worn by Kimbria herself. Their services include worldwide shipping and their best-selling wig units include silky straight, deep curly, deep wave, water wave, and loose deep wave.
Ghetto Scholars
Ghetto Scholars is a clothing brand founded by Hampton University student, Matthew Neree. Ghetto Scholars is more than a brand, but is a lifestyle and a movement that takes back the word “ghetto” and strips it from its negative and stereotypical connotations. The brand believes that everyone is capable of succeeding and becoming scholars and of no letting the world limit you because of the color of your skin or where you are from. The goal of Ghetto Scholars is to be a voice throughout communities for those who don’t see their full potential through mentorship and service. They’re seeking to prove stereotypes wrong through their clothing, which includes shirts, hoodies, and trucker jackets.
Mack’s Ties
Mack’s Ties is a suit accessory and luxury lifestyle brand founded by Hampton alum, Chad Gayle in 2018. Gayle believes ties allow you to express yourself through fashion and, most importantly, they are the centerpiece of your professional appearance. According to the website, Mack’s Ties’ purpose is to provide affordable products that will give customers extreme confidence, happiness, and joy. “Our biggest goal, to provide accessories that will compliment any suit.” They don’t only sell ties but tie clips, pocket squares, lapels, socks, bracelets, polo t-shirts, and bags.
Romance On The Go
Romance On The Go is a full-service romance concierge business that specializes in planning and executing romantic occasions for couples. It was founded in 2012 by Xavier University of Louisiana alumna, Ta’Veca Collins after several years of planning and executing “numerous romantic rendezvous” for her husband, family, and friends.
Romance On The Go’s motto is “We Bring Romance To ANY Space Or Place!”, and their services include proposal planning, romantic suite experiences, date night planning, honeymoon suites, “just because” gift subscriptions, and more. They create a customized one-of-a-kind romantic experience for their customers and design everything from start to finish.
Decor Ones, LLC
Decor Ones, LLC is a handmade rugs & wood decor company created by 2x Howard alumna Skylar Buchanan. “When it comes to tufting and wood decor, I started my journey with the will to expand my creativity beyond graphic design,” Buchanan said. Her custom handmade rugs include vibrant eye-catching colors and designs that are the perfect gift for any occasion. Her products are completely unique and redefine the possibilities of rug making. Her versatility shows as she has made afrocentric-themed rugs, Greek-themed rugs, HBCU-focused rugs, and more.
Cozartt’s Collection
Cozartt’s Collection is a premier streetwear fashion brand that specializes in both men’s and women’s wear. Florida A&M University alum, Andrew “Cozartt” Chiwara is the creative director and owner of the clothing brand. Cozartt told VoyageMIA, that the company prides itself in providing the finest shopping experience for shoppers through “competitive pricing, superior customer service, and top-quality products.” “What sets me apart is my exceptional customer service as well as high-quality products,” he said. Cozartt’s Collection sells everything from hoodies and jackets, to tracksuits and sets, and to women’s bikinis and dresses.
