What does Black History Month mean to me? Well, every February, I stop to honor and recognize the achievements of those Black Americans who came before me. But Black history is not just about the past. It’s being made every day by those who are leading the game in their respective industries. So this Black History Month, I want to highlight 10 black businesses that are making Black History, by paving the way for other people of color to go after their dreams and build their global empires.
Health and Wellness
Craft Boxing Launches Limited-Edition Clothing Line
Craft Boxing, the Los Angeles boxing brand from former professional boxer George Foreman III, has partnered with an L.A. design studio to create Rhythm Season apparel line. The limited-edition clothing line honors the history and impact Black culture and music have had on the sport of boxing. Inspired by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino, Charlie Parker, Sam Cooke, and Miles Davis, to name a few, Rhythm Season is an ode to the soundtrack for boxing, and its deep connection to rhythmic dance. It’s the season of rhythm, but you don’t have to be a boxer to wear Rhythm Season’s Tees, Hoodies, Sweatshirts, and Jogging Pants. Craft Boxing and Rhythm Season want you to find your rhythm in whatever it is that you’re doing. This line promotes self-confidence and the rhythm that you need to become the you, you’ve always wanted to be. Each item features graphics of boxers in different rhythms throughout a fight. When asked about his favorite graphic in the clothing line, without hesitation Foreman showed his love for, “The one with the guy swinging really hard crossing his body. Everyone deserves the confidence to go out in life and just swing.” $50+; Available online for nationwide shipping at Craft Boxing; 818.237.4850
Plantmade – Health & Wellness Designed for People of Color
For too long the topic of wellness has been left out of the conversation between people of color. Shaun Nzeribe, the founder of wellness company Plantmade decided this needed to change. He set out on a mission to bridge the two worlds together and, “Redefine the relationship between people of color and the world of health & wellness…. (Plantmade) seeks to develop a safe space where people of color can heal, innovate, and discover true happiness.” Nzeribe wants to be clear, Plantmade was born to bring wellness to people of color, BUT all are welcome in the Plantmade family. As a an advocate for health, Nzeribe understands that wellness starts from within. His line of vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO unique supplements such as Super Multivitamins, Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, and Protein Powders were carefully curated to promote healthy digestion, boost your immune system, increase energy levels, maintain weight loss, support muscle mass, improve skin & hair and more. But there’s more. Plantmade promotes positive thinking and physical fitness through the Plantmade Wellness Club’s FREE yoga sessions. The high-energy class is designed to boost your confidence through high vibrations, affirmations, and mindfulness. The morning starts with a discussion, followed by a yoga flow before ending with a sound bath and meditation. $14.99+ (Use coupon code HOOPLABLOG for 10% off); Available online for nationwide shipping at Plantmade and Sundays, 11:00 am; Vegan Exchange – 5300 Bakman Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Bath and Body
Alchemy by Beijo
Charisse Miller, the owner of Alchemy by Beijo (AbB) believes there is a natural “alternative” for any synthetic consumables that we utilize for self-care. Driven by the mission to “Completely naturalize her physical life, one product at a time,” Alchemy by Beijo was born. AbB provides conscious elemental creations for the mind, body, and spirit, and encourages us to live elementally, at our basic core. The products can be categorized into two sections – the Mind & Body and Mind & Soul. For the Mind & Body connection, Miller believes “What we subject ourselves to physically, has an energetic effect on our mental and spiritual being.” Cue Pitty Party!, an all-natural deodorant made with these simple, Earth-derived Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, Arrowroot Powder, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Friendly Beeswax, (the Sensitive Skin formula also contains Magnesium). Does this deodorant really work? Just ask the burly male customer whose Pitty Party! kept him fresh in 115-degree heat! For your Mind & Soul, AbB offers guidance through intuitive Tarot readings designed to aid you in your own self-discovery and intuitive development. Alchemy by Beijo’s clean, all-natural products and valuable insights and learnings, will grant you a full mind, body, and spirit connection, that will help you to navigate more confidently through life – with fresh underarms of course! $10.50+; Available online for nationwide shipping at AlchemybyBeijo (on Etsy)
Center In
Self-care is important for maintaining a healthy relationship with the most important person in your life, yourself. It’s the idea that we deserve to treat ourselves by indulging in practices that help with our mental, physical and emotional well-being. Self-care promotes health and I am here for it! I first heard about Center In from a friend of mine who introduced me to their “All-natural, high-quality, one-of-a-kind and reliable skincare and candle products…Designed by women, for women and men, who desire to live their best life wholeheartedly.” Center In’s products consist of Body and Face Scrubs (that left my skin feeling smooth as a baby’s behind), Body Wash, Silky Cocoa Body Butters, Facial Oils, and Candles, perfect for Self-Care Sunday, or anytime you decide to Treat Yo’ Self! $9.99+; Available online for nationwide shipping at Center In
Only Light Brand
What is that intoxicating aroma? This is what was going through my head the moment I discovered the Bath and Body Oil from Only Light Brand (OLB). The vegan and cruelty-free Self-Care Oil includes hints of gardenia and jasmine, and is “Intended to alleviate stress and nourish the mind, body, and spirit!” Only Light Brand believes in a total mind/body connection, and that using high-quality products can elevate one’s mood. The goal is for “Humanity to be inspired to defy define darkness, through the power of mood-elevating, high-quality self-care products. In addition to bath and body goods, like Body and Beard Oils, Bath Salts, and Soaps, OLB also sells 100% Handmade Soy Candles, Honey, Cocktail Mixers, and more. According to owner Erica Jones, “Self-care is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity!” Well, Erica, we couldn’t agree more! $10+; Available online for nationwide shipping at Only Light Brand and Etsy
Gifts
Candles by CLR Los Angeles
I recently lost my father, and I have to say, although death is a natural part of the life cycle, it sucks. After weeks of pain and heartache being in Philadelphia with my family, I returned to my home in L.A., a cold, broken shell of a person. I lit the CLR candles and before I knew it, I was smiling again. A sense of warmth had overcome me. CLR candles helped me out of the darkest time in my life. Launched in 2020 by Taylor Davis, CLR is made in Los Angeles by a team of women, LGBTQIA+ people, or people of CLR. A candle collection unlike any other, CLR was designed, “With an option for every person, mood and CLR.” The six scents are just delightful. Any time anyone enters my home, they always compliment me on the captivating aroma and the bright, positive energy. I light my candles all the time. Whether I’m setting the mood for yoga or meditation, or when I want to relax or need to focus, CLR has candles for every mood and occasion. $48; Available online for nationwide shipping at CLR, Candle Delerium, and the Candle Delerium West Hollywood location – 7980 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046
- Red – Dark nuances of tuberose and jasmine lure you in with power and passion.
- Orange – Citrus reimagined, with rosewater, earl grey, and a joyful glow that floods your space with energy.
- Yellow – Zesty ease of eternal optimism. Basil combines with patchouli to bring out your boho fantasy.
- Green – Lemon flower and bamboo blends softness and strength like the peace at the end of a rainstorm.
- Blue – A woody blend with spice and amber that feels like snuggling in after a night on the town.
- Purple – A sweet lemon top note settles into berry and fig as opulence and elegance reflect in your space.
Food/Beverage
Black Girl Magic Wines from the McBride Sisters
As a wine lover and black woman, the moment I came across the McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Wines, I stopped dead in my tracks. What was this?! A wine celebrating Black Girl Magic, yes, please! And did I mention the wine is also fabulous! McBride Sisters Robin and Andréa created the line as a “Personal ode to their culture and story, inspired by the magic and resilience of Black women, to be enjoyed by all.” Raised among the vineyards of Monterey, California, and Marlborough, New Zealand, the McBride Sisters are no newcomers when it comes to wine. In fact, wine-making is their passion, along with, “Shaking up the industry with a blend of old-world elegance and new-world finesse.” With wines ranging from Reds to Whites, to Rosés to bottles of Bubbly, the Black Girl Magic line is E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G and more! “More than a phrase. It’s a feeling. A look. A mood. A taste.” $19.99+; Available for nationwide shipping online, wine delivery apps, and stores
Dr. Shica’s Bakery
Known for her line of mouthwatering Cookies, Cakes, and Brownies, you may have heard the name Dr. Shica’s Bakery mentioned on Good Morning America, Tori Johnson’s Deals and Steals, or for being in the top three of “Oprah’s Favorite Things.” After being laid off from her corporate job, Dr. Shica (yes she’s a real doctor of education) decided to take her small bakery side project to the next level. With several big partnerships and a commitment to using only high-quality, premium ingredients to create her gourmet signature desserts, Dr. Shica’s Bakery is quickly becoming one of L.A.’s go-to caterers. Now I know you’re wondering, are the desserts THAT good? 100% yes, Dr. Shica’s desserts are absolutely out of this world, and I should know, since I’ve pretty much tried them all. If I had to choose… as a lover of all things lemon, I almost cried when I sank my teeth into the Lemon Drop Cookies. Debra’s Red Velvet Cake, and the Sprinkle Delight Cookies round out my top three. Dr. Shica’s has something for everyone, with Cakes and Cookies in pretty much every flavor you can imagine. And did I mention you can customize your own dessert, “You dream it, we will create it!” And for all you plant-based people, Dr. Shica has a heavenly line of vegan sweets, including, Vegan Almost Famous Brownies, Vegan Cookies, and Vegan Cakes. Can’t decide what desserts to get? Dr. Shica’s has an array of Gift Boxes, perfect for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, holidays, and potluck dinners. Various rates; Vegan cookies Available at Kevin Hart’s vegan restaurant Hart House and select Gelson’s Markets (Century City & North Hollywood locations) and available for nationwide shipping; Photo Credit: Jakob Layman
Services
Executive On the Go Business Consultants
You have an idea for a new business. You’re really good at what you do and customers come pouring in. But now what? Have you opened your business bank account? Are you in compliance with your city and state agencies? Is your business set up in the best way to help you benefit the most from your taxes? Setting up your business is important, but not easy. This is where Executive On the Go (EOG) comes in. Since 2002, husband and wife Brandon and AnGèle Cade, “Have helped over 15,000 entrepreneurs start their business the right way, the first time, by guiding small business owners along their journey, from their initial business idea to legal structure.” With EOG, you have the benefit of speaking with a LIVE consultant, who is not just well-versed in business structuring, but is also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to connecting you with: web designers to create the perfect website, attorneys who can trademark your name or product, and form Trusts, bookkeepers and CPAs to ensure your business taxes are filed promptly and the right way, and more. With the ability to form your structure in any of the 50 states, EOG can handle all of your filings with the click of a button. Everything from your initial consultation, to your final document preparation, can be handled via phone, Zoom or, email, giving you no need to leave your home. You’re busy doing the work to increase your business. Let EOG handle the rest. Please contact EOG directly for rates; Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; 818.886.4895
Glowstick Bay Studios, a Boutique Production Company
Movies have the power to make you forget all your worries. You leave yourself and get lost in the magic of the film. From his days in college, Michael Simpson Jr. knew he wanted to bring his love of movies to life. He dreamt of building his own production company where he would one day make his own movie magic. In 2012 Simpson Jr.’s movie-making dreams came true when he launched his boutique production company, Glowstick Bay Studios. Inspired by the visual marvel of James Cameron’s Avatar, and the powerful storytelling of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, GBS specializes in VFX, Color Correction, Editing, and Sound Design. It’s what Simpson Jr. brings to the table that distinguishes Glowstick Bay Studios from other boutique production companies. With him, “You are always going to get someone full of culture, diversity in experience, and a person who started with absolutely nothing with an extremely diverse gauntlet of experiences that allow me to help bring virtually every story you can think of to life. You might have a huge idea and only a $50,000 budget. You won’t get a foot in the door at the majors. But you can come to GBS and I will find a way to make that $50k turn into your million dollar dream.” Please contact Glowstick Bay Studios directly for availability and rates; michael@glowstickbay.com; 323.596.1626
Support Black Businesses!
