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Holiday Shopping? Support Black Businesses

There’s no better time than the holidays to support Black businesses. With so many our small business owners having to close their doors this year, it’s imperative that we stay committed to those who have had the good fortune to remain with us. If you aren’t sure where to find these business, we’ve helped you out with a selection of LA-based and/or online, Black-owned businesses to support this holiday season:

  • Before you go to Borders or Barnes & Noble, give the gift of reading through EsoWon Books. EsoWon has been a staple in Black LA for years and we want to keep them going. They have a great selection of fiction, non-fiction, audio books, special interest books (for your picky recipients) and coffee table books.
  • Instead of gifting a generic piece of art or home furnishings from Pier One or Bed Bath and Beyond, send a gift from Sable Images or Gold Coast Africa. Sable Images is a purveyor of Black memorabilia and antiques. Everything from Aunt Jemima kitchenware to original classic black film posters, Sable Images is the housing place for decorative pieces of our history. Gold Coast Africa is a warehouse of minority vendors who create unique gifts and furnishings for the home. You can find everything here, including kitchenware, furniture, lighting, bed and bathroom accessories, and artwork. They also have an amazing 2011 Black calendar selection.
  • Before you buy that Macy’s or Nordstrom’s gift card, check out Nobody Jones and Philthy Ragz Boutiques. Nobody Jones, located on 48th and Crenshaw is the baby of Odessa Bowden, and houses the latest in today’s trends, all designed and created by Odessa herself. You can find anything in here, including a great selection of casual and evening wear, handbags, and unique accessories. Philthy Ragz, located on Centinela just off of La Cienega in Inglewood also houses great fashion deals for women, including a decent selection of shoes and handbags.
  • Don’t even step a foot into Tiffany or Kay Jewelers this year. Get that special trinket from Jendayi Collection or Sika. Jendayi is a family owned and operated business that handcrafts jewelry in gold, silver and platinum with any precious stones of your choice. They have a one-of-a-kind selection of wedding and anniversary jewelry, all of which can be customized. Check out their line of Adinkra symbol jewelry – these one-of-a-kind pieces you cannot find anywhere else. Also, trade your own gold in for new pieces! Sika is a master jeweler located in Leimert Park and the creator of magnificent, handmade pieces. You won’t find jewelry like Sika’s anywhere else in the city.
  • Pass up Bath and Body Works this year and make your way into Carol’s Daughter. With it’s growth over the last two years, we can no longer say Carol’s Daughter products aren’t easily accessible. You can find Carol’s Daughter bath and beauty products everywhere including Sephora, Macy’s and don’t forget the flagship store in the Westfield Culver City Shopping Center (formerly Fox Hills Mall). Take advantage of their stocking stuffers and 30-40% off of holiday gifts!
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Target Shoppers: Support Black Business!

As I was walking through the toiletry aisles of my local Target, I had to do a double take: on the shelves sat one of my favorite hair products of all time – Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding.

I use to have to send off for Miss Jessie’s products from New York, and luckily I stocked up on my last trip there, but to have it in my local Target is too good to be a true – and a MAJOR business move for the sisters that created the product.

Labeled, “The Best Darn Curl Cream Period”, I can personally endorse this product for natural hair, especially for twists-outs and braid-outs. For naturally curly-haired folks, this product will enhance your natural curls to the fullest, while keeping your hair moisturized and smelling wonderful.

Find Miss Jessie’s products in your local Target stores today!

*Photo by Kesha Lambert