In my most humble [and biased] opinion, there’s no superpower like the superpower of being a woman. And in my even greater humble [and biased] opinion, within that overall demographic of women being badass, Black women especially are undefeated.
From birthing babies to battling cancer, breaking through barriers, and owning businesses, there is nothing women can’t do. We can—and DO—do it all.
Not only is October National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the month many celebrate the holiday of Halloween, but October is also National Women’s Small Business Month!
Out of approximately 582 million entrepreneurs in the world, 252 million are female, and women own 31% of small businesses or franchises in the US—so, not only are women owning businesses, but they mean business! To celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month, we’re featuring some of our favorite Black female-owned small businesses for you to follow and support.
1. Posh Candle Co.
Tay Watts is the founder and Chief Chandler of @PoshCandleCo, which she started in 2014. She was a new mom and in grad school and was simply having a hard time finding a candle she liked while shopping at Target. Tay solved her own problem with the creation of Posh Candle Co. and hasn’t looked back since! From her experience, we learn that a brilliant business idea is truly founded in solving people’s problems—whether someone else’s or your own.
Check out our favorite #PoshCandleCo product here!
2. Oh So Paper Co.
Danielle Stewart is the founder and creator of @OhSoPaperCo, which she started in 2016. Her company, Oh So Paper designs and produces notebooks, stickers, and gifts perfect for the Black woman planner. Danielle’s belief that stickers are not just for kids is what has inspired the many beautiful and inspirational designs her brand offers. Whether an educator, mom, fashionista, or goal-setter, there’s something for every woman. With a mission to “create fun yet FUNtional products that represent Black women in an uplifting and positive light,” Danielle’s success is evidence of just how much representation matters!
Check out a couple of our favorite #OhSoPaperCo product here!
3. Nourish and Love Co.
Stephanie Ayler is the founder and maker behind the natural hair brand, @NourishAndLoveCo. Though she began her natural hair journey at the age of 15, she didn’t start her company until she was out of college in 2010. It was her creation of a whipped body butter and healing salve for her dog that birthed it all. Since then, Stephanie has advanced her love for cosmetic chemistry in a way that has led to the amazing product range offered by Nourish and Love Co. Stephanie’s growth in business shows us the true power of starting small and surpassing even your own wildest dreams.
Check out our favorite #NourishAndLoveCo product here!
4. The Lip Bar
Melissa Butler is the founder and CEO of the start-up beauty brand, @TheLipBar, which she launched in 2011. Though Black women are naturally beautiful with genetic features that set trends for other non-Black women around the world, products like those sold via The Lip Bar only enhance their natural beauty. From bold lip colors to glow serums and tinted skin conditions, there’s something for every woman—even those who love a quick and natural look! Though Melissa’s beauty brand is for external application, she’s a Black female business owner who knows the beauty of developing the passions within.
Check out our favorite #TheLipBar product here!
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Meloni Capria is a Wisconsin native who currently resides in Texas with her wife, 10-year-old son, and their three pet Yorkies. Her professional background is in Secondary Education and English Language Arts and Reading. She currently serves in the role of Editorial Assistant at Mango Publishing Group and is a collaborative partner at DOPE Publishing. She enjoys writing, watching movies, and all things related to marriage, parenting, and family.