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Shop Black-Owned & Founded Wellness Brands: 75+ Companies To Support

Alexandra Engler
Author:
February 05, 2021
Alexandra Engler
mbg Beauty Director
By Alexandra Engler
mbg Beauty Director
Alexandra Engler is the beauty director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com.
founders of black-owned beauty and wellness brands
Image by mbg Creative x Briogeo, John F Peters, Erica Chidi Cohen / contributors
February 05, 2021

It's Black History Month, and we'd like to highlight a portion of our favorite Black-owned brands in well-being. The wellness space can feel overwhelmingly white at times. This, of course, is not for lack of Black-owned and -founded brands or experts but as a function of what sort of voices typically get raised. This past year, hopefully, we've made strides so it looks more inclusive. One way we can do that is by diversifying the sort of companies and brands we promote and purchase from.

"Supporting Black businesses is important because that's the way communities grow and sustain. Black-owned businesses are more likely to hire other black people. It all starts the trend of building and supporting the community," Kristian Henderson, DrPH, professor of public health at George Washington University, a natural lifestyle enthusiast, and the founder of BLK+GRN, tells mbg in a Q&A. "Being a conscientious consumer, in general, is really important. Every time I spend money, I'm deciding what I invest in. So if I say I believe in black women entrepreneurs, if I say I believe in not supporting child labor, if I say I believe in making sure that things are ethically sourced, then the question is: Would the way I spend my money also reflect those same belief systems? I also see that investment beyond the product I'm purchasing. Not only do you get the product, but you're investing in someone else's dreams."

This list is non-exhaustive, of course, but if you are looking for a new online yoga class, hair serum, or candle, start here and buy Black.

Beauty

  • Briogeo. A clean and natural hair company that we here at mbg adore. 
  • Vernon François. Founded by a beloved celebrity hairstylist, this namesake brand features collections for waves to kinks, and all textures in between
  • BeautyStat. Founded by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, a frequent source for mbg beauty articles, who makes high-quality, high-tech skin care. 
  • Nyakio. A beautiful, global-inspired skin care brand from founder and formulator Nykakio Kamoche Grieco. 
  • NUELE. A super-clean hair serum that contains only five superstar ingredients and has the efficacy you crave in a conditioning hair product. 
  • Hair Rules. Another hair care brand founded by a famed stylist, Anthony Dicky, these products are all about tending to texture and your scalp—which Dicky is an expert in
  • Pear Nova. This nail brand makes flattering shades in 10-free formulas. 
  • Miss Jessie's Original. A hair care line full of potent natural ingredients co-founded by Miko and Titi Branch, it'll be your secret to healthy hair.
  • ALAFFIA. This full-body beauty brand (they have face, hair, body, and kid products) practices fair trade and sustainable manufacturing. 
  • Ginger Yum. Body products made from ginger essence.
  • ROSE Ingleton MD Skincare. A derm-created, clean skin care line.
  • Body Love. Beautifully crafted body products.
  • JaeSyn's Cart Beauty Co. A beauty supply store.
  • Bath Thyme Bakery. Naturally handcrafted bath products, like bombs, creams, and candles.
  • Brooke Blaze. All of the self-care essentials you need.
  • Flowers & Moondust. A brand inspired by African ancestral healing magic to bring you high quality African superfoods + beauty products.
  • LIHA BEAUTY. London-based beauty brand with African roots.
  • Naturalicious. An organic, all-natural hair care brand with products for women with curly hair.
  • OrganiGrow & OrganiGlow. A couple skin care and hair care line from Kay Cola.
  • CurlMix. A beauty brand that can help you identify your curl type, too.
  • Angie Watts. Natural, vegan, cruelty-free skin food.
  • Good Beauté. A skin care line packed with vitamin C.
  • SUNDAY II SUNDAY. Healthy curls in chic packaging.
  • beneath your mask. A truly stunning skin care line that is actually a favorite of one of mbg's staffers.
  • Rooted Woman. A chic, 10-free polish company that makes inspired hues for any mood.
  • Skinergy Beauty. This new skin care brand brightens complexions with a cocktail of potent botanicals.
  • Dr. GIO Cosmetics. the first and only Black-owned K-beauty company dedicated to making inclusive Korean skincare and cosmetics for dark skin tones and people of color.
  • LumiBloom. A beauty and wellness brand focus on relaxation—they offer CBD bath bombs, tonics, and whipped body products.
  • Myth/Magick. Founded by long-time best friends Ariana Jones and Denyse Walls, this brand was created to provide clean and effective products for all skin, especially people of color.
  • ROSE MD. A derm-founded clean brand, this offers potent serums and products.
  • epi.logic. A science-based, award-winning skin care collection that is founded by a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon.

Movement

Here, a small portion of the more robust and comprehensive roundup of yoga studios, trainers, and influencers to follow. Check out that story if you want more inspo.

  • BYC. This Brooklyn-based yoga studio specializes in creating an open, body-positive space to connect via yoga. Currently they're offering online yoga classes and hosting a virtual wellness retreat later this month. 
  • Lauren Ash. Book a session with this yoga instructor and meditation instructor, who has many fans here at mbg. 
  • HealHous. Another Brooklyn yoga studio and cafe, this space is inclusive and community-oriented. 
  • Jessamyn Stanley. Yoga teacher, body-positivity activist, and so much more, Stanley's virtual classes can provide a moment of peace for those needing it right now. 
  • Rise and Flow Yoga Studio. Offering online classes.
  • Harlem Cycle. A cycling studio in Harlem, New York.
  • Thrive Health Lab. An L.A.-based boutique fitness studio specializing in small group training and holistic approaches to mental and physical health.
  • Equity Design. This company uses physical activity to motivate and transform the lives of youth, adults and underserved communities. 

Lifestyle and well-being

Here, an assortment of companies and organizations to check out. We also have additional guides if you want to look more specifically into spiritual leaders or food experts.

  • Begin Meditating. A virtual meditation resource founded by mbg contributor Light Watkins made for beginners. You can also check out his mbg class, here
  • Golde. Making powders for smoothies, lattes, or face masks, this brand is one fun way to get your superfoods. 
  • LOOM. Founded by mbg contributor and doula Erica Chidi, this wellness hub offers classes and various services. 
  • Ruby Love. A great option for reusable period underwear, they make underwear, swimsuits, and workout wear for teens and women. 
  • Ethel's Club. An online membership organization for people of color, they host events, online streaming classes, and a huge network of those in the creative and wellness space. And don't forget to read our Q&A with founder Naj Austin.
  • Boié Road. Find soft, gentle textiles for your home from this Brooklyn-based designer. 
  • Dive In Well. A community founded to diversify the wellness space. Originally a roving dinner, this has now grown into an organization with many resources for those looking to get into the wellness business or looking for ways to be a wellness ally. 
  • The Honey Pot. A female care brand that uses only clean, plant-based ingredients and herbs. 
  • Alexandra Windbush. Gorgeous soy-based candles, these will bring comfort to your home right now.  
  • Yowie. Where to go if you need stunning home good items, décor, ceramics, and more. 
  • BLK + GRN. An online marketplace that features products from only black artists and creators, founded by Henderson.
  • Pillow Talk Sessions. Founded by chef Sofia Roe, this platform hosts sessions to talk about food and feelings. (Read our Q&A with Roe here as well as listen to her episode of the mbgpodcast.)
  • b condoms. The only black-owned condom company.
  • Cai Candle Co. Hand-board and crafted soy candles.
  • Tracey's Faceys. Non-medical face masks with an insert, based in L.A.
  • ElonWick Candle Co. Soy- and essential oil-based candles.
  • Go Deep. A protein powder to get you going.
  • lemlem. Breezy clothing, lounge wear, and home items from activist and former model Liya Kebede.
  • The Black Doula. An organization that provides full spectrum education and resources to all individuals and organizations ready to take the next step in creating a world of inclusion, justice and equity to birthing people all over the world.
  • The Candid Tea. Offering a variety of tea types and accessories.
  • Brooklyn Tea. New York-based loose leaf teas.
  • Yinibini Baby. Organic cotton baby clothing.
  • Eco Cotton Threads. A home textile company based in Washington, D.C. that offers Ethiopian cotton products. 
  • Peacesake Candles & Co. Hand-poured all-natural soy candles free of phthalates and a lead-free cotton wick.
  • Pipcorn. A mbg staff favorite snack, this is better-for-you popcorn.
  • Liberté. This brand sells well-crafted lingerie.
  • Dr. Sebi’s Cell Food. Teas, tonics, and supplements rooted in African herbs and medicine.
  • Lion X Wellness. A CBD company founded by Nico Marley, grandson of Bob Marley.
  • 1AND1 Life. A modern digital wellness and lifestyle platform.
  • BDE gummies. The world’s first wildcrafted sea moss gummy, powered by beets and vitamins D & E.

Nonprofits

Here, black-founded nonprofits that you can support if you are looking for organizations that have more of a health and wellness angle.

I'll be updating this list regularly, so please email me at alexandra@mindbodygreen.com with your suggestions.

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

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The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

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How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

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Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

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Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

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