By Herd Writer Gerald C. Harris

The 2021 holiday season has officially started and folx on the search for the perfect gift. Many of us are making a conscious effort to be more inclusive and supportive of local and diverse communities as we do our shopping. One way to do that is to buy from Black-owned businesses.

I hope the list below assist you in discovering many new brands. Also shopping from Black-owned businesses shouldn’t be just a holiday season thing. They are here all throughout the year. Hint? The choices we make in where our dollar goes can have a huge impact.

Download the whole guide HERE.

ALPHA BOOT CAMP
AMBER LYNNE BEAUTY
ANKAY BEAUTY, LLC
APEX SEAFOOD & MARKET
ASHLEIGH BAKES DAILY
BIG C WAFFLES
BLACK GIRL’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING MENOPAUSE
BLEND OF SOUL
BOBBIE JAMES
THE BODYGAMES CENTER
BOXED GIFT BOUTIQUE
BRIGHT BLACK
BULL CITY APPAREL
BULL CITY CONFECTIONARIES
BULL CITY MUSIC SCHOOL
CANDY CARVER
CORENTA CANDLES
EARresisitble by SWANSDESIGN
THE EMPOWER CIRCLE
ENVISIONED BY YOU PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC
EXOTIQUE
FOR ALMA HOME
FRANMONÉ FRAGRANCES
HAIRIZON
HARPER’S PARLOUR
THE HUMAN COLLECTION
JAM KIDS CO
JAMICE’S CAVEAU DE VANITE
JEDDAH’S TEA
JESSAMYN STANLEY
KSH CREATIONS
KENTE LIFESTYLE APPAREL
LIBERATION STATION BOOKSTORE
MOREHEAD MANOR BED AND BREAKFAST
M’ZURI LAVISH COLLECTION
NAILZ + BEAUTY
NAKOMA
NOIR PLANT CLUB
ORA TEAHOUSE + BAKERY
THE PENSIVE TIGER
PORE PEOPLE
ROYAL CHEESECAKE & VARIETIES
SELFIE SYMPOSIUM
TALL GRASS FOOD BOX
TIP TOP SNAPSHOTS PHOTO BOOTH RENTALS
¡WEPA! FLAVORS
THE ZEN SUCCULENT

Get a download of the guide HERE.

ALPHA BOOT CAMP

A training and fitness studio dedicated to changing lives through changing bodies. They offer one-on-one, partner, and small group training as well as boot camp classes.

Brick & Mortar: 2210 Dominion St.

The Web: vagaro.com/alphabootcamp

IG: @alphabootcamp

AMBER LYNNE BEAUTY

A traveling makeup artist, Amber Lynne offers freelance services for all things bridal and teaches classes to help improve your beauty knowledge. With a versatile clientele ranging from corporate professionals to editorial photoshoots, Amber has grown to be a sought after makeup artist, whose work has been featured on “My Big Fat Fabulous Life” (TLC) working with Whitney primarily & on Tasha Cobb’s live recording where she helps glam up the team.

The Web: amberlynnebeauty.com

IG: @erbodyluhgrannie

ANKAY BEAUTY, LLC

They are a woman-owned company that sells hydrating non-toxic cosmetics with melanin in mind! Their products are safe for multi-use and can even be used by individuals with sensitive skin.

The Web: ankaybeauty.com

IG: @ankaybeauty

APEX SEAFOOD & MARKET

They are a mobile market, that makes several trips weekly (sometimes daily) to the NC Coast, to hand-select seafood that was caught by the fishermen that morning and procure it to sell at the area farmers markets and to their Triangle customers. They have access to a wide variety of seafood, from fish, shrimp, oysters, crabs, crawfish, scallops, crab cakes, salmon, live lobsters, crab legs, etc. Please reach out to us for all of your seafood needs. They are “The Peak of Good Seafood”!

The Web: apexseafoodandmarket.com

ASHLEIGH BAKES DAILY

Everything from Oreo chocolate chip cookies with sprinkles to lemon berry cookies to brown sugar baby cookies. Also some vegan and gluten-free options. And if you’re in the Bull City, you can find them on Door Dash!

The Web: ashleighbakesdaily.com

IG: @AshleighBakesDaily

BIG C WAFFLES

Known for the best waffles on Earth, Big C specialized in gourmet waffles. Mouth-watering varieties such as The Bacon, Egg n Cheese, Thin Mint, Pecan, Blueberry, and Donut waffles are amazing and life-changing. Once you have a Big C Waffle, your life will never be the same.

The Web: bigcwaffles.com

IG: @bigcwaffles

BLACK GIRL’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING MENOPAUSE

The Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause is a curated intergenerational exchange, a space for exploration, mentorship, intimacy, and vulnerability around life, identity, and change. It’s the excavation of the things that you needed to know about your personhood through the years but were never told. It’s the guide we wish we had access to no matter our age. They also have amazing merch.

The Web: blackgirlsguidetosurvivingmenopause.com

IG: @blackgirlsguidetosurvivingmenopause

BLEND OF SOUL

Margo & Ki make up the vibrant, soul-centered, female love duo Blend of Soul! They are a black owned juice company inspired by the love they have for our community! They sell fresh cold-pressed juices and wellness shots made by us for us! Their juices are 100% natural with fresh ingredients and no added sugars! Did we mention that they are absolutely DELISH? SOUL TIP: They are vegan friendly!

The Web: blendofsoul.com

IG: @blendofsoulnc

BOBBIE JAMES

A native of Durham, North Carolina, Bobbie first began her journey with fiber work at a young age learning how to crochet in her grandmother’s living room. In 2012 Bobbie earned a BS in Fashion Design from Meredith College. Fiber work has long been a part of Bobbie’s life, but it wasn’t until 2018 when she participated in her first art market that she found her passion. Bobbie’s work focuses on the feminine presence she feels is missing in the world. Each piece is part of the story of what it is to be feminine. Bobbie also believes in sustainability and many of her pieces include up-cycled items.

The Web: bobbiejamesart.com

IG: @withlove_bobbie

THE BODYGAMES CENTER

Winner of Best Place to Get In Shape -DurmMag 2021. BodyGames is a one-of-a-kind fitness + wellness facility aimed at our community becoming Better, Faster & Stronger.

Our services include Strength, Conditioning & Mobility Workouts, Yoga & Spin Workouts, Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy, Goal-Set Coaching (nutrition, inbody scans, etc.), Free Childcare & more!

The Web: thebodygamescenter.com

BOXED GIFT BOUTIQUE

At Boxed Gift Boutique, they understand your wish to make your family and friends happy with a beautiful and thoughtful gift. They provide a great selection of custom and curated gift boxes; allow them to eliminate the guesswork for you and take care of the details.

The Web: boxedgiftboutique.com

IG: @boxedgiftboutique

BRIGHT BLACK

At Bright Black, their goal is to pay tribute to Black greatness, one beautifully crafted candle at a time. They believe that handcrafting is a sacred process and we infuse every product with positive intentions. They settle for nothing short of Black excellence and strive to push the depths of what scent storytelling could and should be. Their studio is proudly based in Durham, NC.

The Web: brightblackcandles.com

IG: @brightblackcandle

BULL CITY APPAREL

The originator of the “Durham -VS- Everybody” shirt, Bull City Apparel is one of the popular fashion brands of the city and beyond. They offer custom printing services and great gift ideas.

Brick & Mortar: 3023 Fayetteville St.

The Web: thebullcitystore.com

IG: @thebullcitystore

BULL CITY CONFECTIONARIES

Each of their cakes is crafted by hand with the best ingredients to create an exceptionally moist, dense, and flavorful cake. With staples like their French Toast cake with BACON, and classic fan-favorite Red Velvet, they bring a smile and the perfect amount of sweetness to all occasions!

The Web: bullcitycakes.com

IG: @bullcityconfectionaries

BULL CITY MUSIC SCHOOL

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Jeanetta Hopkins has always had music play a major role in her life. A lifelong learner of music and humanity, she created Bull City Music School to further spread a message of love, respect, and self-confidence. BCMS focuses instruction on being student-centered, and their teachers plan instruction based on the student’s method of learning and pace. From year-round programming to jam sessions, they find a way to bring the love of music into your life.

The Web: bullcitymusicschool.com

IG: @bullcitymusicschool

CANDY CARVER

Candy Carver is a North Carolina Native that spend her formative years in Elkhart, IN, where she developed her abstract creativity. Working primarily with acrylic and various surfaces from canvas to vinyl, she creates vibrant, textured pieces that touch the soul and excite viewers. Her work can be found throughout the South Eastern States and continues to gain recognition. Carver contributes much of her inspiration to her own love for excitement, color, and beauty found in the human form.

The Web: candycarver.com

IG: @candycarver

CORENTA CANDLES

Every candle is hand-poured just for you. Each of their scents is a perfect way to add great fragrance to your space with just a flick of a match. Each candle will transform your space, creating the ambiance and atmosphere you want to achieve. Coming Black Friday the launch of candle subscription boxes!

The Web: corentacandles.com

IG: @corentacandles

EARresisitble by SWANSDESIGN

Famous for their handmade, beautiful, unique earrings!

The Web: swansdesign.com

THE EMPOWER CIRCLE

The Empower Circle initially started as a dance studio in 2015, as a place to cultivate community through dance and movement. After seeing a need to further inspire and empower children and their families. The Empower Circle is expanding its reach to encourage, support, and ensure a safe space. Empower will continue with the successful studio and connected nonprofit foundation. In addition, the Empower Circle will charter new territories with retail merchandise at The Empower Store, and community engagement consulting.

Brick & Mortar: 121 Market St, Durham, NC

The Web: theempowercircle.com

IG: @theempowercircle

ENVISIONED BY YOU PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

They offer studio rental and photography sessions for families and businesses.

The Web: envisionedbyyou.com

EXOTIQUE

Exotique brings African art, fashion, home goods, and more to downtown Durham. And art gallery and handcrafted goods by local and international artists. Unique fabrics, jewelry, sculptures, and clothing, at through Fairtrade practices.

The Web: theexotique.com

IG: @exotiquedurham

FOR ALMA HOME

For Alma is a gift boutique with gifts including jewelry, great body products, candles, leather goods, and much more.

The Web: foralma.com

IG: @foralmahome

FRANMONÉ FRAGRANCES

FranMoné Fragrances offers all-natural handmade products. Whether you are looking to set the mood of your living or workspace or simply looking to wind down after a long day, they’ve got you covered. Their goal is to bring you “JOY BY THE OUNCE” and create an experience different from any other small business. Take some time to explore our candles, body oils, butters & more!

The Web: franmonefragrances.com

IG: @franmonefragrances

HAIRIZON

At Hairizon, they customize body and hair products at the Beauty Bar. They can add essential, fragrance, and/or therapeutic oils based on your preferences. The butter bases available are – Shea, Mango, Aloe Vera, Hemp, and Avocado butters. They also carry Aloe Vera-based Shampoo, Conditioner and Body wash. Gift baskets, gift cards, Black soap, and hand-dipped incense, along with so much more! Door Dash is an option for purchasing too!

The Web: hairizonbeauty.com

IG: @hairizon

HARPER’S PARLOUR

Ashley Harper is a nail curator that prides herself on her attention to detail and putting the customer first.

IG: @harpersparlour

THE HUMAN COLLECTION

Their services include but are not limited to: Portraits, Home decor (pillows, tapestry, pictures, blankets, wallpaper), Clothes, Artwork, and Textiles. Their prints are custom-made from body parts drawings. They are known for the hippie, feel-good, body part prints, and a distinct person aesthetic artwork.

The Web: hortl401.wixsite.com/thehumancollection

IG: @shoparificpinkgirl

JAM KIDS CO

They offer mobile soft play party rentals for toddlers ages 0 to 4 years old!

IG: @jamkidsco

JAMICE’S CAVEAU DE VANITE

A business built through generational greatness, the mother/daughter duo provides 100% cruelty-free and paraben-free cosmetics.
The Web: jscdv.com

IG: @jscdv_

JEDDAH’S TEA

Founded in 2018 by Morgan Siegel, Jeddah’s Tea was birthed from both a passion for tea and a deep love of community. Sourcing small-scale organic, vegan-friendly, and fair-trade teas, herbs, and spices, Jeddah’s Tea prepares authentic, traditional teas, blends and concentrates from geographies and cultures underrepresented in the American tea-sphere.

The Web: jeddahstearoom.com

IG: @jeddahstea

JESSAMYN STANLEY

Jessamyn Stanley is a yoga teacher, body positivity advocate, and writer based in Durham, North Carolina. Jessamyn uses high-energy vinyasa flow as a way to move past mental and emotional barriers. Her classes provide a body-positive approach to yoga which celebrates students’ bodies and encourages them to ask “How do I feel?” rather than “How do I look?” when practicing yoga. She’s been featured and profiled by a variety of International and National media outlets including Good Morning America, The Daily Mail, New York Magazine, The Sunday Times, New York Times’ Women In The World, & People, among others.

The Web: jessamynstanley.com

IG: @mynameisjessamyn

KSH CREATIONS

In 2009, KSH Creations was born. Through the years, they found that the greeting card offers the perfect canvas for handcrafted expressions. They also make unique, personalized handcrafted greeting cards, candles, stickers, and drinkware. Get a FREE gift when you sign up for our email list.

The Web: kshcreations.com

IG: @kshcreations

KENTE LIFESTYLE APPAREL

At Kente Lifestyle, our aim is to offer you apparel that represents African American culture! They are a growing company and a business that is dedicated to creating products that illuminates and casts the black culture, experiences, and heritage in the most positive light possible.

The Web: kentelifestyle.com

IG: @kentelifestyleapparel

LIBERATION STATION BOOKSTORE

Liberation Station Bookstore® is “an independent bookstore specializing in the pop-up concept, carrying books written for, by, or about children of the African Diaspora. At our core, they believe in making representation accessible and amplifying Black voices. As booksellers and storytellers, they thrive by seeking unconventional spaces to promote literacy, and pioneer creative programming that will ensure Black children are seeing themselves and being seen.

The Web: liberationstationbookstore.com

IG: @liberationstationbookstore

MOREHEAD MANOR BED AND BREAKFAST

Durham’s premier Bed and Breakfast. Offering luxury accommodations in a 1910 Colonial Revival Style Mansion within walking distance to dining, shopping, and entertainment downtown Durham. Perfect for a date night, romantic getaway, or an alternative to your spare room for your out-of-town guests. They offer five spacious guestrooms with modern amenities, comfortable common areas, relaxing outdoor spaces, and a Bocce court. They can also host your intimate event. Gift certificates for a stay at Morehead Manor also make the perfect gift.

The Web: moreheadmanor.com

IG: @moreheadmanor.

M’ZURI LAVISH COLLECTION

M’zuri Lavish Collection is an online children’s boutique with rave reviews from customers!

The Web: mzurilavish.com

IG: @mzurilavish_

NAILZ + BEAUTY

They provide non-toxic beauty services such as skin, massage, lash, wax, brow, and nail therapy services.

The Web: nailzplusbeauty.com

IG: @nailzplusbeauty

NAKOMA

A marketing, branding, web design, and PR company with over 10 years of experience, having worked with UNC-Chapel Hill, Essence Festival, Dreamville, and others. If you’re looking to create an impactful brand, let’s work together. Home of the exclusive Ready By Monday intensive, allowing clients to get undivided attention with a 24-hour turnaround to excel their brand starting fresh on Monday.

The Web: nakomapr.com

NOIR PLANT CLUB

They offer apparel and merchandise for plant parents.

The Web: noirplantclub.com

IG: @noirplantclub

ORA TEAHOUSE + BAKEREY

Ora Teahouse + Bakery offers handcrafted loose leaf tea blends and desserts. Formally Bespoke Bakery & Dessert Bar, they’ve rebranded with a full experience and your well-being being in mind. They still offer the baked goods like cakes, cupcakes, and cookies you love and have added teas that are hand-blended using all of that flavor-building knowledge from baking. So not only are the teas beautiful, they taste great.

The Web: orateahouse.com

THE PENSIVE TIGER

The Pensive Tiger is known for their handmade earrings and croc charms.

The Web: thepensivetiger.etsy.com

IG: @thepensivetiger

PORE PEOPLE

Pore People is an ultra-pure farm to face clinical multicultural skincare range. Our hero ingredient is fresh certified organic non-GMO Aloe Vera extract. We rely on sources from Pueblo Indian farming communities. Their holistic culture is the heartbeat of our brand. Our best-selling product is an anti-inflammatory and skin softening cleansing balm called Lactic Acid Co-Wash. We’ve launched an antibacterial aloe Vera setting essence called pH Restore including Rosewood essential oil. Rosewood oil fights pimples and pneumonia. We are ready to deliver health to our community.

The Web: porepeople.com

IG: @porepeopleorganics

ROYAL CHEESECAKE & VARIETIES

Their products are made from scratch desserts including cheesecakes, pound cakes, cakes, cookies, banana pudding, and more. They are home of the Chicken & Waffle Cheesecake and NC Sweet Potato Pound Cake!

The Web: rcvcakes.com

IG: @rcvcakes

SELFIE SYMPOSIUM

Welcome to Selfie Symposium! They are an interactive space consisting of over 13 creative backgrounds to take photos. Whether you come by yourself or with friends, you’re guaranteed fun, laughter, and a lot of dope photos. They also have an event space for private rentals, memberships for content creators and photographers and they host their own events called Symposium After Dark! Email them at selfiesymposium@gmail.com for more information, to join or book a private party.

The Web: selfiesymposium.com

IG: @selfiesymposium

TALL GRASS FOOD BOX

Tall Grass Food Box is a platform to support and encourage the sustainability of Black farmers, by increasing their visibility and securing space for them in the local marketplace. Every other week they curate a box of fresh produce from Black Farmers across NC for purchase. A great gift for your loved one. They also have merch (t-shirts and stickers) for sale. Right now their share for the Spring Season is up for purchase.

The Web: tallgrassnc.com

IG: @tallgrassfoodbox

TIP TOP SNAPSHOTS PHOTO BOOTH RENTALS

Tip Top Snapshots, offers 360 Video Booth and traditional Open Air Selfie Station photo booth rentals. Your photo booth experience is guaranteed to be socially on-trend, entertaining, and instantly available to be shared amongst your guests.

The Web: tiptopsnapshots.com

IG: @tiptopsnapshots

¡WEPA! FLAVORS

Looking for a little SABOR? They bring some of the best flavors from the islands, inspired by their Afro- Latino roots, right into your home! They specialize in homemade Sofrito and Coquito with some spice mixes to boot!

The Web: wepaflavors.com

IG: @wepaflavors

THE ZEN SUCCULENT

They are a modern terrarium and plant craft business based in beautiful Durham, North Carolina. The ZEN Succulent was created by the mother/daughter team Margaret and Megan George. Their living landscape creations are a modern take on traditional terrariums inspired by their natural surroundings, their love for urban planting, and their delight in color. They play with the concepts of nature’s classical elements (air, earth, water) through their individual terrarium’s use of tillandsia air plants, Japanese marimo balls, vibrant succulents, and more, and how each inhabits its respective landscape.

Brick & Mortar: 123 Market St B

The Web: thezensucculent.com

IG: @thezensucculent

And we know that there are many other local Black-owned businesses out there. If you have any more companies that should be on this list, let us know!

Get a download of the whole guide HERE.