There are 134,000+ Black-owned employer businesses operating in the United States, according to McKinsey. This list we pulled together doesn't even scratch the surface of the Black-owned entrepreneurs making a difference and positively impacting our world today.
Still, we asked the Fohr team who their favorite Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs they love to follow were—and the responses came flooding in. We’ve listed just a few of them here for you to start following yourself.
Featured on Shark Tank and listed on Oprah’s Favorite Things, 54 Thrones is a black-owned business that highlights African beauty rituals. Founded by Christina Funke Tegbe, the clean products are handcrafted and "sustainably honor the rich natural resources of Africa and the authentic beauty rituals that have been handed down from generation to generation."
Alexz Roze was born and raised in Queens NY and specializes in portrait photography. He describes his artistic style as moody, vibrant, and eye catching, using color or a strong visual element like fire amongst others to help the viewer tap into the emotions that are embodied with each image. Alexz did us the honor of visiting the Fohr office this month to share his collection titled "The Journey of a Black Man." Afterwards, the Fohr team enjoyed a Paint 'n Sip night hosted by Canvas Culture LLC a Black-owned business by entrepreneur and CEO Shay Marie G.
Brother Vellies artisanal luxury home products are designed in Brooklyn, handcrafted sustainably with artisans spanning from Nairobi to New York. Brother Vellies was founded in 2013 by Toronto-native and New York City-transplant, Creative Director and Founder Aurora James, with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices, and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs.
Founded by Nicole Gibbons, Clare aims to make paint shopping easy with zero VOC paint, designer-curated colors & the best painting supplies—delivered. They're on a mission to make paint shopping easy and inspiring, so you can create a home you love.
EatOkra is the go-to source where you can find Black-owned restaurants and food experiences nationwide. Their mission is to "be the most trusted resource for the Black food ecosystem by building alongside Black food communities, educating entrepreneurs and pioneering food-industry technology."
Lips Cafe is a mother & son-owned cafe, bar, and creative space in the heart of the Little Caribbean neighborhood of Brooklyn. Their website reads "we don't serve coffee, we serve community." Their about us explains that the space is a "collaborative creative hub," for art, merch, food, and events.
New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory has written novels such as The Wedding Date, The Proposal, and Drunk on Love. (Just in time for Valentine's Day this year).
TinkyPoo is a Black woman owned brand offering baby diapers and wipes that aims to highlight representation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Their site reads, "TinkyPoo is a love letter in action, to all babies, and we keep your baby covered in the most supportive of ways. Our diapers are made with plant-based materials that are organic and super-absorbent, ensuring they are healthy and effective."
Not to be biased, but Trill or Not Trill is a Fohr company favorite. Co-founders Jeff Dess and Lenny Williams have joined us for in-person and online workshops and trainings on the future of AI, diversity & inclusion in the workspace, Excellence in Professional Spaces, and more.
Who doesn't love dessert? Whipped, Urban Dessert Labs, boasts as the world's first ever oat milk ice creme shoppe designed to "elevate your ice creme experience.™" As a Black-Female owned lifestyle brand, their trademark is UrbanLuxe.™