Featuring lifestyle, fashion and delicious hot sauce brands
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
Every February since 1995, Canadians across the country have celebrated Black History Month. Since then, we’ve used the month to not only learn more about the historical contributions of Black Canadians but to reflect on the importance of equity and inclusion in our communities today.
In recent years, we’ve also learned the importance of supporting Black-owned brands on a local and national level. Countless Black-owned businesses, many of which are also Canadian, have found huge new audiences for their products — especially the brands whose products have gone viral online. The best part about learning about these brands is that we don’t have to limit ourselves to only buying their products in February. They’re available in-store (check out Black-Owned TO for a one-stop shop) and online (yes, even on Amazon) throughout every season. Here’s a roundup of some Black-owned brands where you can find your favourite items all year round.
No need to go at the internet alone. We test products, interview pros and do what’s required to get you unbiased, unadulterated, unsponsored recommendations. We’re a weekly newsletter, a cool one. Talk Thursdays.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of NP Shopping Essentials will soon be in your inbox.
Brands from Black #Canadians or products that are currently #onsale are marked respectively.
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2: Over-Ear Headphones ($75.99)
Why we love it: Brought to you in collaboration with the family of the legendary Bob Marley, these House of Marley wireless headphones are not only rechargeable and compatible with both iOS and Android, they are made with sustainable materials and 100 per cent recyclable packaging.
Where to buy: Amazon
Utility Objects Rock Ceramic Tumbler ($31.20) #onsale
Why we love it: Drawing inspo from the Atlanta-based artist’s natural local landscapes, this funky, abstract clay mug by Utility Objects is perfect for those with an eye for design and an earthy aesthetic.
Where to buy: Nordstrom
Andrea Iyamah ‘Kiara Bikini Top’ ($146.32) #onsale #Canadian
Why we love it: Though you might already know about the Andrea Iyamah swimsuits that have broken the internet over the last few years (likely due to their bold colours and flattering cuts), you might not know that the designer, Dumebi Andrea Iyamah, is Nigerian-Canadian, and her world-renowned brand operates out of Toronto, Lagos and New York.
Where to buy: Revolve
Brwn Collective ‘Yolande’ Candle ($42) #Canadian
Why we love it: At the risk of sounding dramatic, these candles — this Yolande candle in particular— smell like paradise. Each of these sustainably-made candles is paraben and phthalates-free and is named after women who have inspired Toronto-based founder Sagal Ali throughout her lifetime.
Where to buy: Indigo
The Chevron Heart ‘Marche Future Looks Like Me’ T-Shirt ($24.99) #Canadian
Why we love it: We all know kids love a graphic tee, so a graphic tee that looks cool and has an inspiring message is really just icing on the cake. Each item from children’s clothing brand The Chevron Heart is gender-neutral and seeks to use clothing to give kids the positive affirmations they need to build the brightest futures possible.
Where to buy: Indigo | The Bay
Fumi the Label ‘Naomi’ Dress ($292.03) #Canadian
Why we love it: This universally flattering ribbed maxi dress, brought to you by Toronto-based brand Fumi The Label, is a social media influencer favourite for a reason — it hugs every curve in all the right places. It also comes in black for those who love the style but want a more neutral colour.
Where to buy: Fumi The Label
The Retro Bag Canada ‘Rowen Wood’ Bag ($119.99) #Canadian #onsale
Why we love it: With a range of vintage-meets-modern styles (that just happen to also be eco-friendly and water resistant), The Retro Bag has a variety of options for those looking for affordable, cruelty-free luxury handbags. This versatile bag is small and light, and can easily transition from a night out to a day on the beach.
Where to buy: Retrobag
Oui the People ‘Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor’ ($112)
Why we love it: If you thought you could never use the word ‘beautiful’ to describe a razor, you’ve just been proven wrong. This razor from Oui The People not only comes in rose gold and brushed chrome, but it also has been custom-engineered to be a lifelong (that’s right, lifelong!) staple for all your shaving needs.
Where to buy: Oui The People
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 ($25.99)
Why we love it: Whether you have some melanin in your skin or simply stay out in the sun regularly, you likely know the struggle of using a sunscreen that makes you look zombie-grey. Black Girl Sunscreen is moisturizing, paraben free and most importantly, appears completely clear on every skin tone.
Where to buy: The Curly Girl Shop
The Honey Pot Company ‘Daily Sensitive Wipes’ ($26)
Why we love it: The girls that get it, get it — sometimes, you just need a little something to freshen up. These wipes from The Honey Pot Company are flushable and compostable and can be used on any part of the body (including your face).
Where to buy: Walmart
Serumize ‘Clear Fight Serum’ ($110) #Canadian
Why we love it: This Clear Fight serum, created by biochemist-turned-skincare entrepreneur Elizabeth Shabi, packs a power punch of salicylic acid, manuka honey and lemongrass oil to boost hydration and combat acne-prone skin.
Where to buy: The Bay | Serumize
Reona ‘Joey Suit Trousers’ ($265) #Canadian
Why we love it: These trousers might just be the only pants you’ll ever need. Designed by brand Reona, which specializes in minimal and functional luxury designs, these suit trousers come in chocolate, macadamia and sand, and can be paired with any of the brand’s tops, t-shirts or bodysuits.
Where to buy: Reona
Omi Woods ‘The Bamboo Pearl Earrings’ ($121) #Canadian
Why we love it: Ordering these pearl earrings from Omi Woods is like getting a gift from the designer herself — each item is made-to-order and most items, like these earrings, come in a variety of metals, from sterling silver to 24K gold.
Where to buy: Omi Woods
So Supple Organics Coco Mint Exfoliating Clay Mask ($33) #Canadian
Why we love it: Who doesn’t love a face mask that smells like your favourite guilty pleasure? This Coco Mint mask from So Supple organics has key ingredients from cocoa powder, bentonite clay and papaya enzymes (among others) to keep your skin smooth, exfoliated and moisturized.
Where to buy: So Supple Organics
Topicals ‘Mini Faded Serum’ ($24)
Why we love it: If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, this serum from Topicals might just be your next go-to product. It’s clean, vegan and cruelty-free, and helps to brighten scars and discolouration on all skin tones.
Where to buy: Sephora
Brandon Blackwood ‘Bamboo B Micro Tote’ ($510)
Why we love it: Hear me out — a mini bag is the best bag. Sure, you can’t fit your phone, but with this Bamboo B Microtote from New York’s newest viral sensation, Brandon Blackwood, it won’t matter! You’ll be too busy fielding questions about your bag to use your phone anyways.
Where to buy: Brandon Blackwood
Life Liveth ‘Ava-Fern Scarf’ ($300)
Why we love it: If this isn’t wearable art, I’m not sure what is. Each item from Life Liveth has a theme which captures the essence of the art. This scarf, named Aya, refers to the origin of the word, which means ‘defiance’, I am not afraid of you,’ or ‘I am independent of you’ in the Ghanaian and Ivorian language, Twi.
Where to buy: Life Liveth
Sean Brown ‘White Extended Archway Chair’ ($203) #Canadian
Why we love it: Sean Brown is all about the culture — in 2018, this fashion illustrator turned creative director turned photographer received a Juno nomination for his album artwork on R&B crooner Daniel Caeser’s album ‘Freudian. This chair, from his line of ‘Curves by Sean Brown’ homeware is not only functional but is also reminiscent of the shapes of 90s music culture from where he often draws inspiration.
Where to buy: SSENSE
Taltis Foods Jollof Sauce ($23.49) #Canadian
Why we love it: If you missed the emotional clip of Taltis founder Gilles Tchianga getting his dream offer on Dragon’s Den, I beg you to stop what you’re doing and look up the viral clip immediately. Taltis Foods not only has the sauce for the ever-so-delicious jollof rice in several spice levels, but the brand also carries steak-cute white yam and hibiscus drinks for those looking for a refreshing snack.
Where to buy: Taltis Foods
Coie Boutique ‘Mini Palm Spears’ ($20) #Canadian
Why we love it: If you like the idea of being a plant mom, but are self-aware enough to know you’re probably not going to keep the plant alive, Coie Boutique offers an array of dried flowers, like this mini palm spear, to bring greenery to your space without the stress of plant upkeep.
Where to buy: Coie Boutique
Brimz Official ‘Toronto Katakana’ Beanie ($40)
Why we love it: Whether it’s -22 degrees, a bad hair day or the finishing touch to your daily look, everyone needs a hat. This Harbour beanie from Brimz Official can be worn rolled up or long and has a removable gold pin for added flair.
Where to buy: Brimz Official
Official Tenne Bodysuit ($100)
Why we love it: There isn’t a more convenient piece of clothing than a full-body onesie. This halter-style open-back bodysuit comes in black and nude, and the nylon/spandex blend gives you the support you need from head to toe.
Where to buy: Permission
Pattern Beauty ‘The Pattern Blow Dryer’ ($189)
Why we love it: If there’s one family you’d trust with your hair, it should be the Ross family. From Tracee Ellis Ross, star of Girlfriends, Blackish and daughter of living legend Diana Ross, Pattern Beauty’s newest hit product comes with four attachments and was specifically made with curly and coily textures in mind.
Where to buy: Pattern Beauty
-
Gifts for the love of your life: What to buy for Valentine's Day 2023
-
FACE introduces the New and Innovative Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
Shopping Essentials is a new category that features highly researched products, new and exciting launches or behind-the-scenes info — learn more.