I may have to stop doing these best-of and shop Black-owned brands posts soon. The research phase is one of the best parts of my week – but is also hard on me! I have yet to leave most of the sites with an empty cart… And my husband is starting to notice.
But I am nothing if not dedicated to my craft. And if I must shop Black-owned clothing brands for my art, then I willingly bear that cross.
Plus as I approach a milestone birthday, I think it’s important to up my style game! I need to look the part if I want to maintain my Rich Auntie Vibe.
I have few regrets about discovering these Black-owned small businesses. Many of these are local brands overflowing with Black culture and love of all things melanin. And these designers are often sustainable producers who offer everything from wardrobe basics to bespoke and vibrant designs.
For these reasons and more these looks are Rich Auntie approved.
Black parent’s buying habits have power
And make no mistake the buying habits of us Rich Aunties and all caregivers have power.
According to McKinsey and Co., Black consumers represent a $300 billion a year market opportunity. In Canada, we have a growing market of Black consumers to serve.
In the last 20 years, Canada’s Black population has doubled. Our households tend to be younger and have children under the age of 15. Spending in Black households has increased 5 percent annually over the past two decades; this significantly outpaces spending in other households.
The youth, growth and spending capacity of the Black Canadian market means we are a force to be reckoned with.
Black parents play a huge role in this.
From attempting to accommodate those aspirational holiday and birthday wish lists to being financially responsible for a mountain of extras – such as school supplies, hair products, clothes – and having to replace snow pants when your child mysteriously arrives home without them, despite having put their name tags in and reminding them three times to remember them…
Oh. Sorry. I digress … where was I?
Oh yes – Parents buy (and rebuy) a lot of stuff. There is no shortage of demands from the expensive tiny humans we care for.
If we start to add up all the other folks most of us shop for and spoil each year as Aunties, Uncles, grandparents, or godparents – plus the odd occasions we can actually buy for ourselves – Black caregivers are a small but mighty economic powerhouse.
With great power comes great responsibility.
Why does this Rich Auntie support Black-owned fashion brands?
In recent years supporting Black-owned businesses has been a growing trend. But the commitment often wanes outside of Black History Month. And if I’m honest, it has all seemed kind of opportunistic. While I love that Black Santa graces Old Navy Pajamas, I can’t help but feel like the commitment to representation would diminish if the masses rejected it.
Meanwhile, most Black-owned businesses choose to reflect who we are and who we can be in every item, every day. All year round. They also show great support for the Black community in their work outside of work.
Black entrepreneurs often jump hurdles we can’t see. Then they still show up for people of colour and bear the weight of being not only economic powerhouses but community leaders. Choosing, like the team of Love and Nudes – to drive awareness of higher rates of breast cancer in Black women when no one asked them to!
I can’t think of a more productive way to spend my hard-earned dollars than showing support to the many Black folks powering these businesses, the Black families who benefit from them and the wealth equity that they create to benefit all of us.
The fact that their stuff is usually awesome, sustainable and as unique as we are is a special bonus.
Shopping Black-owned is just a win, win, win in this Auntie’s books.
Black parents are the engine behind many small businesses
This site is all about Black parenting – or caregiving — and about us thriving in the excellence in our village. In many cases, businesses that start out as the side hustles of Black parents grow into the small businesses behind many of the brands on this list. Or folks become parents along the way and this influences their business, taking it in a new direction.
Take for example KidsSwag. A mom like us started this shop, recognizing a need for her children to see themselves in their clothing she worked hard to serve that need – and is doing fabulous work building this business.
Black-Owned Style that is Affordable, Ecofriendly & Canadian
Andrea Iyamah
Nigerian-Canadian Andrea Dumebi Iyamah owns Andrea Iyamah. Her unique designs call out to her African heritage offering a perfect blend of feminine, classic and stunning fashions. Just looking through this website will leave you breathless and adding to your must-have shopping list.
Barbershoppe Clothing Co
Started in Banff Alberta, in their words, Barbershoppe Clothing Co. is more than just a brand it’s a community. Recognized by the Black Designers of Canada with an AWARD OF EXCELLENCE in 2023, the fashion-forward streetwear brand strives to bring the fresh from the barbershop feel to streetwear culture.
BATIK BOUTIK
BATIK BOUTIK was inspired by the founder’s Ghanaian roots and brought to life in stores and fashion festivals throughout Hamilton, Toronto and Montreal. Post-pandemic, the brand offers online sales and continues to celebrate West Africa. They are committed to offering ethical fashion produced in Ghana. To honour their waste-not-want-not philosophy, they offer made-to-order clothing to prevent waste. This strategy also helps this small business keep track of volume. From bold tops and hoodies to purses, pants and dresses this boutique has you sustainably, and beautifully covered.
Bôhten Eyewear
BÔHTEN offers state-of-the-art African-inspired eyewear including sunglasses. Founded by Nana Boateng Osei and Nana Kwadwo Osei the Toronto-based brand has offers that complement every personal style. The small business is committed to serving the communities they operate in by supporting environmental sustainability, eyecare, and youth employment. Available online and in-store, find BÔHTEN eyewear at eyewear stores and major retailers in Canada including Harry Rosen.
Brother Vellies
I’m sneaking this one on the list because it’s created by a Canadian, but operated out of the US. Worn by many celebrities, I get that luxury brand Brother Vellies isn’t exactly affordable by most folks’ standards. BUT if you are in need of a showstopping, stunning, sexy one-time look for a special occasion or want to invest in a classic staple you’ll have for years, Brother Vellies’ has what you need.
You may have heard of Toronto-born and New York City-transplant, Brother Vellies’ Creative Director and Founder Aurora James. Ms. James literally wrote the book on economic equality and what it looks like to empower Black-owned businesses. She founded one of the fastest-growing social justice nonprofits, the Fifteen Percent Pledge.
CHERRY GARDENS
Cherry Gardens promises ethically produced, community-focused and all-inclusive loungewear. They work to make clothing sustainably and in small batches in Canada while prioritizing supporting local suppliers. Owned and operated by a woman of colour their diversity is baked into who they are.
dr. liza
Dr. Liza shoes have become known for offering good-looking products that you can wear all day in comfort. Sticking to her belief that we can have style and comfort, Dr. Liza pledges that every shoe and bag intertwines fashion with wellness. Toronto-based osteopath and entrepreneur Dr. Liza Egbogah’s online store allows you to shop by look, size or concern to get just what you need.
KidsSwag
In case anyone was going to remind me that this site is for parents who might want to shop for their child, I present to you Kids Swag! Founder Kim West is a mom like us working to ensure our kids see themselves. Her shop offers premium (and adorable) children’s and adult clothing from graphic tees to bags and accessories. They have options for the entire family as well as toys and other goodies inspired by Black girls and boys from around the world.
Black-Owned Canadian Brands it Feels Good to Shop
Love & Nudes
There is so much to love about Love & Nudes. The Canadian brand is made in Montreal and sold across the country. It is high quality and committed to offering modern intimates that represent the shapes, sizes and skin tones of all women. Add to that, the company’s Stage Zero Collection doubled down on its commitment to serving us by offering the world’s first breast cancer screening bras for Black women! Chantal Carter’s appearance on Dragon’s Den was inspirational and she remains a shining light for creating a brand that ensures women of colour “own your tone comfortably”.
Kaela Kay
I had a hard time leaving the Kaela Kay’s site. Born in Ghana, but raised in Toronto, founder Catherine Addai and her team create a collection that just does not disappoint. All clothes are made in Canada and mostly made to order or for pre-order. From perfect pants to bold prints, Kaela Kay pieces allow you to add a dash of pretty to your wardrobe. As she says, “The future is bright, so why wear boring clothes”?!
Msichana
Msichana is a black-owned clothing brand offering custom-made bespoke pieces, accessories and ready-to-wear clothing designed in Canada. The founder is based in Vancouver and is originally from Uganda. This brand creates beautiful clothing and accessories but doesn’t stop there. She purposefully built a business plan to give women workplace, financial and literacy training. So if you’re going to spend money, it’s great to look amazing but it’s even better to feel good about the impact your dollar has.
SELFISH swimwear
SELFISH swimwear is an ethical and sustainable swimwear designer brand that advocates body positivity and self-love. Handmade in their Montreal studio, each piece is made with love and attention to quality. SELFISH Swimwear’s online shop and new storefront in historic Montreal, offers everything from bathing suits and cover-ups to jewelry and body products,
Discover your unique style while supporting Black-owned Canadian Brands
These offerings are more than just Black-owned. These small-business leaders continue to thrive and bring us unique offerings! These brands cover all of our needs from eyewear to footwear and everything in between. Lifestyle brands that meet us where we are whether that’s conquering the corporate world, lounging at home or just working to create a style that is our own. These brands offer styles that are just as beautiful as they are high quality.
If you’re looking to up your fashion game, dive into those Rich Auntie vibes or just compliment your self-care journey, these brands will meet you where you are.
I am sure this is not an exhaustive list! I would love to add more shopping options to my life. If you know of Black-owned fashion brands missing from the list (or you have one!) drop it in the comments.
