As anyone who took Econ 101 in college knows, when it comes to positive progress, money makes a huge difference—and how we spend our money is a way to ensure we invest in people and products that matter to us.

That’s why this weekend, designer Aurora James issued a challenge to big retailers like Whole Foods, Target, and Net-a-Porter. “So many of your businesses are built on Black spending power,” wrote the CFDA Award winner. “We represent 15% of the population and we need to represent 15% of your shelf space.”

If you want to welcome more independent brands into your shelf space, start with these Black female-owned businesses spanning fashion, beauty, home goods, etc. You can find even more on the Official Black Wall Street app, and via Teen Vogue’s fashion and beauty features director Tahirah Hairston, who compiled a comprehensive list on her Instagram.

ACCESSORIES
Aziza Handcrafted
Founded by NYC-based mixed media artist, Aziza Nicole, this jewelry shop is the perfect place to find gorgeous rings and necklaces.
DorcasCreates
UK-based artist Dorcas Magbadelo opened an Etsy store in 2015 to share her art and illustrations. Now you can buy everything from tote bags to wall art via her online shop.
Valerie Madison
Valerie Nethery handcrafts each piece of fine jewelry in her Seattle-based collection. And besides being an artist, she’s an environmental scientist with deep knowledge of all her materials.

BEAUTY
Beauty Bakerie
Founder Cashmere Nicole built this $5 million brand while battling breast cancer and raising her daughter on her own; we’re especially obsessed with her palettes inspired by ice cream.
curlBOX
Myleik Teele founded curlBOX to help women find products that work for them, by allowing them to try several different creams and conditioners for the price of one.
Fenty Beauty
Created by Rihanna, Fenty Beauty is all about inclusive beauty, and has foundation shades for 50 different skin tones, along with—we swear—the best nude lip gloss we’ve ever tried.
Golde
Trinity Mouzon Wofford created Golde to make wellness more accessible to women of color—and in the process, made herself the youngest Black woman to launch a line in Sephora.
The Lip Bar
After getting turned down by Shark Tank investors, Melissa Butler kept creating “makeup that doesn’t need a masters degree” in her kitchen until she eventually launched her line in Target. (Take that, Mr. Wonderful!)
Pat McGrath Labs
Tested backstage at Prada and Versace, this makeup range is by master artist Pat McGrath, who was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2019.
Pholk Beauty
Niambi Cacchioli is an academic-turned-beauty-activist, and founded her skincare company—aka “soul food for your skin”—after traveling to Africa and creating products from local ingredients.
UOMA Beauty
Born in Nigeria and best known for her super-successful beauty launch at Ulta Beauty, Sharon Chuter has bold, long-lasting formulas that have won fans worldwide.

BOOKSTORES
Harriett’s Bookshop
Owner Jeannine A. Cook named her store after Harriet Tubman, and made this indie bookstore’s mission to spotlight female artists, authors, and activists.
The Lit. Bar
Owner Noëlle Santos runs The Lit. Bar, aka the only indie bookstore in the Bronx, which features books by New York authors and also doubles as a wine bar. Need we say more?
Reparations Club
Based in Los Angeles, Reparations Club is a “concept shop and creative space” owned by former NYLON and Teen Vogue editor Jazzi McGilbert. Read her book club picks here.
Semicolon Bookstore
The only Black female-owned indie bookstore in Chicago, Semicolon Bookstore is led by Danielle Mullen, who created the space to double as an art gallery.

FASHION
Brother Vellies
Aurora James founded Brother Vellies by fusing sustainable African artistry with cool-girl aesthetics. The result? Award-winning pieces every Instagram style icon wants to wear.
Cushnie
Created in New York by Carly Cushnie, this label famous for its curve-skimming gowns has been worn worldwide by everyone from Michelle Obama and Reese Witherspoon to Amal Clooney and Emma Stone.
FKSP
Folake Kuye Huntoon has been designing for more than 10 years, perfecting a style that’s unique but versatile, and perfect for everyday outfits.
Legendary Rootz
Founded by Raven Nichole to provide better representation for the Black community, the label makes tees, hoodies, lifestyle items, and this iconic Black Lives Matter sweatshirt.

HOME GOODS
Camille at the Wheel
This artist creates gorgeous pottery “with a bent toward beautiful utility,” so you can have a soup bowl that’s the perfect size and pretty, too!
PUR Home
Founder and lead formulator Angela Richardson believes in using natural, non-toxic, eco-friendly ingredients to make better soaps, detergents, and cleaning sprays… and we believe in supporting her business.