In celebration of National Small Business Week, I decided to round up some of my favorite small businesses owned by Black women, to share some love with other Brown Ladies out here making magic happen! With Mother’s Day coming up, you may be looking for the perfect gift for the women in your life (including yourself). Really, there is no bad time for a beautiful new dress, or pop-of-color clutch. Let’s support the entrepreneurial spirit of our sisters, shall we? Ready, set, shop!!

Ray Darten

I fell in love with Ray Darten designs a few years ago at one of their signature pop-up shop fashion shows in Oakland. KT and I learned the hard way on our first visit to the pop-up shop, not to show up a few hours in. As soon as that runway cleared after the fashion show, those ladies got to shopping. TK sent me a text, “Girl, you better hurry up- there won’t be anything left!” We made sure to get there early the next time around.

I received a Ray Darten dress for Christmas one year and was pleasantly surprised by the hand written note of thanks included- from the designer, Yetunde Olukoya. I was even more impressed when she remembered me at the next pop-up shop. They have grown so much over the past few years, they now have a brick and mortar shop in the Bay Area, at Bay Street in Emeryville. Great customer service, plus fire African prints and bold designs, don’t sleep on Ray Darten!

Hella Tea

I don’t drink coffee. Tea though?? Every single day. I collect tea pots. I know good tea. Hella Tea is, well… hella good. Steeped in the vibrant culture of Oakland and infused with hip hop sensibilities (puns intended), a little E-4Tea or I Got Chai On It make for the perfect gift- both playful and flavorful. This black owned business does Oakland proud.

The Natural Market

I discovered The Natural Market on a work trip to Detroit, when the business was highlighted by an incubator program. I grabbed the very last Arabian sandlewood candle in the shop, which once they smelled it had my colleagues a little (a lot) jealous. If candles aren’t your thing, they also specialize in handmade bath and body products.

Love Iguehi

A picture is truly worth a thousand words. So this image should tell you exactly why you need Love Iguehi in your life. From the gorgeous clutches to the boldly beautiful headwraps, I always love to see designer Iguehi James sharing her vision and creativity at events across the Bay Area. Word of caution: you will struggle to only buy one clutch- it will feel near impossible. You will want them all… you’ve been warned.

Johobo Hand Bags

I’ve met Jo, of JOHOBO Handbags several times at Bay Area fairs and festivals. Her bags are one of a kind, each a different print and/or fabric. I have two of her large travel bags and love to see the unique, bright designs she brings every festival season. If you’re not in the Bay Area, check out the website. She will custom design your bag!

I hope you feel as inspired by these wonderful women as I do and join me in celebrating National Small Business Week by supporting their work!

Who are some of your favorite small business owners we should know about?