Find past blog posts by CATEGORY. Go directly to a category by clicking on one below.
- Body and Bath
- Children and Youth
- Clothing and Accessories
- Cosmetics
- For Him
- For the Home
- Jewelry
- Special Days and Holidays
Bath and Body
Get The Benefits of (Raw & Unrefined) Shea Butter from Black Owned Brands
Shea butter is a great moisturizer loaded with vitamins (A, E, and F) along with other healthful ingredients (e.g., oleic acid). Shea butter can be used as a day or night cream for the face, and as a body moisturizer. Shea butter comes from the nut of the Shea tree which is native to Africa.…
Shampoo Bars From Black Owned Brands
Shampoo bars are convenient, cost-effective, and good for the environment. Shampoo bars take up less space and are great for travel. They are also durable, and can last for up to 80 washes. Consistent with zero waste practices, less processing is required for the production of shampoo bars, and they come in smaller and paper…
Lip Balms and Scrubs from Black Owned Brands
In this post, you will find lip balms, lip scrubs, and lip masks from black owned brands that are made with natural and moisturizing ingredients. Lips do not have oil glands and are prone to drying. Lip care is needed 12 months a year as cold, dry, or hot weather increases one’s risk of having…
Help with Eczema from Black Owned Brands
More than 30 million people in the United States suffer from eczema, a skin condition that contributes to dryness and inflammation of the skin as seen with patches of raised bumps. Eczema can affect the face, arms, and legs among other parts of the body. It is more common in children than adults and African…
Essential, Argan, & Moringa Oils from Black Owned Brands
Essential oils are extracted from plants (e.g., lavender and tea tree) using a variety of methods. They are called “essential” because they reflect the “essence” of the plant. Essential oils are used for many things such as aromatherapy. Inhaling essential oils such as lavender may aid with sleep and headaches. Others such as lemon may…
Bug Spray from Black Owned Brands
Bug spray is a necessity during hot weather, and you have options from black owned brands. These bug sprays tend to be deet free, and incorporate natural ingredients with bug repellent qualities. Examples include eucalyptus, citronella, tea tree, lavender, neem, and more. Information regarding “natural” bug repellents is provided in the references. Some of the…
Caring for the Hands With Black Owned Brands
Hand hygiene is important in keeping viruses, germs, and infections at bay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) one should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. Keeping the hands well moisturized is also necessary. Washing one’s hands frequently can lead to cracked skin which can also increase your risk…
Nail Decals, Wraps, Glitters & More From Black Owned Brands
Photo by Jorge Fakhouri Filho from Pexels Photo by Clifford Photography on Unsplash Nail glitter has been popular for a while as have decals. In this post, we review where you can find these products from black owned brands. The focus is on brands with polishes that are also 5 to 10 free,…
Natural and Healthful Deodorants From Black Owned Brands
Updated February 4, 2023 There are many (40+) deodorant options linked in this post from black owned brands. They are made with healthful and natural ingredients. These include arrow root, burdock root, baking soda, coconut oil, magnesium oil, charcoal, aloe vera, Shea butter, beeswax, and essential oils. Some of these deodorants are specifically designated for…
Talc FREE Powder Products From Black Owned Brands
Here you can explore talc free body powders from black owned brands. Powders made with natural and healthful ingredients are featured. See the company links and product tabs below. The controversies surrounding talcum powder stem from the link between talc and ovarian cancer when used in the genital area, and between talc and lung cancer…
Get the Benefits of Coconut Oil from Black Owned Brands
Jonas Dücker Coconut oil is extracted from the white flesh within the coconut. The oil is a common ingredient in lotion, soap, and other beauty goods. It also has many uses as a stand alone product. This includes makeup removal as coconut oil serves the dual purpose of breaking down dirt and water repellent substances…
Pomades From Black Owned Brands
Pomade is an age-old hair styling product used for many purposes. These include creating and maintaining waves, locs, and twist styles. Pomades are also used to add shine, moisturize, nourish the hair and scalp, lengthen curl patterns, and hold styles in place. Pomades from black owned brands are plentiful including those for wet and dry…
Take (Oral) Care With Black Owned Brands
Oral care is a routine part of our health and hygienic practices, and in doing so there are plenty of opportunities to support black owned brands. This includes toothbrush replacement as the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing one’s toothbrush every 3 – 4 months. In reviewing black owned companies with oral care products, I…
Sunscreen Products from Black Owned Brands
Updated April 16, 2023 Although individuals with darker skin have some natural protection against sunburn, the extent of protection depends on the amount of pigmentation. Regardless of skin tone, it is important to protect your skin year round, especially when spending prolonged periods outside. Though a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 may work, depending…
Take (Facial) Care With Black Owned Brands
Facial care products from black owned brands are numerous (100+) and in this post you will find companies offering cleansers, day, and night moisturizers, serums, exfoliants, and masks. Caring for the face is one of the most fundamental aspects of a women’s beauty regiment. We want to keep our face clean, fresh looking, and vibrant…
Get The Benefits Of Goat’s Milk Soap From Black Owned Brands
unsplash-logoKristina Balić There are SEVERAL choices of goat’s milk soap from black owned brands. Check out the company and product links below. Goat’s milk is different from cow’s milk in several ways. Goat’s milk contains higher levels of magnesium, potassium, and lactic acid; and the fat particles are smaller. Goat’s milk also contains ample amounts…
Get the Benefits of Castor Oil through Black Owned Brands
When selecting a castor oil, consider the black owned brands presented below. Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant Ricinis communis. According to Black Doctor.org, castor oil has many uses. These include uses for health and beauty. Castor oil helps with managing split ends, treating skin conditions such as acne, pain…
Children and Youth
On and Off Line Learning for Children & Youth with Black Owned Brands
When children and youth are out of school it is important to keep them engaged in learning. Loss of learning typically happens over the summer when children and youth do not retain varying degrees of knowledge from the previous school year. This may be especially so in 2020 because of COVID 19 disruptions (e.g., switching…
Find Positive Role Models and Narratives, Cultural Representation and Edutainment, with Afrokids
Positive role models in media have the potential to be transformative. Role models by definition influence what children and youth do, what they think about, their goals, and values. Mainstream media has not served the black community well in providing positive role models. Instead, there are pervasive representations of negative stereotypes; and there is a…
STEM Books for Children & Youth From Black Publishers and Authors
In this post, we review STEM books by black owned publishers and authors on this site and beyond that teach about STEM concepts and promote a positive STEM identity. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills are a gateway to 21st century opportunities and success. In encouraging children and youth to engage with STEM content,…
Enrichment Activities for Youth from Black Owned Brands
Lonely Planet In this post, we present 75+ enrichment activities from black owned brands, with a focus on elementary and middle school youth. These include a variety of apps, board games, puzzles, flash cards, work/activity books and more. See the following descriptions and products for details. They can be used to promote skill development all…
Dolls That Represent From Black Owned Brands
Eye for Ebony You will find 100+ dolls from black owned brands in this post to suit a range of tastes and budgets. These include 18 inch dolls, boy dolls, rag and mermaid dolls, collector’s items and more. As I seek out dolls for friends and family, I have found authentic representation in black owned…
Get Babies’ Onesies On From Black Owned Brands
Over the last two decades, specific dates in September have been in the top 5 for birthdays. This got me thinking about babies and baby showers. The focus of this post therefore will be onesies, as these are practical and easy to wear. There are many stylish and fun options (100+) from black owned brands.…
School Supplies From Black Owned Brands
As the end of summer approaches, you may be in the market for notebooks, backpacks, and other supplies for the start of the school year. As such there are culturally representative options from black owned brands. See the following companies and product links for more details. Some of the following are affiliate links. As an…
Clothing and Accessories
Earth Day Everyday With Sustainable Fashion from Black Owned Brands
In this post, we review sustainable fashion practices and sustainable fashion options from black owned brands. According to EarthDay.org, the theme for 2023 is “Invest in Our Planet.” There are several ways to do this, and one way is through sustainable fashion. EarthDay.org defines this as the need to “learn about the impacts of fashion,…
Get Your Bucket Hat from A Black Owned Brand
In this post we feature bucket hats from black owned brands. Bucket hats are great during spring and summer for keeping the sun out of your face. Bucket hats are also on trend in 2023, and there are many ways for bucket hats to be styled; with bucket hats adding color, texture and dimension to…
Bodysuits For Women From Black Owned Brands
In this post we feature bodysuits for women from black owned brands. Bodysuits have been trending for awhile, and have elevated to a wardrobe staple. Here you will find plenty of bodysuits from black owned brands, and in a variety of colors, styles, and textures. These include solids and prints, and bodysuits with varying sleeve…
Pullover Sweaters from Black Owned Brands
As the weather gets colder, it is a good time to find colorful and comfortable pullover sweaters. In this post you will find a diverse array of knit pullover sweaters from black owned brands. These include sweaters for men and woman, casual, as well as statement sweaters. Many styles and textiles are featured. Some of…
Chest and Sling Bags from Black Owned Brands
Updated March, 23, 2023 Chest bags (also known as sling bags) are both practical and stylish. They are large enough to hold your wallet and phone among other devices, and they are hands free. In this post, we review where to find sling and chest bags from black owned brands. Many textures, colors and styles…
Kaftans & Boubou Dresses from Black Owned Brands
The kaftan, also spelled caftan has been around for thousands of years. Kaftans are known to be loose fitting tunics that are collarless. They may be tops, maxi, or shorter dresses. Boubou dresses (also known as bubu) originate from west Africa. They are made from diverse textiles using one piece of fabric, that is folded…
Find Your Denim From Black Owned Brands
Denim is a wardrobe staple and has been in production for over a century. Though starting out as work wear, denim has long made the transition to everyday and high fashion. And as casual wear continues to be popular across professional and social occasions, denim is a practical choice, as it is designed to be…
Black History T-Shirts from Black Owned Brands
Updated January 15, 2023 The origins of Black History Month began in the early 1900s with an Illinois gathering to celebrate the progress of the formerly enslaved. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, inspired by what he saw, subsequently worked in collaboration with others to establish the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH)…
Get Your Brooch on from a Black Owned Brand
Photo by dun_deagh Brooches add texture and flair to outfits, and have been trending for the past several years. And what is good about brooches is that you can wear them in diverse ways (e.g., on a belt, hat, or lapel) and even wear more than one. As such we decided to review brooches from…
Find Your Scarf from a Black Owned Brand
Scarves add color, texture, and interest to outfits (including outerwear). In this post, we feature loads of scarves from black owned brands. You will find a variety of colors, prints, and textures including silk, cashmere, cotton, and crochet. A separate section has scarves for men. See the company links and product tabs for details. Some…
Cargo Pants for Him and Her from Black Owned Brands
Cargo pants have been trending all year. Cargo pants are known for having multiple and deep pockets, and for being functional and great for travel. In this post, we review cargo pants for women and men from black owned brands. There are many options. See the company links and product tabs below for details. Cargo…
Halloween Apparel and Accessories, Nail Art, and Home Decor from Black Owned Brands
In this post we review Halloween themed apparel, accessories, and home decor from black owned brands. You will find tees and sweatshirts, earrings, totes, head wear, face-masks, Halloween nails (e.g., press on and decals), along with wreaths, centerpieces, and door mats to help make your Halloween celebration special. Go directly to any of the categories…
Puffer Jackets & Coats from Black Owned Brands
Puffer jackets and coats are known for their quilt like appearance and puffiness. They are also relatively light weight and have insulation with materials that help keep you warm. They are great for everyday and casual wear. In this post, we review puffer jackets and coats from black owned brands. You will find solid colored…
Put on a Fedora Hat from a Black Owned Brand
Updated March 2, 2023 Fedora hats are a classic and work for men and women. Fedora hats are defined by a soft brim and a pinched indentation in the front crown, with an oval patterned crease atop the hat. Fedoras have been popular (on and off) within the African American community since the 1930s, where…
Sunglasses, UV Protection, and Black Owned Brands
National Sunglasses Day, brought to you by The Vision Council is June 27. The purpose is to promote the importance of wearing sunglasses with enough ultraviolet (UV) protection throughout the year. UV protection is important for eye health in that it safeguards against vision deterioration, eye cancer, and cataracts. In choosing sunglasses, look for labels…
Celebrate Father’s Day with Tee Shirts from Black Owned Brands
In this post, we review tee shirts that promote fathers and Father’s Day from black owned brands. Father’s Day has been around for over a century. It was started by Sonora Smart Dodd, whose own father raised six children as a single parent. She was commended in 2008 for recognizing the importance of fathers. Fathers…
Set Off Summer With Shorts From Black Owned Brands
Shorts are a summer staple, and in this post we review shorts from black owned brands. These include everyday shorts that are casual and comfortable for running errands, shopping, lounging around the house or yard, and hanging out with family and friends. We also review chic and dressy shorts for nights out on the town…
African Feminine Flair with Black Owned Brands
African feminine flair reflects bold and jewel tone colors, and intricate patterns that symbolize the complexity, strength, and regality of feminine roles and energy. It is represented by traditional African wax prints reflective of diverse and rich cultures, as well as flowing and feminine silhouettes. These include ruffles, high waisted, A-line and off the shoulder…
Cork Handbags and Accessories from Black Owned Brands
Updated April 11, 2023 A cork purse or accessory adds style and texture to an outfit. Cork accessories are also environmentally friendly. Cork is harvested from cork oak trees without cutting them down, by removing the outer layer of the tree bark. From there it is processed and used for an assortment of goods including…
Track and Sweat Suits from Black Owned Brands
Updated February 24, 2023 Tracksuits, jogger sets and sweatsuits with matching or color coordinated tops and bottoms are trending. You see them in several textiles such as cotton, polyester, and even velour. This type of athleisure wear is useful for a variety of purposes including fitness, travel, running errands, social gatherings, working from home, and…
Affordable Pajamas and Loungewear from Black Owned Brands
Updated 9/3/2022 Sleep, adequate rest, and relaxation are important to the immune system and overall well being. In this post we focus on affordable pajamas and loungewear ranging from $20.00 to $100.00. Information on where to buy slippers and sleep masks is also provided. Research shows that sleep masks and ear plugs help promote Rapid…
Rock Your Vote With Black Owned Brands
Updated August 16, 2022 In this post, we celebrate and encourage voting. Voting rights have been an ongoing struggle for African Americans. Though the 15th amendment granted African American men the right to vote in 1870, exercising that right was fraught with difficulty. Poll taxes among other unreasonable criteria stood in the way. Though women…
Gemstones & Crystals from Black Owned Brands
The power of gemstones and crystals to heal is informed by those who attest to their effectiveness and ancient religions such as Buddhism. Scientific evidence suggests that it is the belief in their power that matters. These beliefs can reduce stress, boost confidence, and complement traditional medical treatment. In this post, we review raw gemstones…
Hair Flowers, Clips & Pins from Black Owned Brands
Updated February 15, 2023 There is a renewed interest in hair flowers, clips and pins. Hair flowers were prevalent in recent New York Fashion Weeks, and hair pins and clips are on display across media outlets and retail stores. In this post we review options from black owned brands. See the company and product links…
Face Masks from Black Owned Brands
In order to help curb the spread of the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that people wear cloth face coverings in places where social distancing is challenging (e.g., grocery stores). The CDC provides a video from the Surgeon General on how to make non medical grade face coverings from household items. …
Yoga Apparel and Accessories from Black Owned Brands
Practicing yoga has many benefits. These include but are not limited to stress relief, increased flexibility, improved mental and physical health. In this post we review several categories of products from black owned brands. These include online classes, yoga pants and mats among other accessories and tools from black owned brands. See the company and…
Bask In Black Girl Magic With Black Owned Brands
The phrase “Black Girl Magic” originated from the work of CaShawn Thompson in 2013 to celebrate and lend voice to the achievements and positive attributes of black women. The idea was to celebrate Black Girl Magic (e.g., poise, talents, aspirations) while also acknowledging the subversive contexts for which black women and girls navigate to glean…
Flaunt Your Femininity With The Peasant Top Trend From Black Owned Brands
You may have noticed that peasant styled tops are trending. What does this reflect? Flowing and loose fitting tunics and smock silhouettes, and in particular sleeves that tend to be puffy and loose. These include the traditional puffy at the shoulders with elastic at the wrists silhouette, as well as ragland, bell, Juliet, and tiered…
Travel (Neck) Pillows from Black Owned Brands
When traveling, one spends a lot of time sitting and sleeping, whether on a plane or in a car. A travel (neck) pillow can make you more comfortable during your journey. Wearing these U shaped pillows with the opening in front though may not be optimal. Instead, changing it to accommodate your sleeping position, using…
Find Your Wristlet From A Black Owned Brand
You have several (50+) wristlet options from black owned brands. See the companies and product links below for more details. Wristlets are convenient and multi-purpose, often big enough to hold your phone, cards, and other small items. You can carry wristlets as a stand alone handbag, or use them to organize and store items in…
Great Rompers From Black Owned Brands
Andrew Robinson Summer is on and one needs clothes to fit the season. Rompers are a warm weather staple, and you will find more than 50 in this post from black owned brands. You will find casual and dressy rompers along with those somewhere in between. See the following company and product links for details.…
Fun at the Beach with Black Owned Brands
Updated on November 22, 2022 As you head off to the beach consider supporting some of the 100+ beach accessories linked here from black owned brands. There are many TYPES of accessories to make your beach time both fashionable and comfortable. In this post we review the following. Click any category to go directly to…
Find Hand Fans From Black Owned Brands
The blueprint for the modern day hand fan dates back to the reign of King Tut. Long handled fans were used in religious ceremonies, conveyed wealth and influence, and served the practical purpose of cooling. Over the millennium this evolved into smaller hand fans which again served multiple purposes (e.g., advertising and communication, self-cooling, making…
Fanny Packs and Belt Bags from Black Owned Brands
Ksenia Varapaeva Fanny packs (also known as belt, waist, hip, and sling bags) have been trending for awhile. They are worn in several ways, including across the shoulder, cross body, around the waist with the pouch in the back, and in the traditional way with the pouch to the front or side. Here, numerous offerings…
Trench Coats and Rain Gear from Black Owned Brands
A rainy season is inevitable in most of the world, and this requires items that keep you warm and dry. In selecting an umbrella, trench coat, rain coat and more, you have 70+ options from black owned brands. These include diverse items for men, women, and children. See the following companies and product links for…
Get Your Belt On With Black Owned Brands
Photo Credit: Fulvio Tognon on Pixabay Belts are a wardrobe staple and serve many purposes. Belts when needed hold up the trousers, can be used to accent the waist, and add color and texture to an outfit. Belts have been trending for the past two years, and these trends include something for everyone (e.g., wide,…
Cardigans, Shawls, and Ponchos from Black Owned Brands
Photo credits: Rui Silvestre and Tyler Nix Though cardigans, shawls, and ponchos can be worn throughout the year, they are especially useful as the weather turns cooler. What’s more they add style to an outfit through texture and color; and all have been trending for some time. In this post, there are links to 100+…
Dashiki Day and Beyond with Black Owned Brands
Drew Roberts October 30 has been designated as “National Dashiki Day” where individuals not only wear dashikis but post their pictures on social media. Find 100+ dashikis from black owned brands below. Dashikis and other African styled clothing are also frequently worn during Black history month, and during the holidays for Kwanzaa celebrations. African prints…
Get Your Fascinator On From Black Owned Brands
Updated March 16, 2023 Fascinators are popular world wide. Fascinators are appropriate for many occasions throughout the year including weddings, church, teas, and other social gatherings. It is important though to chose your fascinator(s) wisely to consider the shape of your face, outfit, hairstyle, and more. Fortunately, you have many fascinator options from black owned…
Cosmetics
Foundations for Chocolate Skin from Black Owned Brands
Updated May 9, 2023 There has been a lot of information circulated about challenges brown and darker skin women have in finding the right shade of foundation. Therefore I reviewed foundation options offered at black owned makeup brands, and found most had foundation shades that covered the full spectrum of hues. There are numerous foundation…
Rock Your Color with Non Traditional Makeup Looks From Black Owned Brands
Photo by 3Motional Studio from Pexels For the holidays, Halloween, and special events, you may be in the mood to wear makeup in bolder and less traditional ways. In this post, we review glitter and loose pigments, and non traditional lipstick colors. That is, blue, green, black, and more. Some of the following are affiliate…
Setting & Finishing Sprays and Powders From Black Owned Makeup Brands
Setting and finishing sprays and powders are makeup staples. Find 50+ products from black owned brands below. What are the differences? Setting powders are used on top of foundation and concealer, and serves to keep foundation and concealer on, as well as reduce shine. Setting sprays on the other hand are used after makeup…
Glow With Body Shimmers From Black Owned Brands
Jessica Felicio Updated March 31, 2023 Body shimmers are used for illuminating the skin and have become quite popular. Fortunately, there are numerous body shimmers from black owned brands that come in powder and liquid form, and that work with a range of skin tones. See the companies and product links below for additional information.…
Eye Brow Enhancement Through Black Owned Makeup Brands
Fabulous eyebrows are desired by many, and there are numerous products from black owned brands to make this happen. These include brow pencils, gels/pomades, and powders. See the company and product links below for additional details. Some of the following are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means at…
Find Concealers and Correctors For Your Skin From Black Owned Brands
In this post you will find 100+ shades of concealers and correctors from black owned brands that represent the full range of melanin hues, including paraben free, vegan, and cruelty free options. Concealers are used to minimize the appearance of dark circles under the eyes and mask skin blemishes. In choosing a concealer you should…
Get Your Mascara On With Black Owned Makeup Brands
Mascara is a makeup staple, and there are many options from black owned brands. In selecting a mascara, one needs to think about type, color, and one’s own preferences. While black mascara is widespread, brown mascara is more subtle. Types of mascaras include those which add length, volume, or both; and others that are water-proof…
Free and Low Cost Makeup Samples from Black Owned Brands
Photo by Create Her Stock Finding the right makeup is a process. You have to figure out what colors work for you and sample products, especially when it comes to foundation. As you do this, know there are plenty of samples offered through black owned makeup brands. See the following companies and product links for…
Get Your Eye Lashes On from Black Owned Brands
The use of false eyelashes has become increasingly popular. You have MANY (100+) eyelash options from black owned beauty brands as described at the end of this post. Cosmetically, lavish lashes are striking and draw attention to the eyes. Research suggests that eyelashes serve to protect the eyes from dryness and dust particles in the…
Makeup Primer and Remover, and Black Owned Brands
Updated May 10, 2023 Makeup primer and remover are considered essential elements of a beauty regiment. Makeup primer is applied after moisturizer and before makeup. The use of a makeup primer serves several purposes. These include serving as a protective shield between the skin and makeup, reducing the appearance of oil or shine, and increasing…
Eye Beautification with Black Owned Makeup Brands (Colored Eyeliner)
unsplash-logoJD Mason Going beyond traditional black or brown eyeliner can be a quick and easy way to enhance the eye. In reviewing black owned makeup brands, many offer colored eyeliner products (including white) in the form of pencils (thick and thin) and liquid gels as described below. In choosing alternative eyeliner colors, there are several…
Eye Beautification with Black Owned Makeup Brands (Eye Shadow Palettes)
In this post, you will find 60+ eye shadow palettes from black owned brands. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it is a good idea to switch out eye makeup every so often. Three months is recommended, especially for some types of products. Prolonged use can result in bacterial contamination, and cause eye infections…
For Him
Celebrate Father’s Day with Black Owned Brands
Father’s Day is approaching and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate with black owned brands. This post is a curated list of previous posts and shops, where you can find great gifts for Dad. Some of the following are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means at no…
Gifts for Him from Black Owned Brands
In this post, we review an assortment of gifts for him from black owned brands. Curated lists of goods are provided. These include accessories, bath and body products, clothing, electronics, slippers, and watches. The following are affiliate links which means at no cost to you, Shop With Leslie will receive a commission should you use…
Polo Shirts for Him from Black Owned Brands
Polo shirts are a wardrobe staple. Defined by the collar and “placket” neckline with two to three buttons at the top, polo shirts are great for the golf course, business casual events, and more. Though usually short sleeved they may be longed sleeved as well. As polo shirts are comfortable to wear and versatile, they…
Grooming Products for Men from Black Owned Brands
In this post the focus is on black owned brands providing grooming products (100+) designated for men. In reviewing these companies, I saw a pattern of healthful practices (e.g., handcrafted products, use of natural ingredients) along with competitive prices. I encourage you to take the time to explore these wonderful products created by innovative and…
For The Home
Black History Made Fun with Board Games and Activities from Black Owned Brands
In this post we feature board games among other fun activities from black owned brands. These help keep black history alive all year long. This post was inspired by Olmec Toys which was founded in 1985 by Yla Eason. The seed for Olmec Toys was planted when the founder’s young son expressed that because he…
Barware and Accessories from Black Owned Brands
Updated May 21, 2023 In this post, we feature barware and accessories from black owned brands. Bar areas in the home are common, whether an actual bar, cart, shelf or hutch. Use featured items to spruce up the bar area in your home, and learn more about mixing cocktails. Products include cocktail shakers, jiggers, decanters,…
Figurines, Busts, Sculptures & Statues from Black Owned Brands
It is the small things that add personality and texture to a space. In this post, you will find black figurines, Roman styled among other busts, sculptures and statues from black owned brands. Display them on a shelf, coffee table, or counter, and add culture and elegance to your decor. You have many options from…
Jewelry
Anklets and Nose Jewelry from Black Owned Brands
In this post, we feature anklets and nose jewelry from black owned brands. Both anklets and nose jewelry have been worn by diverse cultures for thousands of years. And, they have been trending for some time. Here you will find anklets of diverse textiles and styles (e.g., chain links, beaded), and nose jewelry with and…
Gemstone and Crystal Jewelry from Black Owned Brands
In this post semi precious gemstone and crystal jewelry from black owned brands are featured. Wearing gemstone and crystal jewelry is both stylish and timeless. It can also be uplifting when impacted by the power of belief. Here we focus on vendors with ample colorful and festive options to help you find crystal and gemstone…
Tassel Earrings from Black Owned Brands
Updated February 18, 2023 Tassel earrings have been popular for years, and we thought it was time to present a list from black owned brands. In this post, you will find a range of styles such as hoops and dangles, and textures such as cotton, yarn, nylon, and leather. Many color options are also available.…
Say It with Pearls From Black Owned Brands
Pearls have been recognized as precious gems for centuries. Pearls symbolize many things across cultures, but broadly express love, wealth, and wisdom. Traditionally, pearls have been worn more for formal and special occasions, and by the mature and elite. Nowadays however, pearl jewelry is trending across diverse and modern fashion genres. You can find pearls…
Treat Yourself To A Statement Choker or Collar Necklace from a Black Owned Brand
Statement chokers and collar necklaces are trending. With the holidays right around the corner, consider how wearing one would enhance your look in dresses, sweaters, and on Zoom. You will find many bold, innovative, and colorful pieces in this post from black owned brands. These include brass, beaded, fabric, up- and re-cycled, as well as…
Fine Gold Jewelry From Black Owned Brands
Updated September 16, 2022 Fine jewelry sales have seen an uptick recently, and gold jewelry is a great long term investment. Since January 2000, the price of gold has increased by more than 300%. The profitability of this investment depends on many things such as craftsmanship, rarity, aesthetics, and purity. Generally 24 karats (pure gold)…
Ear Cuffs (and clip on earrings) From Black Owned Brands
Ear cuffs have been trending for some time, and there are many options from black owned brands. A nice thing about ear cuffs is that no piercing is required. Similarly, we provide information on where you can find non pierced (clip on) earrings. See the company and product links below for details. Ear Cuffs Clip…
Head and Crown Jewelry from Black Owned Brands
Head adornments are an African tradition. Find more than 50 black owned head and crown jewelry items below! Crown jewelry goes back thousands of years and reflects several African cultures, not limited to the ancient Egyptians, Amazigh of North Africa, and the Maasai. Intricate hairstyles (e.g., cornrows and locks) in addition to head wraps adorned…
Sterling Silver Jewelry from Black Owned Brands
Juan Manuel Merino Updated on September 16, 2022 In our view, sterling silver jewelry is always fashionable. It is also long-lasting and less expensive than gold. In shopping for sterling silver, it is important to recognize authentic labels. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and often denoted as 925. Jewelry labeled as “sterling” is another indicator. …
Special Days and Holidays
Juneteenth Reflections: Protecting and Preserving the Rights of African Americans
Tumi Te Se Kosua is an African symbol that equates political power with the fragility of an egg. Hold on to an egg too tightly and it will crack. Hold it loosely, and it can fall and crack. Amid Juneteenth celebrations, I find it helpful to reflect on how African Americans went from being enslaved…
Create Mother’s Day Gift Baskets with Black Owned Brands
Updated May 1, 2023 In this post we review creating Mother’s Day gift baskets filled with products from black owned brands. These include the following. Some of the following are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means at no cost to you, Shop With Leslie will receive a commission,…
Valentine’s Day Gifts from Black Owned Brands
In this post, fabulous Valentine’s Day gift options are presented from black owned brands. Pamper the ones you love with gifts that work for them. Go directly to any of the following categories. Jewelry Accessories Gifts for Him Chocolates and Sweet Treats This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying…
Juneteenth Reflections: Stereotypes and Safeguarding Our Rights
Juneteenth 2021 will mark 155 years of celebration for American Descendants of Slaves (ADOS). Juneteenth should also be a time of reflection regarding how our freedoms were lost and reclaimed. In the 1600s and beyond, Europeans, in their quest to enslave others, used Africans’ manner of dress, customs, and religious practices as a pretext. It…
Holiday Fun at Home with Black Owned Brands
For many, this holiday season will be spent closer to home. In this post we review some fun and culturally relevant activities one can do in lieu of travel and large social gatherings. This post is also a shout out to sponsors and affiliates as we appreciate their support! At no additional cost to you,…
Attention Shoppers and Black Business Owners: Join the Holiday Soirée
The National Association of Bench and Bar Spouses (NABBS) foundation is hosting a virtual Holiday Soirée & Gift Guide on Saturday, November 21, 2020. Shop With Leslie is a proud sponsor of this event. You can participate as a shopper and/or black business owner. The NAABS Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3 organization established in 1982. In…
Celebrate Juneteenth With Gardening and Black Owned Brands
In this post, we review gardening and Juneteenth products from black owned brands. These include the following. Gardening supplies (e.g., plants, planters, gardening tools) Gardening and Juneteenth apparel and accessories Celebrating Juneteenth through gardening is a great way for American Descendants of Slaves (ADOS) to remember and honor their African roots and ancestors. Gardening (i.e.,…
Obama Themed Merchandise From Black Owned Brands
On November 4, 2008 Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States (POTUS), and he was the first African American to hold this office. Consequently, there have been merchandising efforts that depict his likeliness, and that of his family. In this post we review 100+ Obama themed merchandise from black owned brands…
Sweet, Vegan, and Healthful Treats from Black Owned Brands
As the holidays set in, you may be wondering about entertaining, or what treats to bring to events including family gatherings, office parties, and the like. There are plenty of diverse offerings from black owned brands. In this post, we identify these by type to include the following. Cakes Chocolates Cookies Cupcakes Ice Cream Shakes…
Get Festive For the Holidays With Black Owned Brands
Chris Benson With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to plan. In this post we review Christmas and holiday themed items from black owned brands. These include accessories and clothing, tree decorations and Christmas stockings, goods for serving, entertaining, and gift wrapping. Greeting cards and pieces for celebrating Kwanzaa are included. See the…