A year in the pandemic has forced the closure of many Los Angeles Black-owned small businesses, even the neighborhood corner stores that used to be emblematic establishments in your hometown. The impact of COVID-19 was felt everywhere and can definitely be seen anywhere.
Supporting your local small vendors is more important than ever right now. There are hundreds of Black entrepreneurs located in the Greater Los Angeles area and many of them are located in the heart of Los Angeles, Crenshaw.
We’ve curated this list of a few to check out soon.
My Meskel
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My Meskel is a Los Angeles-based jewelry line that is inspired and influenced by East African culture and designs. The e-commerce business aims to bridge the cultural gap through intricate accessories that will leave you feeling royal and radiant.
The Black-owned designer line of jewelry became popular for their small Africa hoops that show off the beautiful continent attached to a dangling gold trinket. The company is seeking to reopen despite the hindrances caused by the pandemic.
BRICKS & WOOD
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Bricks & Wood is an apparel brand based in South Central Los Angeles where Black businesses tend to thrive off of the local Black population. The company was founded in 2014 and is inspired by the culture of South Central and manufactures their products with those sentiments in mind.
The clothing brand expanded to everyday goods and now is becoming a part of many major brand collaborations and is massively supported by Black Los Angeles residents. Bricks & Wood’s motivation is to spotlight lower income communities through high-quality designs and creativity.
55 Media Group
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Founded by Brandon “Dame” Williams, 55 Media Group is a multicultural brand strategy & design agency that focuses on under-represented demographics. The agency uses various forms of media and entertainment to enforce the ideologies of “Afrofuturism” that propels B.I.P.O.C communities forward.
Through using the visions behind Black creative strategists and freelancers, the media group focuses on uplifting the Black community through authentic and positive representation.
Grammy and Me Book
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The Grammy and Me children’s illustration book was written and designed by Southern California native, Tyrah Majors. This book provides a wholesome look inside the heartfelt relationship between a young girl and her great-grandmother.
The book is important to highlight because it showcases representation for children of color and their families. Uplifting narratives similar to Tyrah Major’s book are necessary educational tools for Black youth.
EVERYTHING.
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Everything. The brand is a clothing apparel line that doesn’t exclude anybody size or cultural belief. The Los Angeles-based clothing brand uses their “everything” mantra as a way to spotlight inclusivity through.
The models are of different Black nationalities and religious beliefs. The products within the brand include brightly colored jumpsuits and BLKessence candles.
Mallory With The Flowers
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Mallory with the Flowers is a Black-Filipina Los Angeles-based florist that infused her passion for floral displays into a successful small business. The founder, Mallory Browne, discovered her talents for floral design through YouTube and never looked back since.
Her popular floral company features luxurious arrangements and has caught the attention of many event hosts who use Mallory’s eye for flowers during live events. Also, she can deliver her flower arrangements and make them accessible for everyone.
Pure Silk Durags
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The founder of Pure Silk Durags, Jerome Hayes grew up in Crenshaw Los Angeles and that is where the brand is currently based. The silk scarves and head wrap company has been around for a couple of years now and has provided many high quality wraps and products to the local Black community in Los Angeles.
Brownhaze Jewelry
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Brownhaze Jewelry is a Los-Angeles based jewelry line that is inspired by the cultural designs of Africa. The handmade and unique individual pendants are a great accessory to elevate an everyday outfit.
The founder, Len Brown loves the style of “Afro-Bohemian” and that is what originally drew her to design her own pieces of jewelry. The craftsmanship of every piece reflects Brown’s passion for design and jewelry.
Kutula by Africana
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Kutula is an African-inspired fashion brand founded by Kay and Bo Anuluoha. Located off of Slauson Ave., the second-generation clothing manufacturer has had their designs worn on the “Black Panther” red carpet. Kutula offers a modern take on African tribal design and materials.