Over the past year or so, buying from sustainable brands has become hugely important to me.
I’ve come to realize that while making ethical and sustainable purchases means focusing on many factors—from fabrics used to the product packaging to the working conditions of the employees—I had left out the important factor of diversity within the company.
Actively supporting businesses created by people of color is an essential part of ethical and sustainable shopping and, of course, being an ally.
Here, five earth-friendly brands with BIPOC founders that you’ll want to have on your radar.
The beauty brand that’s disrupting the plastic razor industry
With OUI the People (formerly Oui Shave), Karen Young has created an inclusive beauty brand that’s all about embracing ourselves right where we are. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Guyana, South America, she first saw her uncles using a safety razor, which would later help spark the idea for her hero product: a German-designed razor that delivers a close shave without irritation, and helps to keep plastic out of landfills. (I’m now a safety razor fan for life!) They’re also the prettiest metal ones I’ve seen—choose from rose gold, matte black and gold—and so in-demand they’re currently only available for preorder. Oui, s’il vous plait!
The jewelry company that creates modern heirlooms with ethical materials
After her parents lost their antique jewelry when their home was robbed, Jennie Yoon created Kinn, a direct-to-consumer jewelry brand with the mission to create solid-gold, antique-style pieces that would last a lifetime. Each timeless design is made from ethically-sourced gold certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC). I’ve got my eye on the Classic Hammered Ring, Petite Bar Stud Earrings and (splurge-worthy) Baroque Pearl Hoop Earrings.
The fashion line that’s redefining the nude-colored bra (& undie!)
Growing up in the midwest, Shobha Philips was never able to find a nude bra that matched her brown skin. After moving to San Francisco, she realized there was a deep need for more diversity and sustainability in the fashion world, so she founded Proclaim: a bra and underwear line made from earth-friendly fabrics that speaks to all skin colors. Her designs are made with Tencel—which is produced from wood pulp—and recycled polyester from plastic water bottles. Each style is created ethically at a factory in L.A.
The skincare brand that focuses on empowerment (& a power ingredient)
Hanahana Beauty was founded by Ghanian-American Abena Boamah-Acheampong to lift up women of color and promote transparency and sustainability in the beauty industry. The star of Hanahana Beauty products is shea butter—Boamah-Acheampong grew up watching her mother mix the super-moisturizer into homemade salves. Hanahana Beauty sources its shea butter from the Katariga Women’s Shea Cooperative in Tamale, Ghana, paying twice the fair trade price. The business is currently refreshing their stock due to high demand, so be sure to sign up for updates. (I can’t wait to try the Whipped Shea Butter in Lemongrass.)
The slow-fashion business that celebrates Bolivian & Latinx culture
Wasi Clothing is run by a one-woman team (!), with products that are made-to-order or created in small quantities. Bolivian-American founder Vanessa Acosta sources fabrics from South America and makes each piece by hand in L.A, from graphic tees, to art prints to stunning Frida Kahlo–printed matching sets (which are sold out, gah!). I especially love this Ally for All tee and these Plant Pants, made from deadstock fabric.
What sustainable businesses do you love that are run by women of color? Share them below!
Xoxo, Heather