Hey Gang! This Friday, June 19, we’re pausing to honor Juneteenth – 161 years since freedom freaking finally(!!) reached every corner of the US. Before we go quiet, though, we can’t not spotlight a few Black-owned gems we love to shop (and share).

Personally, I’ll be heading over to Chateau Rouge, an African-French fusion restaurant in Philly that is…[she pauses, breathes]…AMAZING. We literally do takeout from here once a week, but dining inside is the real treat (I almost always get the whole fish). It’s tiny and gorgeous – such a vibe. This place is an absolute gem.

If you do feel like shopping this Juneteenth, here are a few things – all from Black-Owned businesses – that caught my eye. A few of these I already own and love, and a few are currently in my cart. 🙂

I didn’t include Mantra Mugs because I feel like I’m always mentioning Mantra Mugs (and the year before)…but dang I love them (and always find one that cracks me up).

1. Bohten Oju Black Sunglasses – I am obsessed with this entire line of sunglasses – all made in Italy – but this cool, bold pair is my favorite. Best of all? They can all be made as prescription sunglasses.
2. Curves Circle Playing Cards – I’m such a sucker for a really cool deck of cards and these stunners are gorgeous. They come packaged in a really cool tin, too.
3. EADEM Daily Sunscreen & Blurring Primer – I’ve been looking for a better stick sunscreen for ages (I’m so sick of our mediocre-but-works Sun Bum one) and this looks fantastic. Goes on completely clear, SPF 50, and has a blurring, matte effect that helps to control shine (as I recall my sweaty, greasy, beach-face). Can be used both as a makeup primer and/or on top of makeup. So excited to try this one.
4. Clifton Wilson Silk Pocket Square + Tie Pin Set – The boys all had one of these sets for Scotti’s wedding last summer and they’re freaking fantastic. The little flower tie pin is so sweet (and cool!!!) and the designs of the pocket squares are seriously fun. Love, love, love these sets.
5. Squiggle Hoop Earrings – Designed by Candice Cox in Oakland, CA, these are some of my very favorite hoop earrings ever. If you love a good boring outfit as much as I do (jeans, tee, done)…there’s literally nothing better than these hoops. I’ve also been wearing the heck outta them with sleek mini dresses, too. They’re lightweight, comfortable to wear, and definitely a statement earring (that vibes as casual). Go check out more of Candice’s designs, here (and she’s great, fyi – we had such a lovely conversation).
6. Ozaiz Zai Himalayan Rock Salt Diffuser Set – This “flameless scent experience” is the coolest thing ever! You basically fill the clear vessel (the “Zai”) with the included rock salt crystals, and drop a few drops of scent on top to activate. You can choose from Santal & Spice, Figs & Flower, Oud & Bergamot, or Cedar & Black Cherry. It would be such an epic thing to gift a grad, too. (The diffusers also come in different colors, if interested! For example…teal.)
7. NDG Denim Bandana Bag – No big deal…just the denim bag of my dreams. Seriously!!! Look at this thing!!! In fact, the entire bandana line is so darn cool – I’m also eyeing up this perfect little thing. Gahhh – which one??
8. Honor The Gift Green Tee – Honor The Gift makes some of my boys’ absolute favorite tees. This green one says, “Where you from?” which makes me laugh because it sounds so Philly. It’s the question I get asked the most often. (And when I say, “I’m from Philly!” they’re like…no you’re not. Where you REALLY from? My Midwest always comes out I guess.)
9. AAKS Woven Raffia Curve Shoulder Bag – Linz and I both have been longtime fans of AAKS. All of their raffia bags are like little works of art. The craftsmanship is superb, and the designs are so happy and fun.
10. Andrea Iyamah Ilora Dress – I love a good white dress in the summer, and this one made my jaw drop. Even the back has some amazing detail, too. Her designs in general feel really fresh and different – this mini, for example, looks like it might skew boho/sweet…until you see it on. WOW. And I don’t know who needs to see this swimsuit…but someone definitely does.
11. The Perfect Find, by Tia Williams – A fun, lighthearted romance about a forty-something former fashion editor that’s being turned into a movie starring…Gabrielle Union! I’m excited to read it before the movie comes out. If you’re looking for more easy beach reads, Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books (a local, black-owned bookshop in Philly) has a whole list of romances by Black authors. Love it.
12. Lemlem Elene One-Piece Swimsuit – I’m a longtime fan of Lemlem, and I’m kinda smitten with the not-boring nautical vibes of this suit. So classic and just…cool.

If you guys have any Black-Owned businesses you love, leave a comment below! We’d love to help get the word out.

xo,

S