Life

Always

Sale PSA: A satin midi slipdress from Vince, now 60% off, a pretty wrap dress from Reformation, now 30% off, and linen/cotton relaxed shorts from Uniqlo, now just $15.

I’m a minority and have experienced racism but have never walked down the street in fear I might be shot, nor have I worried that as my children grow I might have to teach them how to appear less of themselves, to protect their existence. Black lives matter and this shouldn’t be a mantra we repeat only when such lives are directly threatened but it should be kept in our hearts, always, as citizens in our countries and humans in this world. As people who benefit from black contributions and labor in all areas of our lives but even if we didn’t it shouldn’t matter. Because don’t we all deserve dignity and safety?

I struggle to write because I am a private person about my actual feelings, and many of the topics I feel strongly about. There’s a reason why I mostly blather about fashion. Like all of you, there are struggles in my life, pain, and causes I believe and support. Though in private. I try my best and don’t want to be a hypocrite but I’m sure I am. But I’ll keep moving and trying.

We can offer support with our actions, our platforms, and our voices and wallets. So today, nothing about me, (well a little) – but today’s post is dedicated to black owned businesses. Some of my favorites:

Semicolon Books: Chicago’s only black woman owned bookstore (And gallery!). If you go to the site I linked, I believe the books on their “shelves” are the ones actually in their store inventory which they earn a higher commission on – the beauty of the Bookshop.org site however is you can order almost any book out there, and Semicolon will at least get a percentage. For example, one of the orders I placed was for a set of Bob Books for a homeschooling friend (I didn’t link directly because it seems to take away the store link – just go to the Semicolon link I shared above and then search from within the shop). Semicolon has already discounted all the stock 10% AND for California at least, when I placed my order I didn’t get charged tax (they charge $4.50 for shipping). Which brings the price in line or cheaper than Amazon. Seriously, why not?

Blk & Bold Tea: Tea and coffee, who doesn’t need these at least one of these? Also you can order direct from Amazon, and Target. I actually am not a normal coffee drinker but ordered the Limu Single Origin to keep on hand and to gift.

Pottery by Osa: Okay this shop I haven’t ordered anything from yet. But only because everything is sold out right now (which is awesome)! Osa’s shop has been on my Etsy favorites list and has some of the most beautiful pottery/ceramics.

PS, another great ceramics line with a different aesthetic – Not Work Related.

Mented Cosmetics: Yes…we are not really using makeup right now. But we’re using some (maybe?) a little, right? One of the few items I’m still using are eyebrow pencils so I’m trying out their pencil in the “Brow You Know” – intrigued by the waterproof claim and it is half the price of my usual Hourglass favorite!

Black owned businesses in the SF Bay Area (was excited to find some new restaurants and got takeout!), New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and I’ll update with more as I come across.

If you have a favorite black owned business, also please share! I’d love for this to be a living resource.

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13 Comments

  • Reply
    Dee
    June 1, 2020 at 10:21 am

    Could I love you anymore? Thank you for this.

  • Reply
    Sonya
    June 1, 2020 at 10:28 am

    I am a coffee drinker and purchased. I have seen the brand at Whole Foods and I will buy it in the future there too. Thank you.

  • Reply
    Em
    June 1, 2020 at 11:14 am

    Thank you, you’re a gem.

  • Reply
    Doni
    June 1, 2020 at 12:50 pm

    Great post!! I’m an auntie to two young black men. I pay extra attention to the language and actions directed towards the black community. Thank you for your words!

  • Reply
    S in HK
    June 1, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    You’re the best Kat. Thank you for these suggestions. Hope you and your family are staying safe.

  • Reply
    Jo
    June 3, 2020 at 6:45 pm

    @missjulee on insta, the beauty director of Cosmopolitan has a great list of black owned business to support. I’ve just discovered Mateo, Luvscrub and Supermom Culture and placed my first orders yesterday. Keep safe and healthy!

    • Reply
      Kat
      June 4, 2020 at 5:34 pm

      Thank you!!

  • Reply
    Diane W
    June 4, 2020 at 12:04 pm

    Thank you for this, Kat. In my 70 years, this is the most hopeful I’ve been. The demonstrators have shown grace along with their commitment. Some of the police have shown support. It’s been inspiring. It’s my hope that, before I’m gone, I get to see real change.

  • Reply
    abby
    June 6, 2020 at 8:56 pm

    Black woman and Mother to three black sons. My prayers for my sons are consistent. It is not easy being a black man in America. Praying and hoping for a change. Thanks for your support

    • Reply
      Kat
      June 6, 2020 at 9:20 pm

      As a mother I feel your pain and worry. How can this be our country? I refuse to accept it and will no longer be complacent (or inadvertently complicit) in this. Thinking of you and your family and loved ones.

  • Reply
    simiyalala
    June 8, 2020 at 11:43 am

    Excellent! Thanks for the support!

  • Reply
    G.S.
    June 14, 2020 at 12:08 pm

    Thank you speaking out on this issue! i have been following this blog for years and have always loved your content. I’m also proud that in this time of social turbulence and change, that you have chosen to speak up. Black lives matter!!

    • Reply
      Kat
      June 15, 2020 at 9:30 am

      Thank you, and thank you for reading all these years!

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