Despite offering some of the best travel gear, beauty products, and fashion out there, Black-owned businesses still don’t receive the same funding or promotional opportunities as bigger names on the market. To help ensure these local businesses grow and that its products are available to more travelers across the globe, we’re rounding up dozens of Black-owned brands that deserve a spotlight. You’ll find some well-known names on our list, such as Telfar and Fenty Beauty, but we’re also highlighting some brands you might not be familiar with, like Cincha and Melyon. From long-lasting luggage and comfortable shoes to premium skincare, load up your shopping carts with travel products from these 35 Black-owned brands we love.
Jump to:
Apparel
Roam Loud
Matching athleisure sets make the journey to a new destination a little more comfortable. Roam Loud has been making flattering fits for the last year, thanks to founder Toyin Omisore. Omisore is a Liberian-Nigerian American, born and raised in Rhode Island. You’ll notice a pattern of flattering necklines, vibrant colors, and versatility in every piece.
Diarrablu
Diarra Bousso, who was born in Dakar, Senegal, founded Diarrablu back in 2018. Since then, the brand has continuously put out incredibly striking swimwear patterns and designs, making each one-piece, bikini, or cover-up a statement piece on it’s own. The Infinity swimsuit is one of the brand’s bestsellers and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so it fits the vibe of any destination you’re going to. If versatility is at the top of your mind when packing for vacation, look no further than the Madina dress. It works as a full-length cover-up or can be paired with a cute clutch and sandals for a candle lit resort dinner.
Re Ona
Re Ona was founded by the sister duo, Christina and Philiscia Abayomi. They were on a mission to create elevated basics that could be worn to work during the day, but still look exciting enough for any night life festivities. The clothing is designed in Toronto before being manufactured in Bangladesh and China, where Re Ona produces clothing on a small scale so as to be conscious of its environmental impacts and not create unnecessary waste. The Everyday Signature leggings are made from 93% Tencel modal and 7% spandex, offering solid coverage (no see-through leggings here) and supreme, stretchy comfort. Pair it with the Signature T-shirt for a buttery smooth loungewear set that can easily be used as extra layers under sweaters and jeans.
Kin Apparel
After struggling to maintain her natural hair, Philomina Kane launched Kin Apparel to help protect hair strands from the abrasiveness of regular hoodies and hats. Since starting her hair journey over again after a big chop, Kane began to make videos on YouTube to help other women embrace their natural hair. She lines each hoodie, dad hat, sun visor, and beanie with soft silk fabric that’ll preserve moisture, reduce frizz, and protect the hair shaft.
Rielli
Founded in 2019 by Haitian American designer Arielle C Baril, Rielli is an independent brand built to help customers feel comfortable in their own skin. With a wide range of show-stopping swimsuits and cover-up designs, you’ll find something that’s both stylish and comfortable for your next tropical vacation. The looks-good-on-everyone Faye Bikini features a crinkled metallic fabric with thin double straps. It comes in six color options and you can choose different sizes for your top and bottom (a high-waisted version is also available). The Messina bikini is perfect for beachfront resorts and birthday trips where you’re center of attention. It comes in two neutral tones that pop on every complexion.
Comfortable shoes
Saysh
Started by Olympic track star and gold medalist Allyson Felix, Saysh is a love letter to women. Felix is known to train in each shoe to work out all the kinks before its sold to the public. As a mother, Felix knows first hand the changes that happens to the body during pregnancy—including but not limited to your feet growing. There’s a clause in Saysh’s warranty that allows pregnant women to trade in their shoes for another size if they buy a pair and soon realize they no longer fit. Dubbed as one of our favorite running shoes, the Saysh One is a lightweight sneaker that has a lot of spring in the sole. It’s easy to throw in a gym bag or duffel, where it won’t take up much space. The Felix Runner is a newcomer to the team—it’s made for trail running and has a thicker sole, making it a go-to for trips where you expect to be walking around the city.
Smash Shoes
Struggling to find cute yet comfortable shoes in your size can now be a thing of the past. Smash Shoes is known for it’s comfy feminine footwear for those above a size 10. From stylish pumps to classic Mary Janes, Smash Shoes has you covered with elegant silhouettes at an affordable price.
Rebecca Allen
Rebecca Allen launched her namesake shoe brand after struggling to find a pair of nude pumps that matched her skin tone. She’s since released her signature nude pump in more than seven shades. For functional yet elevated slip-ons, take a look at these mules and sandals that pair well with a variety of dresses.
Brandblack
Brandblack is rooted deeply in its meticulous attention to detail and collaborative team of designers, engineers, and athletes. While trying to merge the aesthetic appeal with functionality, the brand tries to create a wide range of shoes that can be used for numerous activities such as walking, running, or hiking. A testament to the brand’s craftsmanship is the longevity of each design—in both the wearing experience and the life cycle of trends and style.
Luggage & bags
WNDR LN
If you’re looking for a striking piece of luggage look no further than WNDER LN (pronounced Wonder Land). The brand offers vibrant teal and yellow luggage and accessories that are so eye-catching, there’s no way you’ll miss your carry-on when it’s come down the baggage carousel. If you tend to be an overpacker, these packing cubes will keep you organized and let you separate dirty and clean clothes. iThe cubes are made from durable nylon and has see-through mesh window on each packing cube, making it easier to locate items inside.
Ashya
Cofounders Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece started Ashya in New York City in 2017. Together, they have created a hands-free way for travelers to move about the world. The Passport Bolo is of the brand’s most popular items; it’s an adjustable leather passport necklace made with hand stitching and 14K gold-plated hardware. Use it to hold your important cards while you travel or as an everyday wallet. The brand has also started making cardholders that can easily clip on to backpacks, fanny packs, or belt bags.
Silver & Riley
Lola Banjo started Silver & Riley while she was traveling weekly for work and observed a lack of simultaneously beautiful and functional products. Silver & Riley bags and purses are all made in Italy and comes in a range of colors. The sleek and chic, Italian full grain calfskin leather belt bag is super stylish and practical. The structured belt bag has a comfortable strap to wear securely around your waist and is quite spacious, fitting a standard-size phones, keys, a cardholder, and more inside. Travelers can also detach the bag and carry it as a clutch.
Cincha
Cofounded by Ash Sharma and James Baker, this travel brand has been creating spacious bags and accessories since 2019. Cincha offers functional travel bags that are made from easy-to-wash canvas fabric that only look better over time. The brand’s popular Travel Belt keeps your weekenders, totes, or backpacks safely secured to your rolling luggage. As a travel brand, Cincha also works to make travel more accessible to everyone by partnering with the nonprofit Miles4Migrants to donate 100 frequent flier miles for each Travel Belt purchase.
Brandon Blackwood
Brandon Blackwood was born and raised in New York in a Jamaican and Chinese household. These cultural influences are easy to see in the brand’s designs when it comes to the shape and shades of the bags. Launched in 2015, the brand offers an array of handbags that fit every type of trip—straw woven clutches with pearl accents for beach destinations, little black leather purses for chic NYC romps, and red shoulder bags for romantic getaways. While set at a higher price point, the handbags are made from ethically sourced materials, including vegan leather and skins.
Telfar
Telfar, founded by Telfar Clemmons in 2005, has become a viral sensation after the last decade due to the quality and exclusivity of the brands bags. With limited drop dates, it was hard to secure a shopping bag on the site unless you set alarms. Now, Clemmons has opened a flagship store in Soho where shoppers can cop an array of totes and duffels. Made from faux leather, the shopping bags com in four sizes: small, smedium, medium, and large. Shoppers have their pick of over 20 unique colors that range from bright reds, cool blues, and iridescent shades that glimmer in the light.
Travel accessories
EENY Eyewear
EENY Eyewear was founded by Haitian-American designer Diamond. The acronym stands for Exclusive Eyes New York, which is fitting for the way each pair of shades makes you feel. The unique designs range in colors, making them a must-have for summer outfits that need a alluring accessory. Both durable and lightweight, the sunglasses can withstand hikes, days on the boat, parasailing, or just runs to the grocery store without uncomfortably sitting on your nose.
EMarie
Eula Smith started E Marie to create a product that combined portability, comfort, and style during her travels in her fashion career. She came up with this ultra-soft and packable travel blanket, which can also be used as a scarf, shawl, or neck pillow made from brushed-knit material—plus, it’s machine washable.
Suplmnt
Founder Jarius Morris started the brand to push his family and peers to consumer less high-sugar drinks after seeing the rise of health issues that poor diet and lack of hydration can cause. A reusable water bottle is an everyday necessity that limits our plastic waste—a variable that we should not think lightly of when we travel. Suplmnt offers a ton of travel-ready insulated water bottles that will keep cold drinks will stay cold for up to 24 hours, and hot liquids warm for up to 12.
Soul Cap
There is nothing worse than trying to avoid the water on vacation. It creates a divide in the travel group and you might miss out on fun memories. Soul Cap is the brain child of best friend duo Michael and Toks. The pair created the extra-large swim cap for those with voluminous locs. The cap is made from 100% premium silicone, so though it will stick close to your head, it won’t pull and damage your strands while taking it off.
Beauty products
Topicals
Topicals has become a household name in the skincare space. The products have been deemed holy grail items and treat much more than just what the name conveys. For instance, the popular Faded Serum targets discoloration but also treats acne, redness, and blemishes. The handful of products that the brand offers target and treat common skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, eczema, and psoriasis.
Melyon
Melyon is a Swedish skincare line that was created by Roger Dupé in 2020. The skincare line creates products that help combat skin inflictions that plague melanated skin such as hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The natural ingredients include and aren’t limited to aloe vera, corn, and broccoli. Although the brand was created with people of color in mind, the ingredients are universal and help the concerns of all skin types and tones imaginable.
Vegan Mia Organics
The term “organic” is tossed around quite casually in the beauty industry. But Life Schneider, who launched Vegan Mia in 2020, doesn’t mess around with her oil-based skincare products—everything she sells is USDA certified organic, and her site details the sources of each ingredient. The PETA-certified line includes a serum packed with seven super-fruit oils, including baobab and acai, which acts as a multivitamin and hydrating agent perfect for combatting jet lag. Plus, Vegan Mia sells three elixirs—Strength, Harmony, and Clarity—which are meant to be mixed into the serum for an added boost.
Karité
This skincare brand was created by three sisters from Ghana who realized they wanted more from the shea butter products their families used, many of which were labeled as pure shea butter but were actually filled with toxic chemicals. The line, Karité, uses sustainably-sourced ingredients from Ghana and the US to create products that are beautifully wrapped in recyclable packaging topped with a chic bamboo cap. The family’s palm oil factory generates its own electricity, too: “After the fresh palm fruit bunches are processed, the energy plant that the factory has on site uses a mix of the palm fiber, palm kernel shells, and empty fruit bunches as fuel for the turbine to convert superheated steam into electricity,” the Karité founders told Traveler. “The energy plant generates 100% of the electricity that the factory needs, so the factory is able to operate off the grid.”
Black Girl Sunscreen
It can be tough to find a sunscreen that caters to melanin-rich skin. So in 2016, Shontay Lundy, frustrated that every sunscreen she tried left a pesky residue, created this paraben-free brand to suit her needs. Black Girl Sunscreen’s sheer formula has no fragrance and only natural ingredients, including avocado, jojoba, aloe, cocoa butter, and carrot juice—and, thankfully, it leaves no residue.
Beauty Stat
Cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, the CEO and founder of BeautyStat, spent five years finding a completely stable version of pure vitamin C. The result is his Universal C Skin Refiner, a silky serum that smooths and evens skin with continued use over time, on all skin types, and is lightweight enough to be used in hot summer temperatures. Chase it with BeautyStat’s rich moisturizer, made from bio-fermented ingredients, which acts as a shield against polluted air on city trips.
Fenty Beauty
Started in 2017 by recording artist, actress, and 2023’s Super Bowl Halftime Performer, Rihanna, Fenty Beauty has been making head waves since it first came on the scene. Since launching, Fenty Beauty has set records and new standards for the makeup market with its wide foundation shade range. With more than 55 shades of the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte foundation available with varying undertones from olive to red, you’ll find the perfect match.
Black Opal
A surprisingly new Black-owned business is Black Opal. Although they have been at the forefront of black women’s beauty products for over 25 years, they changed ownership in 2019 where Cheryl Mayberry McKissak and Desiree Rogers now serve as president and CEO. The brand continues to bring an inclusive range of completion products.
Juvia’s Place
In 2016, Chichi Eburu launched Juvia’s Place after struggling to find makeup that best suited her deep skin tone. With varying color combinations, the eye shadow palette has the ability to be used for everyday makeup or a more formal affair. Eburu has expanded her brand and surpassed just eyeshadow palettes and has introduced full-face products such as foundations, bronzers and blush sets.
Lys Beauty
LYS Beauty keeps skincare at the forefront of its makeup products. Tisha Thompson has been able to cultivate formulas that identify and treat problem areas without giving up the beauty aspect of makeup. The Speak Love Matte Lipstick is made with chia seed oil which adds hydration, reduces fine lines and wrinkles while also plumping the lips.
Pat McGrath
Once called the “the most influential makeup artist in the world” by Anna Wintour, Pat McGrath is known worldwide for her constellation of makeup products. For a touch of sparkle, try the Mothership + Intesnsifeyes Duo—they’re ideal for a night out—and are customizable—so switch out the colors you believe to suit your trip best. When you don’t have much space to pack but need versatility, try the Liquilust Duo which includes a lighter and darker gloss shade.
Uoma Beauty
Nigerian-born Sharon Chuter got into the beauty business after noticing how few skin tones most products catered to. With Uoma, she created 51 shades of foundation categorized within six ‘Skin Kin’ groups, each with unique skincare ingredients for that group’s needs. The Stay Woke concealer and Say What?! foundation are buildable and creamy.
Hair care
TPH By Taraji
Founded by actress Taraji P. Henson, TPH by Taraji is known for its “scalp first approach” to hair care. For a soothing scalp treatment try Ultra Chill, made with aloe vera, biotin, and tea tree oil—it helps to calm an irritated scalp, especially after a day packed full of vacation excursions. In combination with the Ride or Die Leave In conditioner, you’ll be met with a hydrating duo that fits into your carry-on.
Briogeo
Founder Nancy Twine grew up making homemade hair care products at her grandmother’s kitchen table when she would visit West Virginia as a child. After moving to the Big Apple in her twenties, she felt that natural hair products stores had to offer didn’t live up to their catchy tag lines and promotions. With Briogeo, Twine aims to use the same rhetoric used for skincare products in the media for hair care products—emphasizing the need for natural ingredients that nourish, detoxify, and protect your follicles.
Pattern Beauty
Actress Tracee Ellis Ross’s Pattern Beauty aims to empower your curl pattern. The natural hair care line focuses on embracing one’s natural texture and helps to build strong, unbreakable curls, coils, and confidence. In addition to wash and styling products such as hydrating shampoo and curl gel, the line also includes a wide range of tools such as a shower brush used to detangle and an edge tool to craft the perfect baby hairs.
Black Travel Box
After traveling to many hotels and finding shampoos that didn’t work for her hair, Denver, Colorado–based Orion Brown started Black Travel Box out of sheer frustration. Made with natural ingredients like coconut oil and rosemary leaf extract, these sulfate-free products are luxurious on a range of natural hair textures. The brand’s $35 starter kit contains solid just-add-water bars of her popular rosemary mint shampoo and conditioner, and balms for your hair, body, and lips. The solid bars are highly efficient, too: each contains the equivalent of a 16-ounce bottle.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
