Local BIPOC Businesses to Support as You Start Holiday Shopping

Today’s consumers are not only more informed, they are also more selective with what they devote their resources to. From cancel culture to buying with purpose, there are now more ways to make our voices heard, including voting with our wallets.

If you are looking to buy or replace existing items, or to start your holiday shopping early(ish), here are local BIPOC businesses you can support now.

Knot Theory

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Knot Theory (Vancouver, BC)

Knot Theory’s Tanya Huang discovered silicone rings five years ago and hasn’t looked back. In a bid to prevent “hundreds of thousands of ring finger degloving accidents” that happen each year, her line offers stylish, highly functional silicone rings. They come in metal-free metallic colours and offer customers the option to symbolize their connections with their loved ones and with themselves. Follow Knot Theory on Instagram.

Founder Jenn Harper smiling in a colourful top

Cheekbone Beauty

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Cheekbone Beauty (St. Catherine’s, ON)

Created by entrepreneur and social advocate Jenn Harper, this Indigenous-owned brand not only offers an inclusive line of beauty staples that look and and feel great, but does so with thought and purpose. Each product is named with meaning and intention, and seeks to minimize environmental impact with minimal or biodegradable packaging. Never tested on animals and also paraben-free, the brand donates a portion of its proceeds to various social causes. To reference it’s moto, Cheekbone Beauty is a brand that “Does Good. Feels Good. Looks Good.” Follow Cheekbone Beauty on Instagram.

Afflatus Hijab

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Afflatus Hijab (Edmonton, AB)

Afflatus means divine creative impulse or inspiration, and this is exactly what Wedad Amiri wanted her clothing line to reflect. Encompassing both modesty and fashion, Amiri set out to break down stigmas and barriers, while empowering women with her beautiful bold designs. The efforts landed Afflatus Hijab and Amiri a feature in New York Fashion Week. Follow Afflatus Hijab on Instagram.

Cultivated Co

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Cultivated Co (Meadowvale, ON)

Ikenna Nwakwesi would use the heat transfer sheets his father would bring home to make a variety of designs for his own clothing. Throughout university, that love of fashion and design deepened, but when he was met with constant shipping issues (in some cases shipping to Canada wasn’t available or spurred additional costs), he decided to design a brand he loved right here at home, making it easily accessible to other Canadians. Nwakwesi’s designs are inspired by real life experiences or pop culture. Follow Cultivated Co on Instagram.

Frönaturals

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Frönaturals (Calgary, AB)

Puja Vij started her home and natural remedy business after suffering from skin and hair issues herself. She tapped into her knowledge of Ayurveda and other knowledge she acquired while living in India, Namibia and Angola. Her products include 100% pure, cold-pressed beauty oils, plant superfoods and small-batch distilled essential oils. “We do not use diluents, additives or added synthetic fillers.” Follow Frönaturals on Instagram.

The Clay Marche

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The Clay Marche (Toronto, ON)

The Clay Marche was born out of founder Jessie Jair’s childhood passion playing with homemade clay. She took that creative outlet to designing playful earrings now as an adult, and in hopes of bringing a smile to people’s faces. “All the colours used in my creations are hand-mixed and each piece is sculpted by me, so each piece is truly one-of-a-kind.” Follow The Clay Marche on Instagram.

Ziba Style Bar

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Ziba Style Bar (Toronto, ON)

When Solange Ashoori quit her corporate job to turn her passion into a business, she was inspired by the late-night barber shops and salons she often saw working into the early hours while traversing New York’s hottest spots. Taking that ethic to launch her own first (and only) inclusive beauty bar in Toronto, she launched Ziba Style Bar with the aim to offer services to any woman of any hair or skin type. Ashoori has also been a strong advocate for expanding the types of hair that are taught in beauty schools to include a greater range of curly hair, as traditionally, Eurocentric standards of beauty often dictated a narrow range of curriculum priorities. Follow Ziba Style Bar on Instagram.

22GEMINI

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22GEMINI (Toronto, ON & Montreal, QC)

Founded by two friends in Montreal and Toronto, 22GEMINI combines the best of Mikayla Tran’s passion and background in beauty and Vivien Li’s love of well-designed but functional accessories. The brand combines practicality with purpose. Here you can expect to find your next favourite tote, beauty product or accessory, as well as “a keen (and obnoxious) attention to detail.” Follow 22GEMINI on Instagram.

Skotia Wear

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Skotia Wear (Halifax, NS)

Stemming from the “humble surroundings of central Halifax,” Skotia Wear was created to bring “skate, music and streetwear together” with an aim to provide a streetwear brand that could stand with the best Canada has to offer. The brand collaborates with grassroots as well as established talents and grounds itself in Scotian heritage renown for its unwavering work ethic. Follow Skotia Wear on Instagram.

1824

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1824 (Toronto, ON)

Anita and Sean Kung got their start when they bought several large house plants but could not find the right planters in the size and style they needed. So, they decided to create the product they were looking for themselves. Using leftover material, they created smaller versions with equally fun geometric designs. “We started trading [our planters] on a popular bartering Facebook group in Toronto and got really positive feedback, so we decided to open 1824.” The company has since expanded to include other home goods too. And bonus: you can now personalize your purchase with custom metallic accents. Follow 1824 on Instagram.