Women of Cincy Gift Guide: Black-Owned Businesses 2021
Written + compiled by Courtney Reynolds. Photography provided.
District 78
In the neighborhood of Corryville, you'll find Erikka Gray carefully curating District 78's collection of handmade candles. One of the coolest aspects of District 78 – pay attention, all you brides-to-be – is the creation of custom scents. How many couples can say they have their own scent for their wedding day? My favorite is the bundle with sage, candles, and spray to get out any bad vibes in my house! Or to cover up burnt pizza. They also offer retail and wholesale products.
The Slay Safe Shop
Well, if I must continue to wear a face mask, I want masks as gorgeous as The Slay Safe Shop’s very own. Handmade by owner Ebony Young, the masks can match women’s headscarves – and she also makes masks for men and children, keeping the whole family safe and stylish. Not only are her creations gorgeous, but they are also affordable.
RaJean Beauty
While COVID-19 is keeping us inside of our homes, let's enjoy these beauty and skin products described as a "mini staycation in a jar," according to founder and C.E.O. Megan Seard. I love buying natural products, and Megan's passion for skincare is evident in her jars of lotion and face scrubs. So while you are lying on your couch dreaming of pina coladas, try her shea body butter!
Minor Obsession
Since March, we’ve all been diligently washing our hands (for at least 20 seconds!) to get rid of those nasty germs. But let’s be honest, all this washing, plus the dry and chilly air, is harming my hands. Thankfully, Courtney Lawrence, founder of Minor Obsession, is looking out for all of us and our skincare needs. Her bar soaps are made of natural oils, clays, and botanicals – without damaging synthetics – leaving your skin soft and supple. All of their products are vegan and gluten-free and are not tested on animals.
Check out our Winter 2020 Gift Guide here.
Flora Lee Naturals
As you can tell, I'm obsessed with skincare – mainly due to the annoying autoimmune disease I have that wrecks my skin. As such, I typically focus on all-natural skincare products, and when I can find a local brand I like, I won't shut up about them. Let me introduce you to Flora Lee Naturals, created by Nia Bauke as an homage to her grandmother and the garden ingredients she shared with Nia as she grew up. One of the most popular items is her Balanced Days Facial beauty oil – and when I say popular, it's currently sold out, so get your hands on it ASAP!
Skin by Brownlee and Co.
Acne. What feels like a rite of passage just happens to be one of the worst parts of being a teenager. I had my fair share of acne as a teen, but my son is now repeating in my unhappy footsteps. We tried everything. Then I happened upon Skin by Brownlee and Co. on Instagram – maybe my phone is listening? Anyway, we found these fantastic acne-fighting cleansers and treatments created by Sylvia Brownlee, an esthetician and skincare expert. She also produces high-performance makeup products such as her acne-safe foundation and her universal highlight and bronzer duo. Hello, glowing skin!
Check out our Fall 2020 Gift Guide here.
Beyond Fresh
Rebecca S. Armstrong is the owner and blogger of Beyond Fresh with R.J.S Fashion – it's like a boutique wrapped in a nurturing self-care book. Her online shop offers custom made head wraps, signature floral R.J.S turbans and hats, patches, artwork prints, and stationery. Rebecca's blog is a great place to be inspired. There, you learn health and hygiene techniques and her thoughts dealing with this isolating pandemic. Check out her site and blog – she is truly a gift to the queen city!
Check out our Fall 2020 Gift Guide here.
Her Distraction
Briana Davis and Jasmine Shante were tired of interviewing for jobs they didn’t want, so they created a business they did want. Thus, Her Distraction was born – a wonderland of all things chic, versatile, and glamorous. Their collection of designs are affordable and size-inclusive, so kick off those old college sweats and give their knitwear a try.
Me By Lee Boutique
Alishia Lee began her career from her love of sewing passed down by her mother and grandmother. She began by altering clothes such as hand-me-downs and slowly started making her own pieces for special occasions. This culminated in selling her first piece at a store after being stopped by a customer who just had to have what Alishia was wearing. How rad is that?! She uses vegan leather and Ankara fabric, but my favorite part about her clothing? It's for all sizes, including those of us who are of the bootylicious persuasion.
Check out our Fall 2020 Gift Guide here.
Fashionista Franklin
When I was 13 years old, I was awkwardly following fashion cues from Seventeen Magazine and was certainly not as creative as this teen entrepreneur. A fanny pack becomes a piece of art when Erikka Franklin designs it. You can order her eye-popping array of satchels on her website. It’s clear: the next generation is certainly taking over.
Check out our Spring 2020 Gift Guide here.
Want more? Check out our past gift guides. Know of a woman maker, baker, artist, or entrepreneur you’d like to see featured in future guides? Give us a shout.
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