Breaking Barriers: Black Women Owned Brands Committed To Representation

By ChicExecs Brand Strategy

Photos: ChicExecs Brand Strategy

It’s one thing to be a trailblazer in your respective industries. It’s quite another to do so while simultaneously empowering others. These brands are all about breaking barriers and a commitment to representation, inspiring us all. 

The brands below are examples of some of the best Black-owned, women-owned small businesses in the U.S. in arenas. From puzzles to paw-branded pet accessories, fragrances, and granola, these women are offering unique and high-quality products and services that exemplify hard work, a keen understanding of today’s consumers, and an artful way to carve out their niches. It’s beautiful to witness. 

Enjoy getting to know the woman behind these terrific brands. 

Apostrophe Puzzles
Available on apostrophepuzzles.com 
Price: $30+
Apostrophe Puzzles elevates our puzzle options with museum-quality jigsaw collections that celebrate the work of contemporary artists of color. With each puzzle based on an original painting, art collecting has never been easier! As a Black-owned, woman-led brand, Apostrophe’s curated collections have been a breath of fresh air in an industry severely lacking in diversity. They also partner with nonprofits in communities of color, donating an additional percentage of each sale to expand arts accessibility and empower a new generation of emerging artists. These stunning and impactful puzzles are made of 100% recycled chipboard and printed with eco-friendly, non-toxic ink.

Swaggles
Available on swaggles.com
Price: 9.99+
Swaggles, is the Detroit-based brand offering unique paw-branded items for our furry best friends. Each piece of clothing is paw-branded and many feature the words “Compassion,” “Protect” and “Detroit.” Swaggles donates a portion of its proceeds to local and national animal rescues monthly. It supports organizations that provide protection, compassion, and forever homes to animals in need by giving to anti-cruelty and anti-animal abuse causes that offer healing, safety, and shelter. The Black woman-owned and operated Swaggles adds diversity and inclusion by offering Black women silhouettes in the designs. They’re here to crush the narrative that the Black community doesn't like dogs. Founder and CEO Temeria Heard is a dog owner who understands that showing love for animals is a universal trait we humans must embrace to further the well-being of all animals. She is a passionate entrepreneur with years of success in branding, management, and promotional marketing that fits perfectly into the Swaggles’ mission of compassion and love.
ShareASale Merchant ID: 157373

Inspired Puzzles- “I AM” Affirmations Puzzle
Available on inspiredpuzzles.com
Price:$14.99+
Intricate handcrafted wooden puzzles designed to promote self-love and positive affirmations. Each Inspired puzzle provides a unique way to practice daily affirmations while creating a beautiful piece of art. The unique focus on mental wellness and empowerment is a pop distinctive characteristic that sets Inspired Puzzles apart from other puzzle brands.​ But what truly makes it stand out is its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The wide variety of themes and cultural representations in the puzzles celebrate diversity and Afro-centric themes, providing representation often lacking in the puzzle industry​. The brand wants everyone to feel represented and valued when they solve their puzzle. The puzzles cater to a diverse audience, featuring such themes as zodiac signs, spirituality, and puzzles for men, women, and children. Each puzzle is designed to be visually appealing and mentally enriching, highlighting personal empowerment and cultural heritage.
Affiliates: ShareAsale

Onyi Ifeguni - Tabbeauplace
Price: $135, 50ml
The Black, woman-owned  brand was started by Nigerian-born Onyi Ifeguni, who, driven by her sense of smell and childhood memories (her mom used to play a game where blindfolded her and have her seek out certain plants by their smell), embarked on an olfactory career. Blending this with Industrial chemistry, biochemistry and forensic chemistry degrees, Onyi’s favorite place is in the lab, where she loves formulating safe synthetic ingredients and essential oils to create her soon-to-be iconic scents. Onyi is exactly where she wants to be, creating high-quality fragrances that will last all day and something the people you encounter will always remember just as Onyi did growing up. Her mark in the fragrance industry is refreshing and original, filled with notes of cherries, balsam, and cedar. 
Tableau Affiliate Partners: Amazon and ShareASale/Skimlinks Merchant ID: 155877 (10% commission)

Soul Grain 
Price: $4.65-$35.00
The founders, Sylvia (a pastry chef) and Liz (a licensed nutritionist) combined their talents to start Soul Grain. Each brought their unique interests to the brand, creating a fusion of food and culture. They share a commitment to quality and innovation, never settling for anything less than delicious. Their goal was to craft a nutritious culinary experience with granola that reimagines its wellness benefits with a hipper slant and unique recipes. The result? A top-selling Banana Pudding that keeps customers coming back for more!

Michele Foods
Also available on Amazon, Ralphs, Vons, Kroger, Safeway, and more!
Price: Varies by location
Michele Foods, makers of mouthwatering gourmet syrups, is celebrating its 40th anniversary of bringing its cherished family recipes to everyday consumers, founded by Michele Hoskins. As founder of Michele Foods, her namesake brand has made her the “Real Mother of Syrups.” Having appeared on Oprah three times, she has the secret recipes for delicious syrups and runs the first Black woman-owned syrup company. Hoskin’s great-great-great grandmother, America Washington, was a freed slave in the late 1800s who developed a recipe for syrup out of churned butter, honey, and cream as an alternative to molasses. Michele Foods offers three flavors today: Honey Crème, Maple Crème, and Butter Pecan varieties. The syrups are more than just for waffles and pancakes. Cooks use them as a condiment as well. It’s truly a “Sweet family Legacy in a Bottle”.