Black Owned Businesses
It’s Black History Month in the UK and I also feel like sharing some other black-owned businesses with you
The Kenyan Crafts Company
The Kenyan Crafts Company brings African craft to the UK marketplace. The designs are a gorgeous mix of contemporary bright colours and traditional African woven baskets and bowls. The items are also hand-crafted by local artisans and made from sustainable fibres (applauds loudly).
A collection of beautiful, sculptural 18-carat jewellery founded by artist Zita Abila. What’s beautiful is that Zita, while studying her master’s, learnt the written language of Nsibidi and incorporates this into her designs.
Trill Paws
Statement enamel pet tags with humour and cute designs. Highlights include a siracha bottle with the words ‘Spicy Af’, ‘Straight outta rescue’ and a ramen bowl.
The Marcon Court Project
A sustainable studio which reworks vintage clothes into wearable art. I found them on A South London Makers Market and instantly fell in love. The shapes, the patterns the styling - all lovely and Laura, the founder, was even trained on Saville Rowe.
Jungalow/ Justina Blakeney
I’ve been following Jungalow for years. Their style and designs always hit home as someone in love with traditional and ethnic or folk art. Right now I can’t get enough of these cups.
Afro Surf
I’m obsessed with good graphical printed publications. This was one of the first coffee table books I splurged on after falling in love with the vibrant kitschy style of the cover and example pages. The book is an in-depth look into the African surf scene and looks at different countries around the continent (including Mozambique!). If you’re a fan on typography, interested in Africa or just love colour and design, this is a perfect gift (for you, of course)