In celebration of Juneteenth this Friday, we are sharing our favorite black-owned sustainable and ethical businesses. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Read more here.

Apparel 

Lemlem: Lemlem is an artisan-driven collection of women’s, men’s, children’s and home goods made entirely in Africa. The core collection is handwoven from natural cotton in Ethiopia and lemlem is steadily expanding partnerships with additional artisan groups across Africa. Their collection features colorful pieces with beautiful prints. 

Aliya Wanek: ALIYA WANEK is an eponymous womenswear label that focuses on exploring the connection between one’s identity and style. Look to this label for Japanese inspired chic and classic basics that will last a lifetime. 

Grant Blvd: Grant Blvd is about intersectional design, using fashion to create employment opportunities and points of exposure to the skills we all need to find long term peace in response to slavery, to leased labor, to Jim Crow, to persistent economic injustice and marginalization. The designs feature vintage and remixed pieces, adding flair to your wardrobe.  

Local European: Local European is a young sustainable brand that aims to inspire its customers and fellow designers to consume mindfully. This brand has a streetwear vibe with neutral colors and edgy cuts.

Two Days Off Clothing: Two Days Off is a sustainable line of thoughtful pieces by Gina Stovall, based on the idea that a good wardrobe should be simple, conscious, and have enough ease for everyday life. Look to this brand for timeless basics. 

The Tiny Closet: The Tiny Closet is a small business whose ethos centers on taking every action to reduce their carbon footprint, support ethical wholesalers, source and use only deadstock fabric, and eliminate waste with made-to-order production. This shop features a variety of pieces, from feminine dresses and airy pants. 

House of Aama: House of Aama is a culturally inspired lifestyle brand rooted in the ethos of the African continent and diaspora. This brand features colorful prints and unique styles for men and women.

Vintage 

Elia Vintage: Look to this site for curated, french style, chic vintage pieces.

Sami Miro Vintage: Sami Miro Vintage is an eco-conscious clothing line specializing in sourcing and reconstructing one-of-a-kind vintage garments curated from around the world. The collection contains clean, yet elevated staples that are sexy, unique, and edgy with a touch of masculinity.  

Subrina Heyink Vintage: This vintage shop features unique designer and bridal vintage pieces with fun patterns and prints. 

NXC Vintage Shop: This is a vintage shop with a curated, eclectic style. They make it easy to shop vintage online from the comfort of your own home.  

Almu Store: Almu is an online sustainable store selling pre-loved treasures sourced from the southwest of Texas. From basics to threads and shoes, this store has a curated style that can help you build a sustainable wardrobe.

Maw Supply: Eclectic style vintage apparel and accessories handpicked by the owners, creative couple Norman and Rachelle Clark. Add a pop of color to your wardrobe with one of these sustainable and fun pieces. 

Accessories 

A A K S: AAKS was founded with the goal of bringing the founder’s favorite weaving techniques done by the women of Ghana to the world, while also creating and igniting sustainable jobs within Africa. These bags are perfect for summer, with their variety of colors and styles, there’s one for everyone! 

Zou Xou Shoes: Zou Xou aims to create a shoe wardrobe of modern essentials that are well-made, unfussy, and minimal. Timeless and chic with practicality and comfort in mind, these shoes are handmade by Argentinian shoemakers using age old techniques and premium leathers, produced in small batches made to last and reduce waste and energy.

Brother Vellies: Brother Vellies was founded with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices, and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs. Now handmade artisanally across the globe, Brother Vellies creates luxury accessories that celebrate cultural histories and timeless design. Look to this brand for funky shoes and accessories that will spice up any outfit. 

Adele By Adele: Adele focuses on craftsmanship, sustainability, and conscious awakening with her work. Her inspiration is drawn from her home state of California through the urban active lifestyle and nature of the North and South, and her shop reflects that style with prints and colors.