The SL Team & Friends Share Their Favourite Black-Owned Businesses
Chishuru; @ChristieBrownGH; Topicals
Tobi Asare
Author & Founder of My Bump Pay
“It’s incredibly hard to pick a few Black-owned fashion brands, as there are so many I love. One of my forever favourites is Christie Brown, a designer I discovered at Arise Fashion Week in Lagos years ago. Her pieces are impeccably crafted, fit like a glove, and often feature prints and textures that honour her African heritage. A few other standout designers I admire include, Nubian Skin (for Black and brown coloured underwear), Christopher John Rogers and Andrea Iyama. Beauty-wise, Joy Adenuga’s make-up brushes are my absolute favourites; the quality is unmatched, and the brush soap makes cleaning a breeze. Joy was my make-up artist for my wedding, so it’s been amazing to see her business flourish. Also, brands like Topicals and Dizziak will always remain staples in my beauty routine.
“On the lifestyle front, Gym Wraps, invented by Nicole Ari Parker, are a game changer for anyone who works out but wants to maintain their hairstyle. These patented wraps keep your hair dry during workouts, making them an absolute must-have. Finally, when it comes to dining, Chishuru is a real treat. Deserving of its Michelin star, it beautifully captures the flavours of West Africa with a contemporary twist, and the warmth of the chef adds to the special experience.”
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@StorkMayfair; @Danessa_Myricks; Kai Collective
Adeola Gboyega
SheerLuxe Beauty Contributor
“I’m a huge fan of the beauty range. She creates inclusive, high-performance make-up for all skin tones, with a special focus on darker complexions. I had the pleasure of meeting Danessa at a London masterclass she hosted years ago, and it’s clear her products are designed by a make-up artist who truly understands how to solve everyday make-up challenges. I also love Chrissy Bales – I’ve been getting custom wigs from here for years, and they are worth every penny. The wigs are high quality, long lasting and fully customisable. Chrissy’s new location in St John’s Wood offers in-person consultations, where you can try different styles and have a wig tailored to your exact needs. I also use her wig subscription service, which keeps them in top condition through regular revamps. Chrissy is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, making you leave with the perfect wig. I also have to mention Joy Adenuga’s professional make-up brushes and tools. The quality is exceptional, and they’re great for beginners and pros. They’re an everyday essential for creating a flawless base.
“Fashion-wise, one of my favourite Black-owned labels is , founded by the stylish Fisayo Longe. It combines bold, artistic designs with inclusivity and accessibility, offering pieces that make women of all shapes and sizes feel confident and empowered. As a plus-size woman, I appreciate how Kai Collective's unique prints and flattering fits make me feel like I'm wearing a work of art – I own so many pieces and they have a special place in my wardrobe.
“I ate recently at Stork Mayfair and was impressed with every dish. The food was delicious, offering a modern African fusion dining experience in a contemporary setting. If you're looking for elevated African cuisine in London's fine dining scene, this is a must-visit. My favourite dishes were the chicken suya, jollof rice and plantain.”
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@OreMiStudios; Ruka
Rhea Cartwright
Strategy Consultant & Beauty Expert
“Starting off strong, Teresa Smith is my go-to for all things lashes. Whether you’re looking for lifts or extensions, she is a true lash artisan with an impressive selection of lengths and curl patterns to achieve your bespoke lash look. Another favourite is Ruka – its hair perfume has become an obsession of mine. This delightful fragrance combines a clean scent with a hint of tropical sweetness, refreshing hair without any damage, and I can almost guarantee compliments every time I use it. Home fragrance brand Oré Mi is a long-standing love of mine – I've even talked about them on the SheerLuxe Show. Its candles are divine, and I’m excited to see what’s next for them after their founder Karen recently won a Glossier grant. I like the Honey & Tobacco fragrance best.”
“When it comes to food, I’m all about West Indian takeaways. I prefer my meals served in plastic tupperware, ready to enjoy at home, and if I see a saltfish fritter, it’s an automatic buy. Supporting Black-owned businesses is crucial for fostering entrepreneurial equity, closing the racial wealth gap, and driving economic growth. There’s often a misconception that Black-owned brands are only for Black people, but that’s simply not the case. These brands deserve attention all year round; while Black History Month may be in October, our heritage and contributions are relevant every month of the year.”
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Koba; Bread Beauty Supply; @LisaFolawiyo_Studio
Marilyn Nwawulor Kazemaks
Content Creator
“When it comes to skincare, Koba is my go-to. It makes some of the best products for moisturising dark skin, which can often require a bit more nourishment. My favourite is the hand and foot cream – it keeps my skin hydrated and soft all day long. I’m also a big fan of Bread Beauty Supply, a brand I've been using for years, and now I even use its products on my daughter’s hair. The hair oil is a staple in our routine; the scent is so good.
“In the fashion world, Brother Vellies stands out for its stunning footwear – there really is something for everyone in its collections. Another brand I admire is Lisa Folawiyo. I love how bold and daring Lisa is, both in her personal style and in her designs. Her fearless use of patterns and colour is inspiring, all while staying true to her Nigerian heritage. It’s important to support Black creatives and business owners year-round, as they often have to work significantly harder to have their voices heard and their contributions recognised. The talent is undeniable, and they deserve to be celebrated beyond just specific times of the year.”
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Ikoyi; Liha; Caribe; Fish Wings & Tings
Sherri Andrew
SheerLuxe Lifestyle Editor
“There are so many incredible Black-owned restaurants and brands in the UK, especially in the capital. One of my favourites is Fish Wings & Tings at Brixton Village, which has been serving great Caribbean food to locals – and people who travel far and wide for it dishes – for years. Owned by Trinidadian Brian Danclair, it has an incredible atmosphere and is the perfect casual spot for jerk chicken, rice and peas, and rum punch. I also love Sweet Dee’s Jerk, another top Caribbean food spot which has outposts at Market Place Vauxhall and Selfridges Food Hall. For something a little more elevated, Ikoyi at 180 Strand is one of London’s best West African restaurants. Headed up by Jeremy Chan and Iré Hassan-Odukale, the team showcase the region’s bold flavours and diverse ingredients in an elevated setting. Then there’s Trailer Happiness bar in Notting Hill. Owned by legendary local Sly Augustin, the drinks are great, the atmosphere is fun, and it's home to one of the best rum lists I’ve seen.
“On the beauty front, I’m a big fan of Liha Beauty, which is inspired by the founder’s knowledge of African botany. The ingredients are simple and effective, and the bodycare range is so nourishing on the skin, especially its Idan Oil which can be used on hair and nails too. A new brand I recently discovered is Caribé, a self-tan range created specifically for Black and brown people. The first self-tan of its kind, I was so impressed by its streak-free finish, natural-looking colour and tropical scent. Lastly, Trepadora has solved a clever gap in the textured haircare market with its curly hair towel, made from soft, organic cotton and designed to be gentle on strands. Post-shower, I love wrapping my hair up in the towel before adding leave-in conditioner – it keeps frizz at bay and is a great alternative to using a cotton t-shirt.”
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October is Black History Month in the UK. To find out more and discover events near you, visit BLACKHISTORYMONTH.ORG.UK
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