A list of POC-owned small businesses to shop with
Over the past two years we’ve worked with so many different small businesses. Unfortunately, we’ve heard from some incredibly talented small business owners, that the reason they decided to set up their own business because of the racism they faced in traditional workplaces. We wanted to find a place to share all the incredible People of Colour-owned small businesses we’ve been lucky enough to work with, to give you one easy resource to refer back to, so you can actively follow, connect with and shop with these wonderful brands.
We always strive to make our market a welcome, positive, inclusive and supportive place for everyone and anyone 💕 Let’s show these guys some love!
ROOP
When we first started the market, we had a list of indie brands we were DESPERATE to have trade with us, and Roop was top of that list. We couldn’t believe it when she wanted to work with us! Roop is the iconic bag brand that took Instagram and the world by storm. We love the knotted designs and the fact Natasha uses off-cut and deadstock fabric, making each one unique and limited edition.
USARAE GUL
The lovely, gorgeous and talented British Pakistani artist Usarae Gul creates the most beeeeautiful detailing paintings that depict the everyday items we have at home. The vibrant colours and layouts she uses feel so joyful, and celebrate all the random things we love.
Hand of Gaia
Hand of Gaia is Biancha (mother and maker) and her lovely little girl Gaia (what a muse!). The brand is Biancha’s answer to the lack of contemporary African Inspired kidswear and homeware created by Africans. She is on a mission to create purposeful gifts that inspire spiritual growth and serve as a reminder to connect with our divine selves. Liv has one of her beautifully designed tea towels and it’s just gorgeoussss.
MEI MEI DESIGNS
Mei Mei Designs is a contemporary and modern knitted homeware company. From squishy tasselled cushions to cute personalised hot water bottles (our absolute fave) these pieces bring bright colours and quality craftsmanship into your home. Designer and maker Mei Sim is based in South West London where she creates these eye catching pieces.
BARBARA FRANKIE RYAN
I actually first got in touch with Barbara Frankie Ryan back when I was at university; I interviewed her for a zine I was making as part of my fashion journalism degree! She made and printed her own zine, BFR, and I was obsessed with it and her, I thought she was the coolest gal around. Cut to 2022, and she’s now a fully fledged artist, and creates these incredible acrylic flowers. They’re truly original and unlike anything else we’ve ever seen. Wow.
BABES ON WAVES
Where the next-generation of diverse founders, freelancers and creatives meet! Out with the Old Boys Club and in with Babes on Waves. BOW is the ultimate creative network for diverse babes who want to swap resources and network. Jasmine (on the far left in this pic) is such an inspiring business woman who is an expert in a wealth of different fields, and she has an amazing way of bringing people together through workshops, events and partnerships. We did a live with her on IGTV a while back about the top 5 things you should do before you start your own small biz, which you can watch on the link above!
CHIN CHIN PRINTS
Fellow South Londoners! You need to know about Chin Chin prints! I love that these glossy digital prints celebrate so many incredible areas in South London; from Crystal Palace to Brockley, Catford, Brixton, Battersea and beyond. Memorialising our favourite buildings, places, stations, pubs and more. Wouldn’t these make such thoughtful moving in gifts too?
LOOPY BOOTIES
Before we even get INTO how cute her hand knitted kidswear is, Charlene, the maker behind Loopy Booties, is just one of the most kind and special women you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. She also happens to make the most adorable baby clothes and booties, that make me want to shed a small small tear. She took a chance on us and booked into one of our very first markets, so Loopy Booties will always have a special place in our hearts.
THE MARCON COURT PROJECT
We are obsessed with South London-based designer and maker Laura, who creates the most wonderful clothes out of preloved fabric. Not only does this mean each of her designs is super sustainable, they’re also totally one-of-a-kind which makes shopping with her really exciting! Don’t miss her oversized midi dresses and cute co-ords!!
NATA CONCEPT STORE
If you’ve seen a candle you’re obsessed with in a cool boutique or on Instagram, it’s likely Nata Concept Store made it! Run by two best pals, Anna and Tatiana, this power pair are absolutely unstoppable. They have the coolest aesthetic around. They create their own candle moulds then pour them themselves, so you won’t find their original designs anywhere else!
FLAT FIFTEEN
I discovered Francesca’s handmade bags a few years ago, and am the proud owner of my own puff ball delight (in brown, obviously!) She sources the most special vintage fabrics and turns them into beautiful one-off creations by hand in South London. I love that they feel inspired by my favourite period in history… The Tudors. They are so special and embellished with little pearls on the handles too.
MICAELA SHARP
Micaela is one hell of a talented babe who’s always working on ten exciting projects at any one time! Upholsterer extraordinare, she not only has her own line of reupholstered vintage pieces (one of which sits in the very room I’m working from now!) as well as a line of beautiful homeware called Studio Janettie, a South London networking club called WIBSE, plus is a columnist for Reclaim Mag (phew!) but Micaela is also an incredible TV presenter and has just been announced as the first ever Black designer on Channel 4’s Changing Rooms!