Black Creatives to Support and Follow Now
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I am not a writer. I have never been one and in fact I find it very intimidating. This may seem odd for someone who has a blog but on my blog I write simple facts about things I have a lot of knowledge about: this house plant needs more sunlight, add glue here, color contrast this… But when it comes to writing about the racial injustice that is rampant in America, intimidated doesn't even begin to describe it.
The most obvious part of that stems from me being white. How can I even try to address something that I have never experienced? The other part stems from my lack of confidence with words. I have always been passionate about equality. From a young age I fought The Man proudly and loudly. I stress nonstop about the environment and I cry over animals not getting adopted. This passion has led me to march, protest, volunteer and donate but when it comes to having discussions with people I stumble. I don’t know how to take these deep feelings about what I truly believe is right and transform them into logical, fact-filled statements that not only inspire people but possibly sway them. I know I am delusional in thinking that people can be changed with just a conversation and my parents are always telling me that some people will never change but the optimist in me truly believes I can get people to see my side. So instead of writing an impassioned speech, there are already some really amazing ones out there, I am going to keep this simple and fact-filled, like the rest of my blog.
Brands and customers have the ability to enact change by deciding where they put their money. If there is anything people listen to, it’s money. The Black population makes up about 15% of the US population, so it is only fair that groups are asking for 15% of shelves to be from Black businesses. This becomes even more important as COVID-19 takes its toll. The Washington Post reported, “the number of working African American business owners in the United States plummeted more than 40%… a far steeper drop that other racial groups experienced.” So after two weeks of keeping my blog silent, I feel like one of the best ways I can help, is by using my platform, although minimal, to showcase Black creatives and their businesses. Follow the five creatives below, diversify your feed, and support their business.
R-KI-TEKT
R-KI-TEKT is a bohemian lifestyle and accessories brand that uses a beautiful mix of color and pattern on a variety of different materials such as leather and wood. The creator, Kel, is able to channel bold and minimal at the same time. According to her, her love for travel and color theory guide her. Right now her Etsy store is donating 20% of sales to the George Floyd Memorial Fund.
Follow on Instagram: @shoprkitekt
Emma Make
Emma, owner of Emma Make, is based in Lisbon, Portugal but hails from England. Emma Make produces beautiful patterns, fonts, templates, scarves, art prints and anything else your creative heart could desire. The prints have amazing color schemes, and range from abstract landscapes to interior house plant scenes (which you know we love!). If this speaks to you, Emma has both a shop on Etsy and Creative Market and if you check out their Instagram there is a code for 20% off on Etsy.
Nom
Studio Nom is a fiber art dream. I myself do a lot of DIYs with macrame and yarn and will be opening my own Etsy store soon and let me tell you, Nom is GOALS. The intricacy of the wall hangings are stunning and you could just stare at them for hours. With neutral color palettes and geometric shapes, anything from the Nom store would look good in any home. If you happen to be based in the Netherlands, they even offer workshops.
Follow on Instagram: @studio.nom
Lovely Earthlings
Lovely Earthlings is a fun, feminine Etsy store full of beautiful art prints, greeting cards and tote bags. The shop has a distinct art style with funky shapes and an emphasis on plants (which of course I love). Each illustration celebrates women in all their different shapes and colors with each one being more fabulous than the last. My personal favorite is a tote bag covered in a lip pattern with tiny flower moles.
Follow on Instagram: @lovelyearthlings
Lola Ade
Lola Ade (pronounced "Luhh-lah AHH-Day") is a jewelry company that stems from the owners Nigerian heritage. Displaying beautiful colors, textures and hand-selected materials, each piece you get is thoughtfully hand made. My favorite are the TribeStix necklaces. They are a simple way to showcase your pride in your culture and background. There are ones for Gay Pride, Black Pride, Ghana, America and more.
Follow on Instagram: @shoplolaade
