Hero Highlight: Supporting Black Owned Business

Each week at reachXOD, we are highlighting and celebrating companies and leaders who are demonstrating sound decision making, creative thinking, empathy, human connection, and resiliency. Not only do they deserve recognition, but they also provide context to real life business strategies that you and your company can model. 

Check out these incredible Black owned businesses that you can support today. They are making bold business moves, standing up for equity and inclusion, and leading the way so that other minority owned businesses can succeed.

• Mahogany Books - an online bookstore started in 2017 by “an enterprising husband and wife duo in the Washington DC area.” Derrick and Ramunda wanted to create a space for culture, community and literature focus around people of the African Diaspora. Education is the key to seeking deeper understanding and bridging about change.

• Clare - a home paint company founded by Nicole Gibbons. Clare focuses on stick-on paint swatches, designer-curated colors, and VOC (volatile organic compound) premium quality paint. An added bonus: your order is shipped right to your door!

• Bold Xchange - an online marketplace featuring a wonderful selection of apparel, skincare, beauty, and household items. Founded by Danielle Deavens and Doug Spencer, Bold Xchange has a mission to make it easier to shop and support Black owned brands.

• Red Bay Coffee - a community-focused coffee company founded by artist and successful food entrepreneur, Keba Konte in Oakland, California. You can order directly from their website and have their delicious coffee beans sent to your door.

• Maison Noir Wines - a wine company that offers 11 different types of Oregon-grown wine. Founded by sommelier André Hueston Mack, who aims to “incorporate a trademark attitude and personal perspective on wine subculture.” 

In an effort to make a tangible commitment to change, reachXOD is donating time and money to DigitalUndivided to provide monthly coaching for Black and Latinx business owners. Their mission is to use innovation, and a transformative approach, to create system change by catalyzing economic growth and empowerment for Black and Latinx communities through women entrepreneurs. Its incubator program provides an entry point for women of color into the start-up ecosystem, encouraging them to own their economic security through entrepreneurship. 

It’s a start.

If you are looking for even more Black owned businesses to support, you can check out supportblackowned.com where they provide resources to find Black owned businesses near you. 

Standing in solidarity, we honor Black business owners, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers--true heroes.