Black History Month is about more than simply acknowledging the important contributions made in the past—it’s about celebrating Black Canadians today and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future where every entrepreneur can thrive. The importance of the latter part is clear with this year’s theme, “The Future is Now.”.
At Ownr, we know that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and Black-owned/operated businesses are an integral part of our communities.
Check out this list of Black-owned/operated businesses that you can support right now. Be sure to share the list—and let us know about other Black-owned/operated businesses you love.
A Different Booklist
A Different Booklist is an African-Canadian-owned bookstore co-owned by Itah Sadu and Miguel San Vincente, that opened over two decades ago. The store showcases the literature of the African and Caribbean Diaspora, the global south, and all the major publishers and independents.
Learn more: http://www.adifferentbooklist.com/
Beach Hill Smokehouse
Beach Hill Smokehouse is a Toronto-based BBQ joint, co-owned by Terrence Hill and Darien List. They offer central Texas-style brisket, smoked sausage, chicken, and a ton of mouth-watering sides like their souther mac and cheese and loaded beans, and desserts, including their famous bourbon banana pudding.
Learn more: https://www.beachhillsmokehouse.com/
Blooming Flower Bar
Owned by Anji Shukla, Blooming Flower Bar is a boutique flower shop located in Toronto’s Cabbagetown neighbourhood. Here, you can find a wide assortment of fresh-cut flowers sold by the stem, a DIY flower bar, and a unique selection of plant pots, plants, flower-themed gift items and more.
Learn more: https://www.bloomingflowerbar.com/
KinkyCurlyYaki
KinkyCurlyYaki was born out of the need for high-quality textured hair extensions that blend perfectly with all hair types. Their products are handcrafted with 100 per cent virgin human hair and steam processed to create perfectly blendable curls and kinks. There are no synthetic fillers, chemicals or artificial shine or sheen added to any of their products.
Founder and CEO Vivian Kaye has single-handedly built the company to over seven figures in revenue, and is a business coach focusing on ecommerce. Check out this interview we did with the vivacious Vivian, one of Ownr’s earliest customers, where she shares her passion for business, as well as her secret to success.
Learn more: http://www.kinkycurlyyaki.com and http://www.viviankaye.com
London Ivy
Owner and Creative Director Monique London created London Ivy out of a need for Canadian-made quality products that helped to achieve radiant hair and skin.
London Ivy is a beauty and wellness company inspiring women to embrace their beauty without compromise. London Ivy’s mission is to help you achieve clearer skin and healthy, hydrated curls, with products you can feel good about. Their handcrafted beauty indulgences are produced in Toronto, Ontario.
Learn more: https://londonivyproducts.ca/
Mary’s Brigadeiro
Mary’s Brigadeiro is a Black-woman-led business based in Toronto with the mission of realizing Mary’s dream of sharing moments of happiness, joy, and fun through her chocolate creations with the rest of the world—through Canada’s vast multicultural influence.
Brigadeiro is a composition of sweetened condensed milk, real butter, pure cocoa powder, and fine chocolate. Handcrafted and made with local ingredients, here you can find a variety of delicious flavours and different variations.
Learn more: https://www.marysbsweets.com/
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