From June 2 - 7 we put all of our email marketing and social media on hold to listen and learn about how we can support the black community.

After taking time to reflect I chose to focus on the good in the world. It should be celebrated that so many people of all different ethnicities came together to love one another and stand for equality for the black community. 

Such a beautiful thing. 

While muting our marketing and social media I was introduced to so many amazing businesses owned by women of color. I've always been passionate about helping women in business and it's my true delight to put a spotlight on the 18 incredible artists and brands below. My wish-list of things that I want from each business below is so long. It goes without saying that sharing these small businesses is always encouraged. A few ideas on how to share besides word of mouth: pin them to your Pinterest, write about them on your blog or share in your email newsletters and social media. 💛 

1. Harlem Candle Company 

The Harlem Candle Company is a luxury home fragrance brand specializing in scented candles inspired by the richness of Harlem. Founded in 2014 by travel and lifestyle expert Teri Johnson, the Harlem Candle Company is the manifestation of her love affair with fragrance, jazz, and Harlem. I personally bought the Lenox Candle and have been burning it every day since it arrived. I'm in love!!

2. GOLDE

Trinity Mouzon Wofford co-founded Golde with her partner Issey Kobori in 2017 with the mission of bringing good vibes to the wellness industry. They are an independent, Brooklyn-born brand centered in making superfood-boosted essentials for health and beauty. Their products are always natural, easy, and (most importantly) fun. I discovered Golde a few years ago in New York City at my favorite coffee shop in the West Village, The Elk, and have been drinking their Original Turmeric Latte Blend ever since. It's great for reducing inflammation, giving your skin a healthy glow and overall boosting your immune system. I'm also so in love with their branding. The way they photograph and create their images is such an inspiration.

3. Zou Xou Shoes

Zou Xou (pronounced /'zu: 'zu:/) aims to create a shoe wardrobe of modern essentials that are well-made, unfussy, and minimal. The collection is a narrative of elegant and simple designs made visible through refined contours, subtle detailing, and exceptional quality. The shoes are handcrafted by Argentinian shoemakers using age old techniques and premium leathers. Produced in small quantities, the shoes are made to last and reduce waste and energy as part of responsible manufacturing practices in the slow fashion movement. I have these golden sandals on my wish-list.

4. Clare Paint

The paint company of my dreams! It was love at first sight when I saw the Instagram of Clare. It's full of beautiful interior design photos of incredible homes and the paint colors are just divine. Clare is known for making paint shopping easy with Zero VOC paint, designer-curated colors & the best painting supplies—delivered to your doorstep! 

5. Aliya Wanek

Founded in 2016, ALIYA WANEK is an eponymous womenswear label that focuses on exploring the connection between one’s identity and style. Their mission is to create comfortable, stylish clothing ethically and sustainably as an extension of the wearer’s individuality. If not sewing the garments herself, Aliya works with a production sewer and other local contractors in the Bay Area to produce and dye her garments, always taking into consideration ways to reduce the brand’s environmental impact. I love how simple and classic her designs are and I can't wait to get my hands on one of her pieces!

6. The Zen Succulent

The ZEN Succulent is a 100% women-owned & minority owned neighborhood plant & gift shop with two locations hosed in the heart of downtown Durham, North Carolina and Raleigh, North Carolina. Their mission is to provide life, joy and inspiration with plants and thoughtfully made gifts from local and regional makers throughout the United States. They source and craft all of their products with care. I have my eye on these beautiful face pots! 

7. Lolly Lolly Ceramics

Lolly Lolly Ceramics is based in Columbus, Ohio where Lalese, the founder and owner of Lolly makes everything by hand. Watching her throw pots via her videos on Instagram are very soothing, I highly recommend giving them a watch. Her online shop is currently closed due to a high demand in her pieces (good problem to have!) but you can still support her by following her on Instagram and signing up for email newsletter. 

8. Tactile Matter

An artist who is talented in textiles, ceramics, illustration, and so so much more, Kenesha Sneed is more than a triple threat and her work is gorgeous. Highly recommend following her on Instagram and keeping up with her many artistic projects. 

9. Estelle Colored Glass

Estelle Colored Glass is a luxury brand of hand-blown colored glass cake stands and stemware in a mix of jewel tones and soft pastels and they are absolutely stunning! When you shop their website you will be shopping from original commissioned pieces made by glass artisans in Poland at a glass making company with a rich 100-plus-year-old history. Their pieces are best described as "jewels for your table" which I highly agree with. Whenever I see one of their posts pop into my Instagram feed I light up with a smile. They're so happy!

10. Charlotte Edey

Charlotte Edey is an artist & illustrator working across print, textile and embroidery. Symbolism and myth inform her interdisciplinary exploration of the intersections of identity and the spiritual. The experience of womxn of colour is centered in her commentary on the politics of space. She's done numerous solo shows around London and her work has been Vanity Fair, Elle, New York Times and many other publications. Check out her Instagram and her website to support! 

11. June & Mars by Cristina Martinez

Cristina Martinez's art immediately pulled me in. Her use of bright colors in her abstract portraits are so compelling. Ladies' Night is my favorite piece of hers, shows below, but honestly all are so original and gorgeous. You can shop her work on her website and of course following along with her on Instagram is definitely a good idea.

12. Ava and Isa Handmade

Ava and Isa Handmade is a children's clothing line full of timeless linen and cotton children's wear. Full of pastels and sweet little styles, they're all handmade in South Carolina by owner Bernice Snyper. When I have some babies, I will definitely be shopping from this wonderful online boutique.

13. Diane Hill

Diane Hill is a highly skilled painter who specializes in chinoiserie. Chinoiserie is the imitation of Chinese motifs and techniques in Western art, furniture, and architecture, especially in the 18th century. Check out the below picture for an example of chinoiserie. Diane's work is so detailed and beautiful! I love following her on Instagram and watching her videos showing her work. 

14. Cushnie

CUSHNIE, as perfectly described on their about page, is a luxury women’s ready-to-wear and bridal brand designed by Carly Cushnie. The brand was established in 2008, the label was founded on the desire to serve the modern woman. Artfully crafted with clean, sculptural lines, the CUSHNIE collection is precisely tailored to achieve the perfect fit for the female form. I can't wait to get my hands on one of her pieces. They are simply divine. 

15. HarperIman™ Dolls

Handmade linen keepsake dolls. Need we say more? Oh,... they're SO CUTE! Currently they're sold out on their website but they have a restock date of August 1st so make sure to sign up for their email newsletter so you're the first to find out when they go back on sale. 

16. KNC Beauty

Famous for their lip masks, KNC Beauty was founded by Kristen Noel Crawley and has become a beauty sensation. They've expanded to include lip balms, lip scrubs and eye masks. Not only are her products in high demand, her branding is incredible. Every image is so beautiful and pops right off your screen. Just check out their Instagram for proof. Treat yourself to some self care and grab a few goodies from their online store. 

17. Mister Michelle

Michelle Robinson (aka Mister Michelle) is a visual artist currently creating in Seattle. Her talents are vast and from what I've seen on her Instagram, her artistic vision includes many different forms, giving so much variety. Simply wonderful. 

18. Alexandra Winbush

Candles that make your day brighter. Who can say no to that?! Founded by Brittney Alexandra Winbush, she's also making tea blends now! I'm a candle hoarder so obviously I will be getting a candle once she restocks!

It's been a pleasure sharing these beautiful artists with you. I hope you can support them in whatever way possible. 

Also, a last note to say that I know that ending racism and bigotry of any kind goes beyond posting a photo on social media or writing about it on our blog. I truly believe that more important than voicing your support online are the conversations that happen at home with your friends and loved ones. It's also crucial that children are taught that all people no matter their race or faith are equal. I admire and love every skin tone that makes up our diverse and wonderful world. Each of us are worthy and deserving of respect and freedom.

As we move forward in this time of change, Katie Dean Jewelry and myself personally, will continue to help the black community and all the people of the world.  

I wish you peace, happiness and love. Now and always!

xoxo, Katie