Shopping for a new mirror or looking for a unique gift? That's always a good chance to support Black creatives with small businesses. And there's one place we often go to in search of unique finds: Etsy, the online marketplace where you can find goods that make friends go "wait, where did you get that?"
If you don't quite know where to start, Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy Trend Expert, tells Hunker that you can "keep an eye on Etsy's Black-owned shops Editors' Picks page to discover more one-of-a-kind finds created by Black sellers in our community."
Even if you aren't quite ready to shop, there are other ways to show your appreciation.
"Shoppers can support specific sellers by sharing their favorite shops on social media or "favoriting' them on their Etsy accounts, which makes it easy to locate the shops whenever they are ready to make a purchase and signs them up for on-sale notifications," Isom Johnson says.
Here are just a few Black-owned Etsy shops to support all year long.
Self-described as an "eclectic homeware brand rooted in African expression," Bespoke Binny is all about bringing more joy into interior design and decor. The shop carries lamp shades, aprons, oven mitts, napkins, and more — all in bright prints inspired by Ghanian aesthetics.
2. Pepper Palm
Pepper Palm's tag line is "everything botanical," so you know we're automatically interested. Planters like this colorful one make great additions to any side table or desk.
Color and pattern expert Khristian A. Howell wants to make decor more fun and bright. Take for instance this lovely floral gift wrap that's sure to impress friends before they even open their present.
Tanalee Lavern created The Heart Department Co after finding a love for crafting decor items. Her shop features memo boards, print holders, bookends, and more, in a modern farmhouse style.
5. Studio Nom
Looking for a statement wall hanging? Studio Nom creates pieces like this one made of cotton and beech wood and even takes custom orders for wall spaces that might prove a little trickier.
Osa Atoe uses patterns that "refer back to the geometric designs found on pottery and other crafts from all over the world," she shared with Etsy. Her shop features everything from utensil holders to Insta-worthy mugs. (It's also one of Isom Johnson's favorites).
Archer Home Designs is all about creating chic, rustic pieces that let the natural materials shine. This farmhouse console table with wheels can be custom stained based on what style you're looking for.
Candle brand Ignite Your Peace hopes to capture "the essence of your soul in a candle." This candle, meant to clear negative energy, is made of natural soy wax and uses a lead and zinc-free cotton wick.
Using wood and fabric scraps, Candice Luter creates home decor items like this eye-catching half-circle mirror with fringe. Luter was a finalist in the first-ever Etsy Design Awards in the Inventive Decor category.
10. OSxN
Created by Ugandan and American designer Nasozi, OSxN features home decor items that incorporate African-inspired textile design. The pillow featured here was a result of the brand's residency at Kokrobitey Institute in Ghana; it was created using the batik technique and was fully handprinted and dyed in Ghana.
11. Mirlande
Mirlande Jean-Gilles creates multilayered artworks, like this collage with an eye-catching green background. Perfect for that empty space that's just waiting to become a gallery wall.
12. The Pink Locket
Technically, this shop focuses primarily on jewelry, but we couldn't help swooning over the jewelry dishes The Pink Locket carries. Perfect for keeping all sorts of knick-knacks in one place.
13. Blade + Bloom
Blade + Bloom is all about natural, high quality products. The brand carries items like a Camp White Pines room and linen spray "inspired by childhood camping trips."
14. Loveis Wise
Loveis Wise creates bright and lush illustrations, which have appeared in major outlets like the New Yorker. We love their gratitude journals, a great addition to any desk or work space.
Eva Recinos is an associate editor at Hunker. You can reach her at eva@hunker.com