Black Business Month: Celebrating Resilience and Creativity

August marks Black Business Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Black entrepreneurs and businesses across various industries. This year, we shine a spotlight on Black creatives and makers, whose resilience and creativity have not only enriched the world of sewing and craftsmanship but have also empowered communities and inspired future generations. From creating bespoke handbags to inventive quilt designs, these talented individuals exemplify the spirit of innovation and determination. Join us as we celebrate  the invaluable contributions of Black creatives and makers to the tapestry of entrepreneurship.

August is Black Business Month

Black Business Month is an annual observance held in August to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black-owned businesses to the economy and their communities. About 3% of American businesses are Black-owned, according to the Pew Research Center, and highlighting these businesses will help increase their chances of success. The month-long celebration aims to raise awareness about the importance of supporting Black entrepreneurs, highlight the challenges they face, and promote the success stories of Black business owners.

Key objectives of Black Business Month include:

1. Promotion and Support: Encouraging consumers to support Black-owned businesses by purchasing their products and services.
2. Education and Awareness: Increasing awareness about the economic and social contributions of Black businesses and the unique challenges they face.
3. Networking and Collaboration: Providing opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to connect, share resources, and collaborate with one another.
4. Advocacy and Policy: Highlighting the need for policies and initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of Black-owned businesses.

Founded in 2004 by Frederick E. Jordan and John William Templeton, Black Business Month serves as a platform to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and achievements of Black entrepreneurs, while also fostering a more inclusive and equitable business environment.

Highlighting Creative Black Owned Businesses

The Fairfield World Team is always delighted to help promote the businesses of makers and creatives, which we do often on social media via campaigns such as Poly-Fil with Joy. In honor of Black Business Month, here are several Black owned businesses in the creative industry we would like to spotlight.

SanJB Designs

Sandra is the designer, maker, and owner at SanjBDesigns. She started creating in 2018 when she took an online class to learn how to sew. Once she learned how to sew a tote she realized her passion was for creating handbags. She began designing and gifting handbags to family and friends, and their enthusiasm and encouragement led her to open her own handmade bag business. We absolutely love the handbag she made use Oly-Fun fabric, and she generously shared her tutorial with our readers. You can find Sandra’s creations in her GoImagine Shop and in her Etsy store.

A Touch of BLU Designs

Coletta started crocheting as a means to beat the boredom that had settled in while she was job hunting. She became hooked on doll making because of the creative freedom it gave her. She states that “being a Black woman who makes primarily Black and Brown dolls, allows me to showcase the beauty, style, talent and creativity of a group of people that society sometimes overlooks.” You can find Blu’s beautiful designs available for purchase or request a commission by visiting her website or Etsy shop.

My Kinda Thing

Aniqua Wilkerson is a crochet artist specializing in creating unique custom crochet dolls. The name “My Kinda Thing” comes from the idea of being innovative and creative, as she rarely follows patterns and enjoys creating something unique and different with  just string and a hook. She shares that “My Kinda Thing and the My Kinda Thing University were created with a very specific focus. Creatively addressing and combating what has become negative norms! Using positive imagery to tackle the negative stereotypes associated with Blackness.” Her patterns and creations are available for purchase in her Etsy shop.

AFROTHREADS

Sisters Evonne and Erika grew up in a Ghanian-American household that was full of African textiles. Their business, AFROTHREADS, sources traditional fabrics directly from African artisans and brands. When they learned that many of the fabrics they had been purchasing were actually imported from manufacturing plants outside of Africa, they set about to change that and to make ethically sourced African fabrics more accessible to consumers. You can shop their fabrics, as well as their collections, in their online store.

Sew Creative Lounge

Cecily Habimana and Tisha Thorne started in 2014 as a series of popup Sip and Sew classes that were a huge hit! They opened the doors to their brick and mortar business in 2017, and they now have six instructors, a nationwide membership program that’s400 strong, an online store, a children’s program, and quilting conferences. Both business owners have a passion for African fabrics and the meaning and symbolism they carry. You can support this Black owned business by shopping their website and following them on Instagram.

As we conclude our celebration of Black Business Month, it’s essential to recognize and honor the immense contributions of Black creatives and makers. Their innovation, resilience, and artistry not only enrich our cultural landscape but also drive economic empowerment and social change within our communities. By supporting and amplifying their work, we invest in a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant future. Let’s continue to champion these remarkable individuals not just during this month, but every day! Together, we can create a lasting impact, celebrating and sustaining the legacies of Black creatives and makers for generations to come.