Celebrating Black Business Month 2025
2025 marks the 21st year of August being National Black Business Month*, and we wanted to bring back some highlights from past features, as well as some new ones that have been on our radar recently.
Take a look through these and remember to save them for the next time you need a gift for your creative friends, some health/wellness essentials, or a curated book selection.
Colour Bloc Creativ
Colour Bloc Creativ is an artist-run design studio and art book publisher based in South Central Los Angeles founded by Lorenzo Diggins Jr.. This is where you can also purchase copies of the print publication @findpeacekeeppeace, a bi-annual print publication exploring inner-peace through art and prose.
Since their original backBIPOC feature, Colour Bloc Creativ has also opened up Pillar by CBC, a multidisciplinary concept space where you can also try signature coffee or matcha drinks at their pop-ups; check their Instagram for event updates!
Inland Empire Dance Center/Contemporary Ballet
The Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet (IECB) has been making an impact in the Inland Empire of California since 2006 with the finest instruction in ballet, contemporary and scholarships for underserved communities.
As someone with close ties to the Inland Empire and the world of dance, I love seeing communities built around fostering talent and artistry in places that deserve it just as much as any big-name city.
Aside from being an award-winning studio and being named the City of Riverside’s Small Business of Excellence, the IECB is also known for being a strong supporter of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Honey Pot
Honey Pot is a menstrual care products brand that has been steadily growing for the past few years. I love seeing Honey Pot products more and more in different retailers, and even seeing that some of their products have gone viral on TikTok.
Years since their original backBIPOC feature, they’re still holding strong on their commitment to support global and local communities, and they’ve extended their impact by now partnering with several organizations focusing on clean water access, menstrual care and health education, mental health, support for single moms, safe spaces and resources for women and gender-expansive people of color, and minority students’ transition to college; learn more on their Social Impact page.
Thirty3 Touch
Thirty3 Touch is a boutique massage studio from Atlanta who also sells therapeutic massage/wellness products on the brand’s online space to help customers enhance their experience of at-home self-care. The studio follows the lead of founder Chantal Smith, who has 9 years of experience specializing in therapeutic and restorative bodywork, to focus on pain relief and restorative bodywork.
Other than booking a signature massage, you can also receive cupping, trigger point, or post-operative lymphatic therapy.
Ruxwood
Years after first being on our radar, it’s such a joy to see Ruxwood still going strong with gorgeous visuals and intentions. The latest addition to their lineup of lifestyle products is the SPREAD towel, which you can find along with their signature product lineup of essential tanks and jockstraps.
Octavia’s Bookshelf
Octavia’s Bookshelf is a bookstore located in Pasadena, CA with a curated selection of books by BIPOC authors. I have visited their shop IRL myself and it’s a lovely little space full of so many treasures you can gift yourself or a loved one, and they also host workshops for writers and other creatives, as well as author events.
If you’re not in the area, however, you can purchase Octavia’s Bookshelf merch or buy a book through their Bookshop.org. Know someone who would love to shop in person? Get them a gift card!