Supporting BC Based Black Owned Businesses
As Black History Month draws to a close, it's essential to recognize the contributions of Black entrepreneurs who have played a crucial role in shaping industries and communities. While February is dedicated to celebrating Black history, supporting Black-owned businesses should be a year-round commitment.
In this blog post, our focus extends beyond the confines of a single month, seeking to cultivate an ongoing culture of support for Black-owned businesses. These enterprises not only embody creativity but also offer unique products and services that enrich our lives and contribute to community growth.
These are a diverse range of Black-owned businesses that you can continue to support long after Black History Month:
Food and Beverage
Salt N Sear Catering
Salt N Sear caters out of the Lower Mainland, with fresh ingredients, grown right from BC’s backyard. This ensures an authentic culinary experience. Salt N Sear focuses on providing high end quality to any amount of quantity.
Kula Kitchen
Sprouted in Vancouver in 2018, KULA is the culmination of founder Asha Wheeldon’s diverse cultural experiences. Inspired by her East-African family recipes, she aims to share something unique that not only offers delicious nourishment, but creates spaces and stories for inclusion, representation, and community connections through food.
Calabash Caribbean Bistro
Calabash was born from the vibrant conversations of three friends in the restaurant industry. Sam Willcocks, co-founder of Cassis Bistro, brings industry expertise and humor, while Roger Collins, a globally refined hospitality pro with music industry connections, excels in connecting with people. Cullin David, a flavor enthusiast, trained under Jean-Francis Quaglia and immersed himself in the origins of Caribbean cuisine. Their shared passion for art, literature, culture, and cuisine blossomed into the dynamic experience that is Calabash today.
Farafena
Established in Vancouver, Farafena collaborates with women farmers in Mali and Malawi to introduce superfoods such as moringa, baobab, and fonio to the global market. Through this partnership, Farafena not only promotes the accessibility of these nutrient-rich products but also supports the empowerment of women farmers in these regions.
Seaside Pearl
A hidden gem, Seaside Pearl is a family-owned boutique winery. They are passionate about crafting small lots of artisanal wines. They produce cool climate wines of outstanding vibrancy and finesse that speak the language of their terroir. Wines that elegantly showcase the varietal character from which they come –distinctive and unique, balanced in richness and delicacy with a true sense of place. Consider gifting their wines or hosting a team offsite at their stunning winery.
Gifting for Employees and Speakers
Kasandy
Kasandy is a fair trade store featuring handmade products from Kenyan artisans and global groups. They offer diverse items like housewares, jewelry, clothing, and apothecary items—ideal for corporate gifts. Kasandy aligns East African handmade talent with global fashion consumers, collaborating with artisans to enhance product design and quality, boost businesses, and increase incomes sustainably.
Kate & Frances
Based in Vancouver, the sustainable fashion brand Kate & Frances specializes in crafting comfortable and functional pieces using innovative zero-waste pattern drafting techniques. Additionally, the brand places a priority on inclusivity by featuring BIPOC models prominently in their collection campaigns.
Lucy Joy Candle Co.
Lucy Joy Candle Co, a team of dedicated women in Vancouver, uplifts and empowers the community with meticulously crafted candles made from sustainable soy wax and premium fragrances. Each hand-poured candle is unique, honoring contributors to their journey.
As we bid farewell to Black History Month, let's make a commitment to continue celebrating and supporting Black-owned businesses throughout the year. By intentionally choosing to invest in these enterprises, we contribute to the empowerment and success of Black entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth and diversity. Remember, supporting Black-owned businesses is not just a trend but a meaningful and impactful way to promote equality and inclusion in our communities.
SOURCES
Food and Beverage:
https://www.saltnsearcatering.com/
https://www.calabashbistro.com/
https://seasidepearlwinery.ca/
Gifting for Employees and Speakers
